Insurance Tunes Out WBAI Sandy Claim

[mets18]

Yes, it seems that is the best scenario. Get a nice AM + cash for 99.5, and go for the greater AM coverage.

Almost all of WBAI is spoken word anyway.

I don't think they can get one of the huge non-D's like770 or 880 or 660, but I'll bet that 1010, 1050, 1130, 1560, or maybe even 710 might be willing to talk. Even 1280, 970 or 1190 wouldn't be a bad tradeoff.

1010 is a possibility. Don't think ESPN Deportes cares about an FM signal. Same with Bloomberg and Radio Disney. 710 can't happen since Clear Channel is maxed out on FM's in NYC.

 

[Theater of My Mind]

From the WBAI Issues forum today.
If this is true it looks like WBAI still hasn't made their overdue payroll or transmitter rent payments.

"WBAI General Manager Berthold Reimers has informed me that as of tonight
there has been no new progress in getting enough money for WBAI to pay
the current $119,000 that it needs for the Empire State Building
payment, payroll and other bills.

Pacifica Management is still trying to get a substantial amount of cash
together to help WBAI's finances.

When I hear more I'll let people know."



—R. Paul Martin (posted to another list)

 

[WNTIRadio]

At this point, take WBAI to the vet and put it to sleep.

Nobody would let their dog or cat suffer this much.

 

[nd2023]

Imagine the auction if they let the thing go silent for more than a year & the FCC has to revoke the license!

That would be awesome, we would get a nice DX frequency. And WJBR could be heard in NYC most days.

 

[xmusicmatt]

That would be awesome, we would get a nice DX frequency. And WJBR could be heard in NYC most days.

Sure about that? I am guessing the moment Empire pulls the power on WBAI that a handful of "pirates" will squat on that frequency in the NYC/NJ area..

 

[MoldaMania182]

If WBAI hardly has any money, how would they afford a costly transmitter move to the Conde Nest building?
A swap with Cumulus for WNSH or WFAS FM would give them millions in cash + a transmitting facility that is ready to go. And the rent would likely be lower than the Conde Nest location.

A swap for the soon to be relocated WFAS FM would really be a win for everyone. 94.7 makes zero sense. Not only are they still trying to build the brand, Cumulus is probably happier with its somewhat Jersey leaning coverage for Country anyway.

 

[nd2023]

If WBAI hardly has any money, how would they afford a costly transmitter move to the Conde Nest building?
A swap with Cumulus for WNSH or WFAS FM would give them millions in cash + a transmitting facility that is ready to go. And the rent would likely be lower than the Conde Nest location.

A swap for the soon to be relocated WFAS FM would really be a win for everyone. 94.7 makes zero sense. Not only are they still trying to build the brand, Cumulus is probably happier with its somewhat Jersey leaning coverage for Country anyway.

A station with the signal of 99.5 shouldn't have a problem paying the rent for the ESB transmitter. It's prime real estate. Even Blink 102.7's format which failed would make enough to pay the rent. They should sell it, trade it for a big AM station. CBS could buy 99.5 in exchange for 660.

Soliciting donations to pay the rent is just prolonging the inevitable. The rent is probably the least of their worries. If they don't meet payroll, the staff will quit. I remember seeing someone walking around Zuccotti Park soliciting donations for WBAI at Occupy Wall Street. A few pennies won't pay the rent.

 

[HHH]

I still think the best thing for WBAI to do would be to trade 99.5 for a nice AM + cash, but to do a trade/cash deal for WFAS-FM (103.9) wouldn't be a bad deal either.

Compare coverage:

WBAI current coverage: http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=WBAI&service=FM&status=L&hours=U

WFAS-FM new coverage: http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=WFAS&service=FM&status=C&hours=U

OK, they would be downgrading somewhat, but still covering Manhattan and a lot of the adjoining area without that high Empire rent plus an influx of cash.

 

[mets18]

OK, they would be downgrading somewhat, but still covering Manhattan and a lot of the adjoining area without that high Empire rent plus an influx of cash.

That signal will get lost in the buildings of Manhattan.

 

[boiseengineer]

How many LPFMs could go on the air if 99.5 just went away?
That would be community radio.

 

[reelyreal]

None. You can't delete the allocation from the FM table of allotments.

 

[w9wi]

I think if I wanted a LPFM in NYC, I'd ask for 99.5 anyway. Between the ridiculously slow pace of FCC action on scheduling an auction and the huge litigation mess that would happen when everyone who didn't get the channel piles on the FCC & the winner, I think you'd get well in excess of ten years' use before any new full-power station would be ready to bump you.....

 

[Bongwater]

I think Cumulus can sweeten the deal by running PSAs for Pacifica during all those empty national advertiser slots during Rush Limbaugh's program.

How about THAT, Pacifica? Is several million, a new frequency and an AWESOME Lefty mindwarp like promos for Democracy Now! on Rush Limbaugh enough to make a deal with?

Amy? Juan? Chuck D.?......Anyone?

Fer chrissakes, what are you waiting for?

