Gary Burns: WLNI Sale To Mel Wheeler Unfair

[DToTheJ]

... [the] Roanoke-Lynchburg market where the Blue Ridge Mountains and 60 miles separate the two cities has allowed Wheeler to own five FMs. That’s something that’s typically only allowed in the biggest markets. Burns says that’s a “terribly flawed” system.

http://www.insideradio.com/Article.asp?id=2611332

 

[memoriesradio]

It should also be noted that Gary Burns used to own WLNI as a simulcast with WMNA 106.3 in Gretna. When Centennial bought the station, some may recall that Mr. Burns was involved in a suit with Centennial over rights exclusivity for sports. I do believe that went in favor of Centennial. Some folks will always complain.

 

[Dale H. Cook]

It should also be noted that Gary Burns used to own WLNI as a simulcast with WMNA 106.3 in Gretna.

The simulcast was with WMNA-FM, not WMNA (730 AM) which remained (and remains) a stand-alone station serving Gretna. Gary owned WLNI for years before he bought WMNA/WMNA-FM from the heirs of the late Lyle Motley. I was Gary's CE at the time of the sale.

 

[Gary1063]

Dale is correct I purchased WMNA FM to extend WLNI's signal along Route 29 to encompass Danville which had no Talk station. When I sold to Centennial they were also going to purchase WMNA but opted to buy 106.9 instead putting them into position where they owned too many stations in the market so we voided the WMNA part of the deal. We did run into a dispute with programming WMNA (which was exempt from the non compete agreement) when we also put the programming on AM 1350 in Bedford. Centennial sued me, I lost in Federal Court but prevailed at the FCC and Centennial was fined $8000. We eventually also purchased WGMN in Roanoke, WVGM in Lynchburg and added a 250 watt FM translator @ 93.3 to provide full time service on FM to the Lynchburg area. We now feature ALL SPORTS from ESPN on all frequencies and provide service to Roanoke, Bedford, Lynchburg, Danville and Smith Mountain Lake. As for Wheeler he is now attempting to purchase WLNI, this would give him 6 full power FM stations the rules only allow him to own 4 --- Clear Channel currently owns 7 but are running two in a Trust. The FCC gave them 6 months to sell their excess stations, BUT, they have been running them for 5 years +. Everyone needs to compete with the same rule book!

Gary Burns

 

[Dale H. Cook]

Clear Channel currently owns 7 but are running two in a Trust. The FCC gave them 6 months to sell their excess stations, BUT, they have been running them for 5 years +.

That is a sore point not only with Gary, but with everyone who would like to see more stations available for local owners who will serve the local audience. When Gary owned WLNI he built it into a news-talk with an outstanding live, local, morning talk show that has won numerous awards from the VAB. Under Centennial's ownership the Morningline has continued to be a major force in Lynchburg radio, and remains the foundation of WLNI's ratings and revenues.

Gary's WMNA, Gretna, is an example of a small-town AM that serves the local community. We have both been in this business for decades and recognize the important role of local radio, the trick is in finding a way to pay all the bills while serving the community.