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Could the End be near for WWCD ?
- Thread starter Allfirdup
- Start date
knowbetter said:
Yes, it's true that the licensee still has to maintain control of the station during an LMA. However, the vast majority of LMA's do have an early termination penalty should either party withdraw from the agreement.
Most likely, the issue will be settled under the termination clause of the LMA. CD-101 doesn't have much of a voice in what happens. If either Salem or Southeastern Ohio pays them the required fee, they pretty much have to go away.
Most LMA's are at least 3 years. And, yes, most of them do have an out for the actual licensee, though they also usually require the licensee to pay damages unless the programmer breaks the terms of the deal. If CD-101 sold the station they owned for an LMA without getting a right to first refusal and/or an early termination penalty, they're even stupider than they seem!
NoWayNoCC said:
I won't say I disagree with this statement. I can't stand their programming either. However, WAVA's a cash cow for Salem. In fact, all their religious teaching stations make a ton. Judging from their ratings, Salem's business model doesn't appeal to very many people, but it definitely works!
Columbus Christian Stations:
WUFM-FM (88.7) 5,000 Watts - 0.8 AQH rating
WHKC-FM (91.5) 15,000 watts - 0.2 AQH rating
WCVO-FM (104.9) 6,000 watts - 4.0 AQH rating
WRFD-AM (880) 23,000 watts - 0.4 AQH rating
WVKO-AM (1580) 3,200 watts - N/A AQH rating
WWCD-FM (102.5) 15,000 watts - 3.1 AQH rating
I don't think we need another Christian station in town.
WUFM-FM (88.7) 5,000 Watts - 0.8 AQH rating
WHKC-FM (91.5) 15,000 watts - 0.2 AQH rating
WCVO-FM (104.9) 6,000 watts - 4.0 AQH rating
WRFD-AM (880) 23,000 watts - 0.4 AQH rating
WVKO-AM (1580) 3,200 watts - N/A AQH rating
WWCD-FM (102.5) 15,000 watts - 3.1 AQH rating
I don't think we need another Christian station in town.
jhc2010 said:
I understand you (and personally I like what CD101 is doing with their music).. However each one of those stations airs a different Christian themed format. It would be like saying "We dont need another mainstream station in Columbus" because we have WNCI, WCOL, WHOK, WLVQ, The Blitz, The Brew, Gen-X, JackFM and power 107.5... as you know 'each' of those stations are different.
The people who listen to Radio U .. are NOT going to listen to WRFD I am willing to bet (and in most cases would listen to The Blitz or CD101 before WRFD).
I can't help but go back to an anonymous note someone sent me long before this recent development...speculating that WWCD was stubbornly holding onto the "CD101" branding because it could eventually move its LMA to the upgraded WNKO/101.7.
There, however, appears to be no evidence that such a move is in the works. Runnymede seems to continue to target Newark-area commuters with the new signal, and there's not even any rumor that they are going to abandon the frequency with their programming.
Of note: Salem, after a long period of selling or offering its stations for sale (including WRFD), seems to be in a buying mood again. They just bought another station in another state...can't remember where, I believe it's in Texas.
They can't sell WRFD. And it's a powerful signal...just a daytimer, which means that St. Gabriel Radio had no interest and went for WOSU/820 instead.
There, however, appears to be no evidence that such a move is in the works. Runnymede seems to continue to target Newark-area commuters with the new signal, and there's not even any rumor that they are going to abandon the frequency with their programming.
Of note: Salem, after a long period of selling or offering its stations for sale (including WRFD), seems to be in a buying mood again. They just bought another station in another state...can't remember where, I believe it's in Texas.
They can't sell WRFD. And it's a powerful signal...just a daytimer, which means that St. Gabriel Radio had no interest and went for WOSU/820 instead.
RickF said:
I think the December 1st date is probably wishful thinking, This is going to come down to a bunch of lawyers, and frankly, if I were doing this case (no, I am not a lawyer), I can think of a lot of ways to stall this action. I think I can hear the phrase irreparable harm bantering about.
the second hand story is that CD101 has a 5 year LMA agreement, they are in the first year. assuming that the obligations of the contract are being observed, on both sides, both sides would likely be expected to honor the contract.
