American Radio Systems acquires four West Coast FM stations.

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 29, 1996--American Radio Systems Corp. (NASDAQ:AMRD) announced today that it has signed a purchase and sale agreement to acquire radio stations KSJO-FM and KUFX-FM in San Jose, Calif. and KUPL-FM and KKJZ-FM in Portland, Ore. from BayCom Partners L.P., of San Francisco, in partnership with Triad Capital Management Inc., headquartered in Stamford, Conn.

The stations will be acquired for approximately $103,000,000. Consummation of the transaction is subject to the approval of the Federal Communications Commission. American currently has agreements to acquire KUFO-FM, KBBT-AM and KDBX-FM in Portland from other sellers.

Jack McSorley, general partner and COO of BayCom Partners, commented, "Although we never anticipated nor pursued selling the company, the effects of the Telecom bill on the prices of radio stations in the top 50 markets make it increasingly difficult for a privately capitalized company to grow to a size that will enable it to compete effectively in the future. We felt that of all the unsolicited offers we received for our stations, when considering price, the integrity of the buyer and cultural compatibility of the companies, American Radio Systems was by far the best fit. I feel very comfortable turning these wonderful radio stations over to Steve Dodge and his staff."

Steve Dodge, chairman and CEO, commented, "Jack McSorley has built a terrific West Coast company that we're delighted to have the opportunity to own. We're acquiring two very profitable stations, and two highly underdeveloped stations, and very strong local management.

"This acquisition, in conjunction with Henry Broadcasting and other announced deals, gives us a strong position in some carefully selected western markets. We expect to finish the year with a presence in 12-14 markets overall. In the majority of these we will be approaching a position of leadership in both audience and revenue share.

"With Dave Pearlman and John Gehron as co-COOs, we are well positioned from a senior management perspective to move into this size range as a company. Each will be responsible for six or seven markets. One of the keys to making this all work is the fact that we have been acquiring not just leading stations but strong, market veteran GMs, PDs and GSMs."

Elliot Evers of Media Venture Partners acted as the broker in this transaction.

American Radio Systems Corp. began trading shares publicly in June 1995 on NASDAQ. The company owns and/or manages 15 FM and nine AM stations in Boston, Baltimore, Hartford, Austin, Buffalo, West Palm Beach, Rochester and Dayton. The company also has options and/or agreements to buy additional radio stations in Boston, Philadelphia, Detroit, Sacramento, Hartford, Las Vegas, Buffalo, West Palm Beach, Rochester, Fresno, Omaha and Dayton.

CONTACT: American Radio Systems

Joe Winn or Bruce Danziger, 617/375-7500