No more 1540 THE FARM....WYCL

[W8YSU]

FROM THERE WEBSITE:

It is with great regret that, as of sunset on October 1, 2013, WYCL 1540 AM has signed off permanently.

This unfortunate turn of events has come as the time-leased operator for WYCL, Ben Slagle, had chosen to terminate the lease at that time. Consequently, the owner of WYCL's broadcast license, Chris Lash (d/b/a Whiplash Radio of Ohio, LLC) has chosen to take the station dark.

Words cannot express just how much your support has been to us in bringing back the format a third time in three years, after failed attempts by previous time-leased operators at urban talk, time-brokered news/talk, a full-time simulcast of WHTX, and even Hispanic music! And in every instance, the Farm has always returned.

WYCL may be dead, but the format? Who knows. Maybe the fourth time is the charm, online-only or elsewhere on the radio dial. In the meantime, you can tune into Radio 1570 WHTX for Gary Rhamy in the morning, Johnny Rogers in the afternoon, and great adult standards all day.

From all of us at 1540 The Farm - Ben Slagle, Gary Rhamy, Chet Holbrook and Nathan Obral... THANK YOU for making life a little better, down on "The Farm." It's been fun.

So long.

 

[MediaLover]

That's a shame that the station is now dark. Best wishes to the staff involved.

I noticed that there was no mention of Chris' name in the "from all of us" paragraph. Something tells me there maybe some disagreements between someone and Chris going on.

Maybe The Farm can resurface in some way at WHTX. We have to see.

 

[mavradiotv]

That's a shame that the station is now dark. Best wishes to the staff involved.

I noticed that there was no mention of Chris' name in the "from all of us" paragraph. Something tells me there maybe some disagreements between someone and Chris going on.

Maybe The Farm can resurface in some way at WHTX. We have to see.

Sad day indeed as the past couple of years on 1540 has been rough. I heard earlier in the year someone had stolen copper and/or cut guy wire so could it be technical?

Also it originally stated that the person who was leasing it Ben Sagle was having health and personal issues and now that mention along side of his name has been purged from the post.

I wonder if 1250WATE (Chris Lash) would either reconsider this decision or try for a 4th time to keep the station on the air.

From all of the drama I heard, and through friends that was apart of it first hand, I am not surprised Mr.Lash decided to be done with it even though he could of been like renda broadcasting who donated WMMY in Pittsburgh to a religious group and take a tax write off.

Also of note the transmitter/studio is located near the I-80/I-76 Ohio turnpike interchange and new racino, in the Mineral Ridge/Austintown area so when 1570 WHTX moves out, Mr Lash will make a nice payday as that land is worth some money in addition to the shale and/or natural gas in the ground.

 

[Tim]

It is amazing how many radio hobbyists/fans don't seem to have any idea how many radio stations in the US are either barely breaking even, or worse. And, yes....even some FMs (though it seems mostly AMs).

Most AMs get ad dollars from local businesses. And the vast majority of local businesses in the US are "Ma's & Pa's"....1 location local businesses who're trying to compete with the big chain stores like Walmart, Target, and so forth...every day.

These milions of small, local businesses have found other effective ways to promote their businesses such as Social Media, e-mail marketing, in-store promotions, and other website-based groups.....all at a fraction of what it costs to run on-going advertising on radio, TV, cable, and other "traditional" media.

So...guess who loses ad dollars the most? Daily newspapers, and local radio & TV stations, even cable.

It's a shame...but, that's the effect and impact of consumer's never-ending appetite for on-line sources of information, entertainment, and communication in 2013+.

 

[mavradiotv]

It is amazing how many radio hobbyists/fans don't seem to have any idea how many radio stations in the US are either barely breaking even, or worse. And, yes....even some FMs (though it seems mostly AMs).

Most AMs get ad dollars from local businesses. And the vast majority of local businesses in the US are "Ma's & Pa's"....1 location local businesses who're trying to compete with the big chain stores like Walmart, Target, and so forth...every day.

These milions of small, local businesses have found other effective ways to promote their businesses such as Social Media, e-mail marketing, in-store promotions, and other website-based groups.....all at a fraction of what it costs to run on-going advertising on radio, TV, cable, and other "traditional" media.

So...guess who loses ad dollars the most? Daily newspapers, and local radio & TV stations, even cable.

