KAFE-CHHR frequency swap.

[Dan Sys]

Looks like First Broadcasting just might get their way as Vancouver's new cp CHHR (Shore FM) has applied to the CRTC to move from 104.1 to 104.3 today:
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2009/2009-41.htm#2
This will pave the way for KAFE to move from 104.3 to 104.1 which will in turn allow KMCQ 104.5 to increase their reach and adequately cover the Seattle market.

The CHHR application does not appear to be of a "fast tracked" nature, so it will likely take 2-3 months before a decision is made. Generally speaking technical applications such as this are just rubber stamped by the CRTC, so I don't anticipate any problems.

 

[jdweaver]

First is clearly in this too far to settle for a rim shot at this point, but the question has to be asked, how much more valuable is the upgraded station?

 

[Dan Sys]

Anyone hear any gossip about the financial amount involved with all of this? I would imagine that First Broadcasting had to shell out a pretty penny to compensate CHHR in Vancouver and Saga Communications in Bellingham for this move?

There have been rumours up here lately of serious financial problems related to the launch of CHHR. Perhaps some quick cash is the motivation for this surprise today. It wasn't all that long ago that contributors to radio boards in both Seattle and Vancouver declared the KAFE-CHHR frequency swap a dead issue.

 

[kentuckymedia]

Here are two things to recognize.

The new signal moving to town has a lot of value to potential buyers. * FISHER - Add another signal to its stable
* CLEAR CHANNEL - Can add an additional FM
* BONNEVILLE - If they want to operate with only a 2A2F combo

However, the other big picture in play is the silent one.

CBS wants out (they havent said Seattle) but Bonneville could make an interesting play (and rumor is they already have) for CBS Seattle. This could give them the advantage in ratings and billing in the market.

Bonneville can own upwards to 8 radio stations (5 of those can be FM) if they wish. CBS could technically do the same, but why? They arent in the expansion mode as where Bonneville is!

 

[Bongwater]

The KAFE-KMCQ swap was a dead issue. This isn't. If some international horse trading can be worked out (this is usually the LAST resort and the one least likely because deals like these are more complicated, then it can work.) Either way, somebody has to pay for everybody in this to play FM musical chairs.)

 

[FMSteve]

Ingenious application. Proposing to operate in a co-located site 1/2 kilometer away from Vanouver's 104.9, just three channels away. First Broadcasting is paying Shore FM $90,000 for the switch from 104.1 to 104.3. I would have held out for more money.

Looks like they're asking for a waiver of the 100 dbu contour because they say it will go out to just 1.7 kilometers, to the cliffs and the wildlife. That doesn't sound right, though, unless they are computing this at a 45 degree angle and measuring it theoretically at 3 meters above ground level (or thereabouts, I forgot the actual rules).

KAFE will sharply reduce their northerly signal on the order of 10 dbu, and Shore FM will increase power significantly.

I did not see any charts about dealing with any I.F. issues (intermediate frequency, 10.6, 10.8), I am assuming they are asking for a waiver there as well. Maybe somebody else with more time on their hands can take a look. I am not sure this would fly in the U.S., but maybe, just maybe it will go through because "it just makes sense". One good thing: The allocation is an existing allocation and not "new" on 104.1, so this is just treated as a minor change, and it appears to benefit the community slightly better due to the 10 dbu pulback from KAFE and the higher wattage Shore is asking for. Also, Rogers Broadcasting on 104.9 sent a letter to the CRTC saying they are ok with this plan.

 

[Dan Sys]

$90,000.00 U.S. works out to about $104,400.00 in Canadian funds (using the current exchange rate). Absolute peanuts in the overall scheme of things involved with launching a new radio station. The advertising revenue alone lost by delaying Shore FM's launch a few months will no doubt exceed that $104,400.00 figure. What a joke.

 

[Steenman]

And then there's what they need to pay KAFE. Earlier posts months agao threw out some pretty big numbers for this, any information or educated guesses. 100k here, 300k there, pretty soon we're talking real money here.

 

[swhyde1980]

To First Broadcasting it may be alot in the end, after operating KMCQ without advertising revenue, from licensing fees (music and FCC) and gas for the generators, besides paying CHHR and KAFE to move.

In the end whenever they get up to Cougar, I hope that doesn't translate into 10-minutes of oldies music with 15-minute commercial breaks, to make up for the lost revenue!

 

[Steenman]

Any estimates, guesstimates or actual knowledge about what a full power FM signal on Cougar would be worth? I'm guessing less than yesterday, but still probably substantial.

 

[kentuckymedia]

Depends who buys.

If Bonneville wants to only do 2AM/2FM combo, it could be worth a lot more.

Clear Channel has little to no money for new aquisitions.

Potentially a third operator could come in and swoop it up.

I still have a feeling that Bonneville and CBS are at the conference table more than one thinks. Bonneville likes Seattle and they bring in a TON of money from this market.

 

[kentuckymedia]

Bonneville has turned into a Top biller in the market.

When CBS spun off Cincinnati they were billing as a cluster around 27-29 Million.
Then Bonneville takes over the cluster as part of a swap out of San Fran and two years later Bonneville is now billing 33-35 Million on that same cluster! This makes them the second largest biller in the market.