Chapel Hill Media Group, the parent company of 97.9 The Hill (WCHL) and Chapelboro.com announced a transition to new local ownership Thursday September 16, with longtime General Manager Aubrey Williams leading the company’s next chapter.
The new ownership team includes a small group of local investors who, alongside Williams, bring extensive experience in broadcasting, content development and media strategy. The group, consisting of John Stillman, Walter Storholt, Marc Killian, and David Staley, shares a long-term commitment to the company’s mission and growth. The agreement to purchase the business from the previous ownership closed on September 8.
CEO and Managing Partner Aubrey Williams (right) and Part-owner John Stillman (left) in the Chapel Hill Media Group studios. (Photo by Chapel Hill Media Group.)
For Williams, the transition represents a natural evolution of a role she has effectively held for a decade. Having first worked with the company from 2003 to 2012, she returned in 2016 and has since led Chapel Hill Media Group through a period of transformation and growth.
“Local media matters most when it is deeply connected to the community it serves,” said Williams. “This transition ensures that our focus remains exactly where it has always been: on telling the stories of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Orange County with authenticity, trust, and care.”
Stillman has been a longtime partner of the station through his firm, Rosewood Wealth Management, and holds both business and editorial acumen. He also has a background in broadcast journalism and is a co-founder of Third Wheel Media, a company that produces audio and video programming for a variety of businesses nationwide. Storholt and Killian are partners in Third Wheel Media.
“Chapel Hill Media Group is a rare and valuable platform, one that truly serves its community while continuing to evolve,” said Stillman. “I’ve believed in this organization for years as a partner and advertiser, and I’m excited to support its next chapter.”
Outgoing majority owner Chris Ehrenfeld emphasized the continuity of leadership and confidence in the transition.
“Aubrey has been the driving force behind this company for years, and having her continue to lead it alongside this group of new local investors is a great way for the station to move forward,” said Ehrenfeld. “I’m grateful to our staff, listeners, and advertisers who’ve made this station what it is, and I am very confident handing its future to Aubrey and this ownership group.”
Under the new ownership structure, Williams will continue to oversee the company’s strategy, operations, and growth across broadcast, digital, and community initiatives. The company will maintain its commitment to hyper-local journalism, community engagement, and innovative partnerships, while exploring opportunities for growth across digital, audio, and live experiences. Listeners, readers, and business partners can expect continuity in programming, staff, and mission, with a renewed investment in expanding the company’s reach and impact.
“This is about building on a strong foundation,” Williams added. “We’re proud of what this organization represents, and even more excited about where it’s headed.”
About Chapel Hill Media Group
Chapel Hill Media Group operates 97.9 The Hill (WCHL) and Chapelboro.com, providing local news, information, and entertainment to the Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and greater Orange County community. With a focus on hyper-local journalism and community storytelling, the organization has been a trusted voice in the region since 1953. Its studios are located at 1525 East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, where it broadcasts and produces local shows like “This Morning with Aaron Keck,” “News On The Hill,” and more.
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