Leighton Broadcasting Transforms into Leighton Media After 60 Years of Broadcasting Legacy
After more than six decades of enriching local communities through the airwaves, Leighton Broadcasting has unveiled a significant transformation with the dawn of 2024 – a fresh identity as Leighton Media.
The rebranding reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, creativity, and delivering more dynamic, impactful experiences for our listeners, clients and employees, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to serving, connecting, and celebrating communities.
Leighton Broadcasting’s journey began in 1963 when Al Leighton acquired KDLM AM in Detroit Lakes.
Over the years, the company flourished under Al’s leadership and later passed the torch to his son, Bob Leighton, who assumed the role of CEO in 2007.
Under Bob’s guidance, the company has expanded its footprint and diversified its services.
In 2015, Leighton Broadcasting ventured into the Fergus Falls market by acquiring Lakes Radio, including KBRF, KJ Country, Hits Channel 977, and Real Rock Z103.
Stephanie Theisen, Chief Operating Officer for Leighton Media, highlighted a few of the reasons behind the rebranding.
“Leighton is a company whose roots are in broadcasting – under the leadership of second-generation CEO, Bob Leighton, our company has diversified to include digital, events and promotional products divisions. Leighton Media is more reflective of what we have to offer our local communities.”
With a history spanning 60 years, Leighton Media remains dedicated to its mission of serving, connecting, and celebrating communities.
As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, the focus is on fostering growth for both employees and clients in the years to come.
Discussing the selection of the name “Leighton Media,” Theisen shared,
“We studied brands in our industry that we respect and narrowed it down to a few options. Then, we complied an internal focus group including myself and CEO Bob Leighton who decided “Media” was how we would move forward.”
For those unfamiliar with Leighton Media, the company encompasses 26 radio station brands spread across Minnesota and North Dakota.
In addition to its radio stations, Leighton Media incorporates Leighton Engage, its digital division, and Leighton Events, the events production division.
Sister companies to Leighton Media include Vye, a full-service marketing agency, and Magnetic Spark, a promotional products and apparel company.
Currently, Leighton Media maintains a radio presence in seven markets, operating a total of 26 radio stations.
The rebranding signifies a bold step towards the future, emphasizing growth, diversity, and a continued commitment to community engagement.
For more information about Leighton Media you can go to www.Leighton.media