It's a shame...but, that's the effect and impact of consumer's never-ending appetite for on-line sources of information, entertainment, and communication in 2013+.

Very true as 1540 had a up hill sale when it came time to sell spots as it had niche formats that many local businesses did not feel was up their alley.

Now if 1540 had a better signal featuring either a talk format (with local political and talking heads), or a sports format you could have a shot as the valley loves their talk and sports radio.

Not a hater of classic country, for some reason I cannot see the Youngstown area being a real hotbed for the format considering when you have 2 FM country stations that playing the current hits in stereo.

The format was a sort of carry over from when beacon owned it as at one point before Chris Lash owned it, it was classic country the bull along side 1470 AM.

I also know that there was some kind of technical issue that occurred when it was Spanish hits and hence the reason why they were at one point had a STL running at a lower power. If my memory serves me right, someone stole the copper ground system similar to what happened with WGFT and WASN, and that on the low end that is 10,000 to fix.

If that is the case, it could of very well been it was too much to fix and just not worth it.

Now if 1540 or any AM was to be donated to a non profit, then advertising is no longer an issue something as they could convert it to a non-commerical and rely on donations to keep it running.

 

[klutch00]

Now if 1540 or any AM was to be donated to a non profit, then advertising is no longer an issue something as they could convert it to a non-commercial and rely on donations to keep it running.

For marginal operations like 1540, going to either a non-commercial or a hybrid revenue model (whereby the station survives on both donations AND advertisement), needs to strongly be considered! These stations cannot continue to survive on advertisement alone. The resistance is just too great. Smaller AMs do not have to be put out to pasture. There's much innovative programming that has a market but may not be not commercially viable. Moreover the value of many smaller AM stations is astronomically higher than it needs to be; and thus should be reduced. Such outlets utilizing alternative or specialty programming with alternative income sources could be the saving grace for them. Bob Bittner has done it with two radio stations in Massachusetts and Maine which provide ample revenue for their operations. I believe he's buying a third station, also in Maine.

I'm sorry to see this operation go away again! I don't feel it had to happen!

 

[Tim]

It's to the point colleges, schools, churches....etc....don't really want AM stations....even if it's given to them. Why? Maintenance costs of AMs are higher than FMs.....and, frankly....with less than 17% of radio listening on the AM band...who's going to listen?

In fact, an increasing number of smaller, private colleges are giving up their non-com FM licenses due to maintenance costs (even though it's less than an AM)...but also the fading student interest in radio in general.

Don't be upset with me....I'm a radio guy...just telling you what I know. I find it incredibly sad the slow dying of the industry I've loved since I was 8 years old (many years ago).

It's my opinion a combination of events has set this decline in motion: automation/voice-tracking....huge decline in the number of live, local announcers/personalities, the dumbing-down of radio stations (most music stations in 2013 are mainly a few hundred songs, station promos, and lots of commercials), the "less talk-more music" positioner that began in the late 70's began "teaching" listeners to hate anything that wasn't music, and the 1996 Tel-Com bill that allowed big groups to own hundreds of stations....when making the maximum amount of profit for the least overhead (read: employees) was the only thing that mattered.

Sure hope this forces big corporated chains to sell off many of their stations at pennies on the dollar to local owners who love the business. The concern is...will these new owners be able to earn enough money to even pay the basic bills?

 

[mavradiotv]

It's to the point colleges, schools, churches....etc....don't really want AM stations....even if it's given to them. Why? Maintenance costs of AMs are higher than FMs.....and, frankly....with less than 17% of radio listening on the AM band...who's going to listen?

In fact, an increasing number of smaller, private colleges are giving up their non-com FM licenses due to maintenance costs (even though it's less than an AM)...but also the fading student interest in radio in general.

Don't be upset with me....I'm a radio guy...just telling you what I know. I find it incredibly sad the slow dying of the industry I've loved since I was 8 years old (many years ago).

It's my opinion a combination of events has set this decline in motion: automation/voice-tracking....huge decline in the number of live, local announcers/personalities, the dumbing-down of radio stations (most music stations in 2013 are mainly a few hundred songs, station promos, and lots of commercials), the "less talk-more music" positioner that began in the late 70's began "teaching" listeners to hate anything that wasn't music, and the 1996 Tel-Com bill that allowed big groups to own hundreds of stations....when making the maximum amount of profit for the least overhead (read: employees) was the only thing that mattered.

