Seven Stations Face Possible License Revocation

[umfan]

Seven Michigan Stations At Risk As FCC Orders Owner To Pay Up.

Sovereign Communications faces possible FCC license revocation for seven Michigan stations after failing to pay $37,250.51 in regulatory fees from 2021–2024. The portfolio includes five stations in the Sault Saint

www.insideradio.com

"A Michigan broadcaster has become the latest to be warned that it needs to pay back annal fees owed to the Federal Communications Commission or it will lose the licenses for seven of its stations. The FCC says Sovereign Communications’ debt spans fiscal years 2021 through 2024 with $37,250.51 in unpaid regulatory fees across its portfolio.

The stations include “Rock 101” WSUE, CHR “99.5 Yes FM” WYSS, “News Talk 1400” WKNW, and soft AC WSOO (1230) in Sault Saint Marie, MI; classic hits “Oldies 93” WNBY-FM and country WNBY (1450) in Newberry, MI; and “Country 105” WMKD Pickford, MI. The debt spans fiscal years 2021 through 2024. The largest balances are tied to the FM facilities, including more than $9,500 owed for WSUE and over $7,000 each for WYSS and WMKD. Smaller amounts are owed on the AM stations."

Seems like a minor price to retain these stations.

 

[FreddyE1977]

Sounds like that would pretty much wipe the dial clean in the Soo and the Eastern U.P. Except for Canadian stuff.

 

[ted chittenden]

Sounds like that would pretty much wipe the dial clean in the Soo and the Eastern U.P. Except for Canadian stuff.

While it would certainly rid the area of its commercial outlets, the noncommercial religious and public radio services would still serve the area, at least Sault Ste. Marie. Newberry looks like a "problem child" here, however, as it has only one religious service besides the two commercial stations that may have their licenses revoked.

As to Souveign, I have to wonder about what kind of financial shape the company isactually in. I mean, unless the company's CEO and owner are trying to fleece their commercial radio outlets, it would appear that the company may be in a lot more trouble than people recognize.

 

[Kent]

As to Souveign, I have to wonder about what kind of financial shape the company isactually in. I mean, unless the company's CEO and owner are trying to fleece their commercial radio outlets, it would appear that the company may be in a lot more trouble than people recognize.

I seem to remember Sault Ste. Marie is a tough place to make money.

Sovereign's owners are William Gleich and Tim Sabean.

Gliech is the real name of Bill Curtis, former KVIL Dallas program director. I know him by reputation only, but I've always heard the mixed bag on him. I'm sure some of it came with the territory. KVIL was a revolving door of PD's in the late 80's/early 90's before he got there from 2WD in Norfolk. He was also in his mid-to-late 20's when he arrived and was having to manage a station full of larger than life personalities who were much older than he was. You don't stay in a station like that for 15 years without running a tight ship and ruffling a few feathers on the way. Having said that, most of the time I've heard the mixed bag on someone, at least a few of the negatives have been true.

Tim Sabean is from Howard Stern fame. I don't know much else about him.

I would think, if anyone could program successful radio stations, it would be them.

 

[crainbebo]

Crazy part is that WSOO and WNBY are AM stations with music formats and in 2026...NO FM translator! That's a rarity in this day and age! I hope they find a way to pay up the debt soon. The people of UP MI need these stations, AM or FM.

also, OT, you can fire up an analog television anywhere around the Soo and still receive CHBX-TV on channel 2. 100,000 watts of Corner Gas, Big Bang reruns, The Rookie, local and national news, Bold and the Beautiful and many Canadian series...all in glorious analog in the year 2026.

 

[umfan]

I, too, hope they get this worked out or that a buyer emerges who can manage these stations.