Salem probably came in, and offered to buy the station, as they seem to do, many towns and markets, they have made other purchases here, and have offered to buy others. SALEM ALSO TRADES PROPERTIES, so that is another area to look at. I am sure they already expect to have to pay off CD101, and depending on the LMA agreement, they Southwestern may well have that right, since they probably would not be doing this if they don't.
That's where the reasonable expectation, and the irreparable harm comes in. Did CD101, when they sold their [poorer] signal, have a reasonable expectation that they would continue to remain in business. How could they be harmed, if their status changes. Granted, they made a questionable decision selling 101, but, in someones thinking, they compensated for that. If they must stop broadcasting, could they ever recover? If this went to a public trial who knows, but my guess would be that the public would be sympathetic to CD101, vs Salem, for some of the other reasons previously posted.
On the FCC level, and question or complaint causes delays, and we are nearing license renewal...not a great time to pick a fight!
Jami Goldstein http://www.gcac.org/about-gcac/staff/jami-goldstein.php
Has this to say say on the CD101 Facebook page:
Hopefully the owners of the signal understand how important WWCD in it's current format and management philosophy is to our community--your support of non-profits, your partnerships, simply your being is part of what attracts new young creative class people to our city. I have to believe that there will be strong community opposition to anything that disrupts this. You are an important part of what makes Columbus COOL and we simply CAN'T lose you guys!! I know you'll let us know what we can do.
I doubt the proposed new owners, Salem Media of Ohio, will shed a tear for CD101 once they
take over the 102.5 signal. They could care less and the FCC doesn't get into programming
formats anymore.
Looking over this: http://www.salem.cc/Overview.aspx and here: http://www.salem.cc/RadioFormat.aspx
Can we rule out gospel as one of the format choices for the new 102.5? Nine of their stations have other formats and Gospel may be one of them. Are any of them Gospel?
Other then that, I see 102.5 going to a News Talk format.
Has this to say say on the CD101 Facebook page:
Hopefully the owners of the signal understand how important WWCD in it's current format and management philosophy is to our community--your support of non-profits, your partnerships, simply your being is part of what attracts new young creative class people to our city. I have to believe that there will be strong community opposition to anything that disrupts this. You are an important part of what makes Columbus COOL and we simply CAN'T lose you guys!! I know you'll let us know what we can do.
I doubt the proposed new owners, Salem Media of Ohio, will shed a tear for CD101 once they
take over the 102.5 signal. They could care less and the FCC doesn't get into programming
formats anymore.
Looking over this: http://www.salem.cc/Overview.aspx and here: http://www.salem.cc/RadioFormat.aspx
Can we rule out gospel as one of the format choices for the new 102.5? Nine of their stations have other formats and Gospel may be one of them. Are any of them Gospel?
Other then that, I see 102.5 going to a News Talk format.
Jami Goldstein http://www.gcac.org/about-gcac/staff/jami-goldstein.php also has this to say on the Columbus Underground
website:
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) radio is there to "serve the public interest, convenience or necessity of the community that it is licensed to..."
The possibility of Salem Media purchasing the 102.5 signal and not honoring the Licensed Management Agreement WWCD has with Southeastern Ohio Broadcasting Systems, thus forcing the station to cease operations in its current format, is an extreme threat to Columbus as creative class community. Whether you listen to the station or not you should be very concerned.
WWCD has a 21-year history in this community and is a critical partner for Columbus’ non-profit organizations, including the arts and social services. The station supports and promotes cultural and fundraising events to their active and engaged audience and they are essential to our efforts to position Columbus as a welcoming city for young professionals, particularly in the key target age group of 25-40. The station is also a key media partner in 200Columbus, the city’s Bicentennial celebration in 2012.
Through their active community engagement, promotion and partnerships, and by bringing in bands that wouldn’t otherwise come to Columbus, WWCD encourages economic development and builds concert and arts attendance in Columbus. WWCD is the only independently owned alternative station in the country in the top 100 markets. They are a core part of Columbus’ image as a vibrant, growing, entrepreneurial-friendly city. Columbus’ leadership, broadcasters and citizens need to make a stand to protect this important community partner and ensure WWCD is able to continue operations in its current format.
