Two AMs were hit this week with criminal acts taking them off the air indefinitely.
In Washington, The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakima Nation’s 1490 KYNR Toppenish were robbed. The Yakima Herald reports that burglars kicked in a wall mounted air conditioner to gain access to the station’s studios and stole their console, three microphones, three printers, a CD player and the EAS receiver. The station is seeking a replacement for its EAS before returning to air.
Across the country in Middlesboro KY, Classic Hits “Foxy” 1490 WFXY/98.3 W252EE is off the air after a joyrider drove their truck into the tower’s guy-wires getting caught and then knocking the entire tower down. Joshua Lee of Miracle KY was arrested after his truck was found next door to the tower site and he admitted to knocking over the tower. He was charged with criminal mischief, failure to report a traffic accident, and failure to maintain insurance. WFXY owner Frank Smith told WMYT-TV the station will likely be off for 2-3 months to make the necessary repairs.
It makes me feel bad for both radio stations.