95.3 Forge

[ExKynoJox]

Caught 95.3 on the drive this morning. Didn't see this coming from the UFW. More English than bi-lingual Hit Music. Somewhat like KLLE was at the start, but much more focused on an English speaking younger hispanic audience (I believe). What's the story anyone?

 

[b-turner]

If I recall,UFW ran a primarily hip hop format on one of their stations in Bakersfield at one point. Considering they were nabbed for running commercials on their non-commercial service, this might be an attempt to generate revenue lost. If nothing else,they had salespeople servicing accounts where they had established a relationship. Salespeople have to eat and keep a roof over their heads.Being on a commercial frequency, perhaps this format is a way to keep good salespeople and generate revenue lost. That's my guess. The folks running the radio end know radio and likely see a format hole they can cover or dominate. It doesn't have to be directly related to UFW interests as far as format content goes. This certainly comes out of left field, however.

 

[radiotwit]

The FCC fined them and set up a consent decree for the illegal underwriting on their Woodlake station on 90.5. Last I heard (2016?) the FCC had arranged a swap between KVPW, Kingsburg, owned by k-love Educational Media Foundation and 90.5 KUFW Woodlake, which would mean that the UFW could do a letter to convert Kingsburg to commercial operation and then do their commercial thing.
http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=84943
https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/w...text=25&appn=101784851&formid=1&fac_num=18860

 

[Frequency1]

The FCC fined them and set up a consent decree for the illegal underwriting on their Woodlake station on 90.5. Last I heard (2016?) the FCC had arranged a swap between KVPW, Kingsburg, owned by k-love Educational Media Foundation and 90.5 KUFW Woodlake, which would mean that the UFW could do a letter to convert Kingsburg to commercial operation and then do their commercial thing.
http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getimportletter_exh.cgi?import_letter_id=84943
https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/w...text=25&appn=101784851&formid=1&fac_num=18860

The FCC has still not approved the license transfers.
BALED 20160815ABK 314 E KUFW 21210 FM ACCEPTED FOR FILING 08/16/2016 Info | Application

They filed in May to convert KVPW to non-commercial status but that has yet be approved either.
BMLH 20180525AAE 302-FM E KVPW 18860 FM ACCEPTED FOR FILING 05/29/2018 Info | Application
BALED 20160815ABJ 314 E KVPW 18860 FM ACCEPTED FOR FILING 08/16/2016 Info | Application

 

[b-turner]

Perhaps a complaint has held this up until the FCC's Legal Department can give it a thorough look.That's a long time considering how the FCC does things there days.

 

[radiotwit]

Perhaps a complaint has held this up until the FCC's Legal Department can give it a thorough look.That's a long time considering how the FCC does things there days.

Yes there were some complaints including Garawan Farms, which has had an ongoing battle before the CLRB over union organizing by the UFW. It appears that the FCC ordered them to file the conversion from non comm to comm for KVPW by May 26th and the UFW did on May 25th.