 

[reelyreal]

That reminds me of this HILARIOUS bit from the eviction proceedings happening down at Pacifica's WPFW in Washington, D.C.:

http://www.insideradio.com//Article.asp?id=2648376&spid=32061#.UY2FoCt4ZkI

The station's been evicted, so they were going to sublease studio space at Total Traffic... you know, existing infrastructure, purpose-built space. Apparently some members FREAKED that a Pacifica station would be housed next door to Total Traffic, a subsidiary of Clear Channel, because Premiere Radio Networks is also a subsidiary of Clear Channel and they syndicate Rush Limbaugh AND THEY MIGHT CATCH THE CONSERVATIVE COOTIES FROM THE TRAFFIC REPORTERS!!!!!11!!!1!!

I consider myself a liberal but I'm well aware that logic and reason escapes these people.

 

[Bongwater]

That reminds me of this HILARIOUS bit from the eviction proceedings happening down at Pacifica's WPFW in Washington, D.C.:

http://www.insideradio.com//Article.asp?id=2648376&spid=32061#.UY2FoCt4ZkI

The station's been evicted, so they were going to sublease studio space at Total Traffic... you know, existing infrastructure, purpose-built space. Apparently some members FREAKED that a Pacifica station would be housed next door to Total Traffic, a subsidiary of Clear Channel, because Premiere Radio Networks is also a subsidiary of Clear Channel and they syndicate Rush Limbaugh AND THEY MIGHT CATCH THE CONSERVATIVE COOTIES FROM THE TRAFFIC REPORTERS!!!!!11!!!1!!

I consider myself a liberal but I'm well aware that logic and reason escapes these people.

I understand the underlying philosophy behind Pacifica and it's imitators and influences (and it's actually a BEAUTIFUL one.) CHALLENGE the mainstream. Bring alternatives to the conventional in the marketplace of ideas, thought and art. You actually could respect a radio station that aired long intellectual discussions, highbrow book readings, Tibetan music, alternative press news, et al.

But it seems somewhere along that high road, Pacifica lost it's way. It became less about the listeners than it was personal philosophies between inside board members on how to execute such a format was behind the scenes.

And executing it, they are. A format like this needs constant fresh air. As well as money.

Seattle's KRAB 107.7 (an early Pacifica affiliate) was an early warning sign of what could go wrong.

http://www.krab.fm/

As for WPFW....Wow.

You know, if you want democracy, all you've got to do is learn how to LIVE in one.

 

[nd2023]

That being said, WBAI might stupidly leave its ESB transmitter site for somewhere cheaper, and throw away millions from its value. The mismanagement is that dumb if they turned down an offer from Clear Channel to lease its studio at a good price.

 

[Bongwater]

That being said, WBAI might stupidly leave its ESB transmitter site for somewhere cheaper, and throw away millions from its value. The mismanagement is that dumb if they turned down an offer from Clear Channel to lease its studio at a good price.

Who taught these people their business skills? Kim Jong Un?

 

[FightingIrish]

That reminds me of this HILARIOUS bit from the eviction proceedings happening down at Pacifica's WPFW in Washington, D.C.:

http://www.insideradio.com//Article.asp?id=2648376&spid=32061#.UY2FoCt4ZkI

The station's been evicted, so they were going to sublease studio space at Total Traffic... you know, existing infrastructure, purpose-built space. Apparently some members FREAKED that a Pacifica station would be housed next door to Total Traffic, a subsidiary of Clear Channel, because Premiere Radio Networks is also a subsidiary of Clear Channel and they syndicate Rush Limbaugh AND THEY MIGHT CATCH THE CONSERVATIVE COOTIES FROM THE TRAFFIC REPORTERS!!!!!11!!!1!!

I consider myself a liberal but I'm well aware that logic and reason escapes these people.

I lean left myself and when I read that the other day I just shook my head. As everyone here likely knows, I'm a big supporter of alternative media and the availability of the airwaves to many diverse groups. That said, Pacifica is pretty much a sinking ship. Sure, they were pioneers in FM radio, and have made lots of history in their long history. But it is very clear that the people running the show there are not living in reality. Whenever anyone there makes what sounds to the rest of us like a good business or programming decision, staffers go nuts, as if they feel the need to put on programming that nobody is willing to listen to, and to make no money doing it. The only thing that could really save Pacifica at this point is to clean house of all the crazy, irrational people, rethink the whole idea from the ground up and learn to play the radio game in the 21st century. Never thought I'd see an operation that made Harold Camping look like a savvy broadcast genius by comparison.

 

[reelyreal]

That being said, WBAI might stupidly leave its ESB transmitter site for somewhere cheaper, and throw away millions from its value. The mismanagement is that dumb if they turned down an offer from Clear Channel to lease its studio at a good price.

There are grandfathered short-spacings in almost every direction, I don't really think it COULD move off Empire, even if Pacifica wanted to.

 

[nd2023]

That being said, WBAI might stupidly leave its ESB transmitter site for somewhere cheaper, and throw away millions from its value. The mismanagement is that dumb if they turned down an offer from Clear Channel to lease its studio at a good price.

There are grandfathered short-spacings in almost every direction, I don't really think it COULD move off Empire, even if Pacifica wanted to.

They could downgrade it to a class A and move it off Empire, which would be downright stupid, especially because there will be a class A for sale soon.