FCC Report 12/7: Two More AMs Surrender Licenses

Sun Signals has agreed to a Consent Decree with a $6000 “voluntary contribution” to the FCC to settle a license renewal petition to deny filed by Townsquare Media against its 93.9 W230CP Pittsfield MA for rebroadcasting their station without permission.

Townsquare alleged that it first notified Sun Signals on February 2, 2021 and then sent a cease & desist order on April 30, 2021 and after not getting a response, submitted its petition to the FCC on June 17, 2021. The translator finally stopped rebroadcasting their 1420 WBEC Pittsfield on June 29. Sun in its response noted that it had permission from WBEC’s former owner to rebroadcast the AM. It then would change parent signal to 89.1 WMHT-FM Schenectady NY but Townsquare alleged that it failed to amend its renewal application to note the change, although in 2023 it would amend it again to rebroadcast 1340 WBRK Pittsfield. Other issues were noted regarding attempting to be exempt from application and regulatory fees.

The FCC noted it will approve W230CP’s renewal application once the contribution is paid, the filing fee plus 25 percent penalty, and an amendment to the application is filed to correct Sun Signals’ certifications that the translator is exempt from application and regulatory fees and to provide the online notice certification provided there are no other issues that would preclude grant of the application.

License Cancellations

Dream Weaver Marketing has turned in the license for 1510 WJOT Wabash IN. The 250 watt daytimer had been simulcasting Classic Hits “105.9 The Bash” WJOT-FM.

Best Country Broadcasting has requested cancellation of 920 WBOX Bogalusa LA after ceasing operations on December 1. WBOX had been simulcasting Country “B92” 92.9 WBOX-FM Varnado.

News Press & Gazette surrendered the license of 92.5 K223CU Colorado Springs CO. K223CU has been silent since December 2024 due to an inability for its transmitter to stay powered on. K223CU rebroadcast 1240 KRDO Colorado Springs, which in turn simulcasts News/Talk 105.5 KRDO-FM Security.

Silent Notifications

Southern Stone Communications’ 1550 WLOR Huntsville AL (Transmitter issue)
Bicoastal Media’s 1250 KLLK Willits CA (Financial reasons)
The Power Foundation’s 91.3 WWQI Morristown IN (Transmitter malfunction)
Matadors LLC’s 1500 WQMS Quitman MS (Transmitter problems)
Broadcast Educational Communications’ 90.1 WLWS Scottdale PA (Problematic weather conditions)
Real Presence Radio’s 88.1 KGLL Gillette WY (Antenna feedline failure)