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Merlin to LMA WLFM-LP (87.7), possibly flip to alternative

Isn't the clock ticking on these stations? I thought they all had to transition to DTV within the next year or two.

If so, surprised Merlin spent the money on it.
 
What a shame, I do NOT trust Merlin and Marv Nyren (rumored to be involved) w/ any of this. It will be the same crap awful sounding format that really pulled Q101 down and to top it off rumors are heavy that supposedly Mancow will have a part to play in this. I'm not digging this at all, they are even trying to buy WKQX again as the calls...
 
After reading the comment box on http://www.smooth877.com/ I found this comment posted by midday host Rick O'Dell.

Rick O'Dell: I wanted to make sure you got the word from me. The announcement was made today that WLFM will be switching formats on Monday, April 30. I speak for everyone at 87.7 when I say it was a wonderful, exciting three years as Chicago's smooth choice. We are grateful to have had your support.
Click to expand...
 
w00t said:
Isn't the clock ticking on these stations? I thought they all had to transition to DTV within the next year or two.
Click to expand...

The answer is maybe. The FCC has indicated it will require LPTV's to transition to digital, but it has never come up with an exact timeframe. Also, many of the current operators of these channel 6 LP's being used as radio stations say the FCC rules allow for them to operate digital video but analog audio (so long as they don't also operate digital audio as WRGB in Albany was doing). So, the FCC will probably have to decide that issue, too, though I suppose it wouldn't have to listen to a long drawn out case unless it chose to do so.
 
Twitch0528 said:
What a shame, I do NOT trust Merlin and Marv Nyren (rumored to be involved) w/ any of this. It will be the same crap awful sounding format that really pulled Q101 down and to top it off rumors are heavy that supposedly Mancow will have a part to play in this. I'm not digging this at all, they are even trying to buy WKQX again as the calls...
Click to expand...

No need to. Randy Michaels is already holding on to those calls as they're parked on his other company's silent FM downstate.
 
Kent said:
w00t said:
Isn't the clock ticking on these stations? I thought they all had to transition to DTV within the next year or two.
Click to expand...

The answer is maybe. The FCC has indicated it will require LPTV's to transition to digital, but it has never come up with an exact timeframe. Also, many of the current operators of these channel 6 LP's being used as radio stations say the FCC rules allow for them to operate digital video but analog audio (so long as they don't also operate digital audio as WRGB in Albany was doing). So, the FCC will probably have to decide that issue, too, though I suppose it wouldn't have to listen to a long drawn out case unless it chose to do so.
Click to expand...

September 1, 2015. http://www.fcc.gov/guides/dtv-transition-and-lptv-class-translator-stations

74.731 Purpose and permissible service.
(l) After 11:59 pm local time on September 1, 2015, low power television, TV translators and Class A
television stations may no longer operate any facility in analog (NTSC) mode.
Click to expand...

I would expect "...any facility in analog mode." would include an analog aural transmitter. But given that lawyers are involved, who knows what will actually happen....
 
It's been reported that this is no LMA. Merlin is buying WLFM. Apparently, Merlin will begin running the station immediately while the sale/approval process unfolds.
 
cyberdad said:
It's been reported that this is no LMA. Merlin is buying WLFM. Apparently, Merlin will begin running the station immediately while the sale/approval process unfolds.
Click to expand...

Poor reporting. Merlin's own press release says it's an LMA.
 
Awesome! I know some may not agree, but the Rock mix on Q101 in its last days was pretty good. So if the new Alt. station ends up sounding the same, I know I'll be listening regularly!
 
I won't, because my car radio won't tune that frequency. Unfortunately I'll also be unable to listen to the ads for the Alley and the various "gentleman's clubs" that support this wonderful "music".
 
If Merlin stays around long enough, I wonder if they'll program channel 6 for TV by 2016, or sell channel 6. They won't be able to be able to broadcast channel 6 as a radio station after 2015.
 
Dave said:
If Merlin stays around long enough, I wonder if they'll program channel 6 for TV by 2016, or sell channel 6. They won't be able to be able to broadcast channel 6 as a radio station after 2015.
Click to expand...

There's an application on file to convert the station to digital on channel 6. (filed before Merlin acquired it) Channel 6 really isn't very well suited for DTV use, although it's quite likely no better channel is available.
 
audioguy said:
I won't, because my car radio won't tune that frequency. Unfortunately I'll also be unable to listen to the ads for the Alley and the various "gentleman's clubs" that support this wonderful "music".
Click to expand...

Does Mark have a second account or are you just a clone?
 
w9wi said:
Dave said:
If Merlin stays around long enough, I wonder if they'll program channel 6 for TV by 2016, or sell channel 6. They won't be able to be able to broadcast channel 6 as a radio station after 2015.
Click to expand...

There's an application on file to convert the station to digital on channel 6. (filed before Merlin acquired it) Channel 6 really isn't very well suited for DTV use, although it's quite likely no better channel is available.
Click to expand...

Correction, there was an application to flash-cut it to digital. Venture Technologies withdrew it, claiming interference, but didn't mention specific interference. If they would have gone digital, it would have been for the same 3kw that they're broadcasting now in analog. I would get it with my antenna with a pre-amp, as I got WBBM-TV when they were on RF 3 for pre-transitional digital without pre-amp.

https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/w...t=25&appn=101441275&formid=346&fac_num=128239
 
What rights, if any, do the guys that took the intellectual property rights of Q101 have to stop Merlin from using the Q branding in the Chicago market... or are they involved somehow?
 
ncountysurf said:
What rights, if any, do the guys that took the intellectual property rights of Q101 have to stop Merlin from using the Q branding in the Chicago market... or are they involved somehow?
Click to expand...

I was wondering the same thing.....
 
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