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WCFB-94.5 now downgraded to a C0

M

MN Maniac

Guest
Checking radio-locator.com, it appears WCFB has completed their move from the recently-destroyed Paisley site to Orange City. In the process, they dropped in status from a full Class C to a Class C0.

The facilities are basically the same, except that power has been decreased just enough to drop under Class C requirements. My guess is this was required due to the slightly closer proximity to 94.7/Gifford from Orange City vs Paisley.

Here's the issue: By downgrading to C0, this lessens the level of protection for WCFB. WNFB/94.3 in Lake City has wanted to move their stick closer to Gainesville for years, but has been prevented from doing so by WCFB. Would they now be able to do so?

Or is this just a temporary solution for WCFB? Does Cox have any plans to reconstruct the Paisley site or is this big stick gone forever?
 
I tend to think the Paisley stick is gone for good. If it wasn't for the downgrade in license or the cost in moving a station, I'd think WCFB may have wanted to move to Orange City in the first place. Plus, they won't have to re-con$truct another tower...and the insurance money can probably buy a new xmitter, antenna, and probably leasing space for a year.

Also, I suppose if Paisley were to be rebuilt, WCFB would have kept their STA in Bithlo until it was...maybe with an increase in power, but it wouldn't make much sense to move if it wasn't a permanent thing.

As for WNFB, I think they could move a little...but last time I checked the difference between C-C0 protection contours is only about 5 miles. Add the fact that WCFB is a little east of where they were and WNFB could probably move 10 miles closer to Gainesville.

Radio-X
 
I spoke with their Chief Engineer last Thursday. The FCC has licensed WCFB as a class C0 from the Orange City tower and issued them CP to rebuild with full class C status from the Paisley site. Construction will begin just as soon as they get everything sorted out with their insurance company.

All the rubble has been removed from the Paisley site. The transmitter building foundation was damaged in the tower fall and the insurance company is trying to determine whether the original foundation can be repaired and reused or if it needs to be replaced. The tower base is another issue. It looks fine on the surface, now a crew with sonogram capabilities will evaluate the part that is underground to make sure it is okay to reuse. All the guy wire anchors have already been checked out and are safe to reuse.

Construction will begin this summer unless there is an unforeseen snag with the insurance company.
 
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