The EMF Purchases Raleigh’s WSHA From Shaw University.

Christian broadcaster Education Media Foundation continues its recent buying spree with the purchase of WSHA Raleigh-Durham, NC (88.9) from Shaw University for an undisclosed price.

The sale of the station from Shaw, known as the oldest historically black college in the South, has been met with criticism from alumni, with one group saying their offer to buy the station was met with silence.

When news of the intended sale of the radio station surfaced last December, a petition was formed on change.org, which collected nearly 2,000 signatures, the News & Observer reported. A group called “Friends of Shaw” was formed and claims to have made an offer to purchase the station from the University.

“Once we learned of their intent to sell WSHA, a group of alumni actually offered to purchase the station,” 1995 graduate Kesha Monk told the paper. “However, our efforts were blatantly ignored.” Since graduation, Monk went on to a professional career in the radio industry. She is currently co-host of the “The Morning Wakeup” on iHeartMedia urban AC “The New 97.7” Boston.

Shaw interim president Paulette Dillard denies such an offer was ever made. “I can say emphatically I never received an offer from any alumni group to purchase the station,” Dillard told the News & Observer.

She said the sale of WSHA is part of the University’s plan to overhaul its Department of Mass Communications.