The Untold Secrets of the Cumulus Citadel Deal Friday, March 11, 2011 By Jerry Del Colliano What we know is that radio’s serial overpayer spent $2.4 billion that he still doesn’t have to buy Citadel Media away from anxious shareholders. That combined Cumulus and Citadel will be a platform of 572 radio stations in tiny markets and the top ten. That Cumulus will carry $3 billion in debt. And that Dickey is promising to de-lever that debt quickly to make the deal look like a steal. That’s what we know. But behind the scenes, there is a lot that will likely not see the light of day. This article will reveal the Untold Secrets of the Cumulus Citadel Deal … among which are … Secret #1.  Why Entercom didn’t fight harder to win Citadel.  Entercom publicly admitted to wanting Citadel and wanting to grow but one thing made them gun shy.  I’ll share that one thing with you. Secret #2.  Is this a slam-dunk or can this deal be stopped?  There are unresolved financial and legal issues that are never really addressed.  What’s the chance that this deal blows up? Secret #3.  What happens to Citadel CEO Farid Suleman?  Did he negotiate a way to stay on or get more money on the way out?  Your answer is here. Secret #4.  Why did Dickey want Citadel so badly?  Why not Clear Channel if he was going to think big – they have a lot of financial problems?  Why not CBS or one of the other radio groups?  Turns out there was a big reason why Dickey had to go to Citadel and no one else. Secret #5.  What happens to Citadel employees now?  Who stays, who goes.  Is there a plan in place?  The dealmakers don’t worry about people but there is a likely scenario about how Cumulus will takeover Citadel. If you would like to read this story, have access to my entire archive (over 1,200 pieces) and get the next month of my writing included, click “read more” for your choices.  Read more at Inside Music Media You are receiving this email because you are a subscriber to Inside Music Media Click here to unsubscribe or manage your account.