105.3 the bear
105.3 The Bear is a classic rock FM radio station (105.3 MHz) operated by Monticello Media LLC, broadcasting from 7:00 pm to midnight in Virginia's New River Valley and monetizing through local advertising, sponsorships, concert promotions, and digital streaming via the Monticello Media app network.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersRadford, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What 105.3 the bear does
105.3 The Bear is a commercial active/classic rock radio station operating under Monticello Media LLC, a privately held Virginia-based media company. The station broadcasts on the FM frequency 105.3 MHz from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am daily, serving the New River Valley region of Virginia, with its operational base in Blacksburg/Radford. Its programming identity centers on the "ROCK THAT ROARS" format targeting adult rock music listeners in this regional market, supplemented by local news, weather (sourced from MET Norway), and community event content.
The station's product portfolio extends beyond over-the-air broadcast to include a mobile application (the Monticello Media app on iOS and Android) enabling on-demand streaming of all network stations, an Audio On Demand service for previously aired content, Bear Podcasts (including the Roth Report financial talk program), live web streaming, concert and event listings with affiliate ticketing links, and listener contests and promotions. Distribution relies on traditional FM signal coverage and digital streaming through the Monticello Media network of at least seven regional station brands (WPSK, WBRW, WCHV, WKAV, WHUK, WHTE, WCYK), with audience engagement driven primarily through a Facebook presence and cross-promotion within the parent company's station cluster.
The business model is advertising-based. The station monetizes through on-air spot advertising, show-specific sponsorships (such as the Roth Report and Money Success with Joel Marks), concert and event promotion, and promotional segments. Content is provided free to listeners, and there is no direct consumer pricing. Revenue is generated exclusively from local and regional SMB advertisers and sponsors, with no publicly disclosed financial figures. The station is owned by Monticello Media LLC, a private equity-backed parent entity operating a portfolio of Virginia regional radio properties.
105.3 the bear firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- 105.3 the bear
- Legal name
- Monticello Media LLC
- Website
- https://1053thebear.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- 105.3 The Bear is a classic rock FM radio station (105.3 MHz) operated by Monticello Media LLC, broadcasting from 7:00 pm to midnight in Virginia's New River Valley and monetizing through local advertising, sponsorships, concert promotions, and digital streaming via the Monticello Media app network.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
105.3 the bear industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Radio Broadcasting
- NAICS
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)
- SIC
- Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Commercial Terrestrial Radio Broadcasting (AM/FM) (MPAIAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE), Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms (MPAIADAJ)
Keywords
Where 105.3 the bear is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Radford
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
105.3 the bear business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Advertising and Sponsorship: Radio broadcast generates revenue through on-air advertising and sponsorships, including promotional segments, sponsorships for shows like the Roth Report and Money Success with Joel Marks, and concert/event promotions.
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels2 records
105.3 the bear product offering
Product offeringCore offering
105.3 The Bear is a commercial active rock radio station broadcasting on FM at 105.3 MHz in the New River Valley, Virginia, operating daily from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am under the "ROCK THAT ROARS" format. The station is operated by Monticello Media LLC and distributes its programming over the air, via web streaming, and through the Monticello Media mobile app for iOS and Android.
Product overview
105.3 The Bear is a classic rock radio station operating under Monticello Media LLC. The station offers live broadcast programming (7:00 pm - 12:00 am daily) with a 'ROCK THAT ROARS' format targeting the New River Valley, Virginia area. The product portfolio includes the core radio station, a mobile app (Monticello Media App) for iOS and Android enabling on-the-go listening, Audio On Demand for previously aired content, Bear Podcasts including the Roth Report, live web streaming via the Monticello Media player, and local engagement through Bear Concerts & Events and Contest & Promotions. The station connects with its audience through multiple channels including a dedicated Facebook presence and weather information provided by MET Norway.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- 105.3 The Bear FM Radio Station A classic rock radio station broadcasting daily from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am in the New River Valley, Virginia, under the "ROCK THAT ROARS" format and part of the Monticello Media radio network.
- Monticello Media App Mobile application available on Apple App Store and Google Play that enables listeners to stream 105.3 The Bear and other Monticello Media stations on mobile devices.
- Audio On Demand On-demand audio service offering listeners access to previously aired content and segments from Monticello Media radio stations.
- Bear Podcasts Podcast content from 105.3 The Bear featuring programs such as the Roth Report financial talk show for on-demand listening.
- Bear Concerts & Events Concert and event announcement service for the New River Valley audience, promoting live music events and special concert announcements in the region.