BTW, there are already 2 full time Christian stations in Columbus, who believes we need a third at the expense of a longtime...
She has some good points but the FCC still won't save CD101 @ 102.5.
website:
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) radio is there to "serve the public interest, convenience or necessity of the community that it is licensed to..."
The possibility of Salem Media purchasing the 102.5 signal and not honoring the Licensed Management Agreement WWCD has with Southeastern Ohio Broadcasting Systems, thus forcing the station to cease operations in its current format, is an extreme threat to Columbus as creative class community. Whether you listen to the station or not you should be very concerned.
WWCD has a 21-year history in this community and is a critical partner for Columbus’ non-profit organizations, including the arts and social services. The station supports and promotes cultural and fundraising events to their active and engaged audience and they are essential to our efforts to position Columbus as a welcoming city for young professionals, particularly in the key target age group of 25-40. The station is also a key media partner in 200Columbus, the city’s Bicentennial celebration in 2012.
Through their active community engagement, promotion and partnerships, and by bringing in bands that wouldn’t otherwise come to Columbus, WWCD encourages economic development and builds concert and arts attendance in Columbus. WWCD is the only independently owned alternative station in the country in the top 100 markets. They are a core part of Columbus’ image as a vibrant, growing, entrepreneurial-friendly city. Columbus’ leadership, broadcasters and citizens need to make a stand to protect this important community partner and ensure WWCD is able to continue operations in its current format.
BTW, there are already 2 full time Christian stations in Columbus, who believes we need a third at the expense of a longtime...
She has some good points but the FCC still won't save CD101 @ 102.5.
Jack-Fm is reporting in on CD101. http://mycolumbusjack.com/pulse/jack989/is-cd101-on-the-chopping-block/
The CD101 not at 101 but at 102.5 folks can have nice stories written about a 21-year history, servig the public interest, the need to attract the creative class to Columbus, etc, but the FCC is not going to be the savior of the format. It can only be fought in the courts (and in the media). It will come down to what the actual LMA says as far as how and by whom it can be terminated and for what reason. Period.
Was just thinking.. If Salem does get 102.5 by Dec 1st... They could "stunt" with Christmas music before launching whatever format on the license! ** If they launch a "Fish" here in Columbus I am pretty sure it would launch with Christmas music (If salem gets the station before the year ends)
C'mon, they're all right. Here's a link to a story they ran two days ago about Bob Conners that for some reason didn't pop up in the radio-info Columbus board topics about him (if anyone would like to post this link there now, go ahead) -- http://www.dispatch.com/content/sto.../10/25/longtime-radio-host-set-to-retire.html
Anything that has helped "Yesterday's Top Secrets" over the course of its three years as much as the Dispatch has can't be all bad! And I'd like to acknowledge Sean Ross' assistance, too -- we're included in his Halloween piece today! http://www.radio-info.com/programming/programming-music/scaring-up-some-new-halloween-oldies
Anything that has helped "Yesterday's Top Secrets" over the course of its three years as much as the Dispatch has can't be all bad! And I'd like to acknowledge Sean Ross' assistance, too -- we're included in his Halloween piece today! http://www.radio-info.com/programming/programming-music/scaring-up-some-new-halloween-oldies
D
del_griffith
Guest
Actually I was surprised at the luke warm participation of the forum toward BC and his retirement.
First, it's huge. BC, whether you like him or not, is a radio institution in the market. He will be overall fondly remembered like Irwin Johnson or Spook Beckman. He's generally the most listened to host in the morning and has been for years. He's been here since LBJ was president, he made the transition from music host to talk host to basically morning show anchor. He was always topical and relevant. He was color man for OSU sports for several years. He did some baseball. And sadly, he was part of the biggest radio promotion probably in the history of the town that he probably really wanted no part of and it blew up on him. (The Perfect Partner). But he landed on his feet and carried on.
