WLFM, LLC has begun the process to convert WKQX-LP to digital. The low-powered television station is known to radio listeners as Merlin Media’s Alternative “Q87.7“. With the September 2015 deadline for all remaining analog LPTV’s to convert to digital, the flashcut will need to happen by then. The digital transition will end the ability of the LPTV on Channel 6 to masquerade as a radio station.
That will not mean the end of Q87.7 any time soon. Once the FCC approves the application the station will have three years to build out the new digital facilities. That will take it well past the September 2015 drop dead date for analog LPTV, keeping WKQX’s programming safe until at least then.
Southwest FM Broadcasters Beautiful Music 102.1 KAHM Prescott, AZ has been granted a CP to enable to station to rimshot the Phoenix market. The station will change its city of license to Spring Valley where it will operate with 25.5kW at 825 meters. The transmitter will be located on the same mountain as fellow Phoenix rimshots 95.1 KVIB Sun City West, 97.5 KMVA Dewey-Humboldt, 98.3 KKFR Mayer, 101.1 KNRJ Cordes Lakes, and 104.3 KAJM Camp Verde.
To make the KAHM move possible two other Arizona stations will relocate. Not yet on air 101.9 KVGG Salome will shift to 94.1. Classic Hits 94.3 KBUX Quartzsite will move to 96.5.
Emmis Communications has purchased 99.3 W257CR Marshall, IL from First Ventures Capital Partners for $36,000. The translator gained a CP in November to 99.5 where it will operate with 250 watts where it will rebroadcast an HD subchannel of Emmis’ 99.9 WTHI. It will likely be used to bring an FM signal to Sports “1130 The Fan” WFNF.
Hope Christian Church of Marlton has amended its application to to upgrade 99.9 W260BV Aberdeen, MD. The translator, which serves the northeastern suburbs of Baltimore will rebroadcast Classic Hits “Q1370” WQLL Baltimore with 220 watts.
Liberty University’s 106.9 W295BF Midlothian, VA is moving into Richmond. The translator has applied to relocate to 96.1 where it will operate with 145 watts and rebroadcast a subchannel of Clear Channel’s 106.5 WBTJ. With the application applied by CC, it is quite possible that the translator will be programmed by the company as well.
Empire Broadcasting Company’s 106.1 W291BY Albany, NY will shift from rebroadcasting News 900 WUAM Watervilet to Standards “Moon Radio 1160” WABY Mechanicsville.
Reach Communications’ 96.7 W244BK Twentymile Bend/West Palm Beach has applied to upgrade from 80 to 99 watts with a move to 97.1. The translator will be fed by an HD subchannel of Clear Channel’s 98.7 WKGR.
RT @radioinsight: RadioInsight: FCC Report 1/18: Chicago Flash Cut, Phoenix Move-In & More – http://t.co/j6qWet3T