- Live Radio Streaming Web-based real-time audio streaming player providing online access to Monticello Media station streams including WPSK, WBRW, WCHV, WKAV, WHUK, WHTE, and WCYK.
- Bear Contest & Promotions Audience engagement service featuring listener contests, giveaways, and promotional events for 105.3 The Bear's New River Valley audience.
Companies that use 105.3 the bear
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
105.3 the bear technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
105.3 the bear partnerships and signals
Strategic signalRecent moves3 records
Expansion highlights3 records
105.3 the bear competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- iHeartMedia: iHeartMedia is the largest U.S. terrestrial radio operator (850+ stations) and runs the iHeartRadio streaming app. It is a broad incumbent that competes with Monticello Media stations, including 105.3 The Bear, for the same local advertising dollar pools and listener attention in regional markets.
- Cumulus Media: Cumulus Media is the second-largest U.S. radio broadcaster with hundreds of AM/FM stations and the Westwood One podcast network. It is a broad incumbent whose station clusters, podcasting infrastructure, and Westwood One syndication mirror the same broadcast-plus-digital model 105.3 The Bear and Monticello Media pursue.
- Audacy: Audacy is a major U.S. radio operator and owns the Audacy streaming app. Like 105.3 The Bear it monetizes both over-the-air broadcast inventory and digital streaming/podcast listening, making it a direct analogue at the broadcaster level for ad-tech and streaming extensions.
- Sinclair Broadcast Group: Sinclair is a major U.S. broadcast operator (primarily TV) with adjacent radio interests; it represents a broad incumbent in broadcast media that competes with Monticello Media for ad spend and audience share in overlapping regional markets.
- Sirius XM Holdings: SiriusXM is the largest U.S. subscription audio broadcaster with curated rock channels and embedded local traffic/weather feeds. It is a broad incumbent that competes with 105.3 The Bear for in-car listening share, especially among the 25-54 active rock demographic.
Direct peers
- Townsquare Media: Townsquare Media operates small- and mid-market local radio clusters across the U.S. with a comparable focus on hometown content and local SMB advertising. 105.3 The Bear competes with Townsquare stations in similar-sized markets for local ad budgets.
- Beasley Broadcast Group: Beasley Broadcast Group operates small-to-mid market radio clusters in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast U.S. Overlap with Monticello Media's Virginia footprint and 105.3 The Bear's local advertising model makes Beasley a directly comparable small-market FM operator.
- Emmis Communications: Emmis Communications owns and operates regional FM radio stations and has historically been active in active rock and adult album alternative formats. It is comparable to 105.3 The Bear as a similarly formatted small-cluster FM operator.
Regional players
- Salem Communications: Salem Communications operates small-market talk, news, and religious-formatted radio stations across the U.S. It is a comparable small-cluster operator even though its formats differ from 105.3 The Bear's active rock, sharing the same FM-broadcast and local-advertising business model.
Emerging players
- TuneIn: TuneIn is a global internet radio streaming aggregator that carries terrestrial broadcast stations alongside digital-only streams. It is an emerging player that competes with the Monticello Media app's streaming tier for listener attention and ad-supported audio demand.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat2 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
105.3 the bear social profiles
Digital presence105.3 the bear financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
105.3 the bear leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
105.3 the bear funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
105.3 the bear M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about 105.3 the bear
What does 105.3 the bear do?
105.3 The Bear is a commercial active rock radio station broadcasting on FM at 105.3 MHz in the New River Valley, Virginia, operating daily from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am under the "ROCK THAT ROARS" format. The station is operated by Monticello Media LLC and distributes its programming over the air, via web streaming, and through the Monticello Media mobile app for iOS and Android.
Is 105.3 the bear a public or private company?
105.3 the bear is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was 105.3 the bear founded?
105.3 the bear was founded in -1.
Where is 105.3 the bear based?
105.3 the bear is headquartered in Radford, United States, in the North America region.
How does 105.3 the bear make money?
One revenue line is on record: advertising and Sponsorship.
Who are 105.3 the bear's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are iHeartMedia, Cumulus Media, Audacy, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Sirius XM Holdings. Direct peers are Townsquare Media, Beasley Broadcast Group and Emmis Communications. Salem Communications is listed as a regional player. TuneIn is listed as an emerging player.
Does 105.3 the bear have an API?
No public API is recorded for 105.3 the bear.
What industry is 105.3 the bear in?
105.3 the bear's product category is Radio Broadcasting. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAIAEAA, Commercial Terrestrial Radio Broadcasting (AM/FM), with a secondary code of MPAIAEAE, Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only). Its NAICS code is 51611 and its SIC code is 4832.