Sure hope this forces big corporated chains to sell off many of their stations at pennies on the dollar to local owners who love the business. The concern is...will these new owners be able to earn enough money to even pay the basic bills?

I agree that many who understand radio and technology see AM as a dying breed with too much competition, but there are many (at least 3 in Youngstown) who seem to think AM can thrive until they see the cost of electric, rent, payroll, and lease payment at which point it becomes too expensive.

This is why 1540 under various LMA's failed was they only looked at the lease payment and once they found out how much money it takes to run a station, somehow someway the LMA ends. Running a radio station is more than going on air and talking, most seem to think it is easy but it is not.

For many non profits or local governments, use the words "free" or "donation" they will be happy to take it off your hands as they can either program it or sell it as many perceive radio as being valuable, and if someone does not want a station there is always someone else will to take it.

Unless you have a format that you can sell, a good signal, and a station that has a healthy transmission plant, many of these stations once the guy wire breaks, ground system is stolen, tuning coil goes, or a transmitter breaks down many owners simply pull the plug which is sad.

 

[klutch00]

It's to the point colleges, schools, churches....etc....don't really want AM stations....even if it's given to them. Why? Maintenance costs of AMs are higher than FMs.....and, frankly....with less than 17% of radio listening on the AM band...who's going to listen?

In fact, an increasing number of smaller, private colleges are giving up their non-com FM licenses due to maintenance costs (even though it's less than an AM)...but also the fading student interest in radio in general.

I'll confess I'm no engineer, but I didn't realize the cost of maintenance was that high. Does this include those stations without a directional array?

The reason for my suggestion is that there are a few broadcasters operating such facilities and making some interesting things happen at those facilities. Examples:

KVCU Boulder CO http://www.radio1190.org/ On the air since 1998.
KVOD Denver CO http://www.openaircpr.org/ On the air since 2011.
KUOM "Radio K" Minneapolis MN http://www.radiok.org/ Started with its current format about 1993.
WJIB Cambridge MA http://wjib740.com/ Utilizing a non-commercial model since about 2007.
WJTO Bath ME http://www.wjto.com/ Co-owned with WJIB, and utilizing a non-commercial model since 2008.
WGVU/WGVS Grand Rapids/Muskegon MI http://www.wgvu.org/realoldies/ Utilizing a non-commercial model since 2009

Now I realize the above examples are just seven examples, but I feel they're models which can be implemented elsewhere.

Don't be upset with me....I'm a radio guy...just telling you what I know. I find it incredibly sad the slow dying of the industry I've loved since I was 8 years old (many years ago).

Hey, I'm NOT taking offense! I deplore what's been going on in the industry as well, and I'm not even in the business! I think it's cool that you've had a passion for the industry for so long!

It's my opinion a combination of events has set this decline in motion: automation/voice-tracking....huge decline in the number of live, local announcers/personalities, the dumbing-down of radio stations (most music stations in 2013 are mainly a few hundred songs, station promos, and lots of commercials), the "less talk-more music" positioner that began in the late 70's began "teaching" listeners to hate anything that wasn't music, and the 1996 Tel-Com bill that allowed big groups to own hundreds of stations....when making the maximum amount of profit for the least overhead (read: employees) was the only thing that mattered.

Sure hope this forces big corporate chains to sell off many of their stations at pennies on the dollar to local owners who love the business. The concern is...will these new owners be able to earn enough money to even pay the basic bills?

Yeah, I think many of those corporate fat cats have gotten too big for their britches! I think it's high time to pry their scummy hands off particularly the more marginal operations. Have someone with vision operate them! I think if you offer something innovative - especially something that FM broadcasters won't touch with a 20-foot pole AND that you can keep solvent, you have a chance. Frankly, I think marginal AMs are worth much less than the asking prices. I think one decimal point to the left might be appropriate in many if not most cases! I also believe that programming a station has become a lost art; and it needs to be revived! You need to have announcers that will talk about the music a bit more and not babble about a bunch of BS!! You need to have programming that will keep the listeners tuned to you and not grabbing the damned tuning knob every five minutes!!

 

[MediaLover]

What is the future of AM radio as a whole, including in Cleveland? WTAM I could see surviving a long time, not sure about others.