Yeah, I'm a fan. But even if I wasn't, the crickets on that thread (other than mostly me) was to say the least, interesting. Over 40 years in the market and not much chatter.
Maybe it has to do with the demos of the forum.
First, it's huge. BC, whether you like him or not, is a radio institution in the market. He will be overall fondly remembered like Irwin Johnson or Spook Beckman. He's generally the most listened to host in the morning and has been for years. He's been here since LBJ was president, he made the transition from music host to talk host to basically morning show anchor. He was always topical and relevant. He was color man for OSU sports for several years. He did some baseball. And sadly, he was part of the biggest radio promotion probably in the history of the town that he probably really wanted no part of and it blew up on him. (The Perfect Partner). But he landed on his feet and carried on.
Yeah, I'm a fan. But even if I wasn't, the crickets on that thread (other than mostly me) was to say the least, interesting. Over 40 years in the market and not much chatter.
Maybe it has to do with the demos of the forum.
Someone is starting a Occupy Southeastern Ohio Broadcasting movement here:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2303404660154&set=p.2303404660154&type=1&theater
He also said [email protected] may cease broadcasting on 102.5 as soon as next Monday!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2303404660154&set=p.2303404660154&type=1&theater
He also said [email protected] may cease broadcasting on 102.5 as soon as next Monday!
gabigley1 said:
He, who, Artie? The guy with the Facebook post? Who is he? Sounds like an ordinary listener to me...how would he know that?
Sigh.
BTW, I agree that the reaction to BC's retirement here is a bit muted. Whenever John Lanigan hangs it up here in Northeast Ohio (whenever his contract ends
inside joke), we'll probably have four or five threads on the Cleveland board.OhioMediaWatch said:gabigley1 said:
He, who, Artie? The guy with the Facebook post? Who is he? Sounds like an ordinary listener to me...how would he know that?
Sigh.
BTW, I agree that the reaction to BC's retirement here is a bit muted. Whenever John Lanigan hangs it up here in Northeast Ohio (whenever his contract ends
It is hard to take the kid serious when you read what he has written in his notebook. there is no was they would be changing as early as Monday, and why would he know that and not anyone else, also the Dec 1 date that has been flying around was a rumor started by this very board two pages back and repeated as if its fact.
Its funny you never hear anyone mention the 7+ Mil that Roger Vaughn received to Sell the one asset that makes his radio station an actual asset. Holding a lease makes you just a tenet or Renter and you are only going to be there as long as they are willing to rent to you.
and to the Dispatch and their coverage of radio, since they are down to such a few reporters, they pretty much just work off of press releases, AP wire and Cleveland Plain Dealer stores anymore. if you tell them they will print it, thats why JakeJ gets mentions in the paper so much, he takes the time to use them as part of his marketing, its not that they love his show that much.
D
del_griffith
Guest
Re reporters working off press releases. The reports all say BC took over the morning show in 78. I believe the newspaper archives have it as the fall of 1979. That's when John Fraim bailed out and took a brief tour to WRFD before going to WCOL.
Although there was a period of time from around 1967 or 68 until sometime in the mid 70's that the Dispatch did no coverage of local radio or tv unless it was a breaking story. IE Irwin Johnson's passing. But they didn't report it when nothing when he stepped aside in 69 and Bill Hamilton took over.
The C-J still had almost daily coverage during that time. Jo Bradley Reed and and after her retirement Sherry Woods and then long time reporter David Drake covered for the CJ. It wasn't until around 74 or 75 that Cynthia Robbins began periodic local reports for the Dispatch again that began to become more frequent.
Although there was a period of time from around 1967 or 68 until sometime in the mid 70's that the Dispatch did no coverage of local radio or tv unless it was a breaking story. IE Irwin Johnson's passing. But they didn't report it when nothing when he stepped aside in 69 and Bill Hamilton took over.
The C-J still had almost daily coverage during that time. Jo Bradley Reed and and after her retirement Sherry Woods and then long time reporter David Drake covered for the CJ. It wasn't until around 74 or 75 that Cynthia Robbins began periodic local reports for the Dispatch again that began to become more frequent.
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