FCC Actions

Ben Jordan Communications Corporation’s 91.9 WBRQ La Grange GA was issued a notice of violation for operating from an unauthorized location with an unauthorized antenna when FCC agents visited the station following a complaint on July 26. An STA filing the next day stated the station was knocked off the air and equipment damaged by a storm on July 25 and WBRQ sought to operate from a temporary location starting on August 1.

Carlos Lopez’s 1300 KHTW Lumberton TX has entered into a Consent Decree with an abbreviated one-year license renewal following an unfounded informal objection claiming the station was off the air the past four years. Lopez stated that he has experienced operational challenges including “destructive weather, poor quality of electrical service to the transmitter site, and general disrepair of the Station’s equipment” since acquiring the station in 2019 while providing evidence of its efforts to repair the transmitter site and return to the air, including copies of bills from its electric and internet provider proving use and invoices showing repairs. The station did however also fail to maintain its online public file. KHTW’s license term now only runs until October 14, 2023.

Two LPFM’s were issued $1500 fines for failing to timely file their license renewal applications. Corning Christian Radio Corporation’s 107.5 WLRG-LP Corning NY was required to file its license renewal by February 1, 2022, but did not do so until May 31 one day before its license would have expired. Erie Christian Broadcasting, Inc.’s 95.9 WBIT-LP Erie PA was due to file its by April 1, 2022 but did not do so until July 28, three days before its license would have expired.

License Restorations

With no reason given, the license cancellations of 25-7 Media’s 920 KLMR and 93.5 KLMR-FM Lamar CO have been withdrawn and replaced by Silent STA’s stating the stations are silent for financial reasons. Both stations surrendered their licenses in mid-September after their studios and the AM transmitter site were destroyed by a microburst. The websites of both stations continue to feature farewell messages.

Silent STA’s

Also filing STA requests this week to go silent:

• Kol Halev 2020 Corporation’s 90.3 WBGY Naples FL (lack of power & internet following Hurricane Ian)
• Family Stations’ 88.7 WJFR Jacksonville FL (transmitter faiilure)
• KYAH LLC’s 540 KYAH Delta UT (ownership issue prompted by the death of a member)

FM Changes

Townsquare Media Hot AC “Mix 97.1” KKBR Billings MT seeks