 

[Whiplash]

How about I address my station later today. I'll post details here! Thanks!

 

[Whiplash]

A year ago, we entered in a sales agreement to sell both WHTX and WYCL. The buyer would not close, dragged his feet, and then when the copper was stolen from the WYCL towers, held me hostage on the closing, asking for discounts to the place where he wants it given to him. From that point on with attorney's and without attorney's we have negociated, fought, and ended up in court.

Signed two more LMA's during this time. The WYCL was breached by its party, when they didn't pay for two months. And the WHTX LMA with a different party has breached its contract multiple times so far, and never pay on time.

So I grew tired of it and took WYCL dark at this time. I have plans to sell them, or take them back over myself.

 

[MediaLover]

A year ago, we entered in a sales agreement to sell both WHTX and WYCL. The buyer would not close, dragged his feet, and then when the copper was stolen from the WYCL towers, held me hostage on the closing, asking for discounts to the place where he wants it given to him. From that point on with attorney's and without attorney's we have negociated, fought, and ended up in court.

Signed two more LMA's during this time. The WYCL was breached by its party, when they didn't pay for two months. And the WHTX LMA with a different party has breached its contract multiple times so far, and never pay on time.

So I grew tired of it and took WYCL dark at this time. I have plans to sell them, or take them back over myself.

Wasn't the buyer the guy who filpped the stations to spanish and urban? That was a bad move for the Youngstown area population.

You should take them back over regardless and then sell them rather than to wait out with the LMAs.

 

[Whiplash]

Litigation is probably going to prevent me from doing anything at this point. Yeap the buyer sued us after he breached the contract. What a country we live in!

 

[mavradiotv]

Wasn't the buyer the guy who filpped the stations to spanish and urban? That was a bad move for the Youngstown area population.

You should take them back over regardless and then sell them rather than to wait out with the LMAs.

Actually urban is better than classic country or adult standards as when Youngstown had a urban radio station (WRBP) it was towards the end the FOURTH Highest radio station in the market and billed and higher ratings than HOT 101 WHOT.

And if the rumors are correct, urban will be returning via WGFT-1330/ W232AI 93.7 (was 94.3) via the former GM of WRBP Skip B.

The market has more than enough to support a urban station a spanish station however is a tougher sale.

 

[mavradiotv]

Litigation is probably going to prevent me from doing anything at this point. Yeap the buyer sued us after he breached the contract. What a country we live in!

Sorry to hear how you have had less than perfect luck in this town as this town is known for the local sharks/clowns/crooks/and village idiots and they love to hear themselves speak.

If it was me personally, I would sell only if they have cash, pass a credit check/background check/ not a politician/lawyer and stay away from the LMA's.

If you do decide to run them, I would really consider to rebrand 1540 to your cat country brand and play off of the old WICT-FM 95.1 the cat (now froggy 95.1) and retire the farm as 1540 needs to have a fresh start.

And unless things have changed in town (no longer live in Ohio) Youngstown has no ESPN affiliate and that could be an option as i do recall you had some success when 1570 had fox sports.

 

[Tim]

So many radio folks really believe if they find that special format...the money will come (ad revenues).

Most stations have at least some audience (obviously some stations have a lot more than others). But, the biggest problem is not enough advertising sales.

Not constantly changing formats to find that "silver bullet"....one that will make profits fall out of the sky without proper sales staff quality & effort.

 

[MediaLover]

Any updates on WHTX and whether someone will put WYCL back on the air? Curious after seeing the Youngstown post on AM radio here.

 

[gabigley1]

Any updates on WHTX and whether someone will put WYCL back on the air? Curious after seeing the Youngstown post on AM radio here.

What AM radio stations in Youngstown are currently silent and off the air? 1330,1500,1540 and 1570 are the frequencies of the radio stations that may all be off the air in Youngstown.

 

[mavradiotv]

What AM radio stations in Youngstown are currently silent and off the air? 1330,1500,1540 and 1570 are the frequencies of the radio stations that may all be off the air in Youngstown.

WGFT (1330) and WASN (1500) are off the air with a STA to return to air by early next year. 1330 is listed as a feeder for W32AI 94.3 (moving to 93.7). W32Ai is owned by WGFT/WASN GM Skip. WASN studio is listed as WYSU according to the FCC database.

As for WYCL and WHTX, maybe the owner can come on here and give a update.