KASA Radio Hogar, licensee of AM radio station KASA, Phoenix, Arizona (FCC facility ID 33451) hereby requests authority for the station to remain silent pending replacement of its transmitter.
The transmitter had been problematic for some time, but previously when it has failed, repairs have been made within a few days, either on site or, if necessary, it has been shipped to KASA’s field engineer David Biondi in Houston to be fixed. Most recently the transmitter went out of service on or about February 19, 2024. It was shipped to Houston to be repaired on February 21, 2024.
Unfortunately, this last time sensitive components were damaged extensively in shipment. As a result, Mr. Biondi has been unable to repair all of the damage. Accordingly, he has recommended that KASA replace the unit.
Arrangements are currently being made to procure a replacement. Mr. Biondi has located an appropriate unit and is negotiating for its purchase on behalf of the licensee. It is anticipated that the replacement will be shipped to Arizona and installed within the next two to three weeks.
In the meantime, it is necessary for KASA to request special temporary authority to cover the current period of silence. The silent period was not expected to last more than 30 days, since similar issues have been resolved in the past through repairs by Mr. Biondi within such a time window. Due to miscommunication, counsel was not advised of the delay in resolution of this problem this time until the last few days; hence the delay in submission of the instant request for silent STA. KASA apologizes for the lateness of this request, and will take steps to ensure that it does not recur.