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Lincoln Financial Media Company of California part of the Lincoln Financial Group, is considering selling its broadcast operations. The company is known for its financial and insurance business. Stations in San Diego include: KSON-FM, KSON-AM, KSOQ-FM, KiFM, and KBZT-FM. KSOQ relays country KSON-FM in North County from Escondido, and KSON-AM is a brokered station at 1240 AM. FM 94/9 is a leading alternative station; and KiFM is an award winning smooth jazz station.

The company has hired Merrill Lynch & Co., to advise on a range of options including, but not limited to, divestiture strategies for the media business.

The company released to the media on Friday:

Lincoln Financial Media is a well run business unit and widely respected within the broadcast industry. As we begin our evaluation of strategic options for this business we look forward to determining a favorable course of action to benefit our key stakeholders,” said Jon A. Boscia, Chairman and CEO of Lincoln Financial Group.

“At this time there should be no assumption that this strategic review will result in any type of transaction. The company does not intend to provide updates to the strategic review process or disclose developments or potential outcomes until and unless a definitive course of action is reached.

“Lincoln makes note of its long-standing policy against commenting on rumors, inquiries or speculation regarding corporate transactions, except by public disclosure.

Lincoln Financial Media, which owns and operates three television stations, 18 radio stations, and the Lincoln Financial Sports production and syndication business; and Lincoln UK.”