What would you do with WBT?

[tylerSC]

It has also been rumored that Cox maybe interested in selling their TV spectrum in the repack auction. Of the folks I have heard rumored to be interested in WBT and WLNK Cox and Raycom are not among them.

t123

From what I understand, TV stations above RF30 may be required by the FCC to move to a lower channel frequency. Which means WSOC-TV Channel 9 may have to vacate RF34. Same for Cox flagship WSB-TV Channel 2 in Atlanta, which currently transmits on RF39. Hopefully they will move to another channel that will preserve their current coverage area for over the air antenna viewers. And I really wish they would consider moving WSOC-TV to a taller tower near Dallas like WBTV and the other stations in Gaston County which have a wider coverage area. That is why WCNC moved Channel 36 out of Mecklenburg County to give them a stronger signal. And although WSOC has a strong signal in Charlotte and the eastern counties, it is weaker to the west compared to WBTV and WCNC. And WLOS from Asheville is also a bit weak on RF13, so ABC has weak reception between Spartanburg and Gastonia compared to 2 strong CBS signals, WBTV and WSPA. If WSOC could make their Crowder's Mtn. translator a full power signal, it would be excellent and perhaps they could keep it on the same RF30.

 

[tylerSC]

Since WBT-1110-AM can still be heard on 107.9 HD2, I'd prefer to keep that intact. I'd propose to sell 99.3 FM at this point. I'd go on to make it an OLDIES Station, which has been absent for way too long from the Charlotte Metro Area.

99.3 MHz is already is equipped with HD Radio Transmissions, so that is one Step Further in reinvigorating the Oldies Format on the Charlotte FM Radio Dial...

That is my NON-Professional 2¢...

- Steve.

Yes I hope they keep WLNK the same with Bob and Sheri, and WBT on 107.9-HD2. Go ahead and sell 99.3 which is a weaker signal. Although I would like to see an FM transmission for WBT other than the HD2 signal. Because after the sun goes down, the 11.10-AM signal does not really make it past the Catawba River. And most folks do not yet have an HD Radio. But I can still receive 99.3 including HD on my home receiver with an attic antenna in Greenville, SC. But much more problematic interference in the car now due to the Georgia station and a new local translator on 99.5.

 

[tylerSC]

I've been thinking about this way too much but I'd bet on EMF (KLove). Beasley could take Bob and Shari and put them on K-104.7 and continue the syndication deal. That's just about the only thing WLNK has going for it. Matt and Ramona are entertaining but I understand they haven't been doing all that well in syndication (are there any other stations airing their show? I'm asking, I don't know).

Selling to EMF gets rid of competition for ad dollars.

Who are the other possible owners? Entercom? I know they have clusters in Greensboro, NC and Greenville, SC, is that enough? There is Curtis Media Group but they seem to have enough dead or dying AM's around the state. Could they afford/want Charlotte? I read the Beasley financial info they give to investors and it said they are talking to possible buyers and expect to have it wrapped when the Greater Media sale is completed. True or just something to tell investors?

WBT's ratings are already doing a long slide down. One of the writers for All Access stated that conservative talk stations should look for that next big thing because no matter who gets elected the ratings will sink for these stations even more a couple of months after election day. The trouble is nobody knows what that next big thing is!

No please don't put Bob and Sheri on 104.7 which has a limited signal due to WNOK in Columbia, and I can't get 104.7 at my location in Greenville, SC. WLNK always had listeners in Greenville, SC before local translator interference. But you can still get clear reception with home radio and rabbit ears antenna including HD. But no longer clear in the car.

 

[DToTheJ]

So around the same time Radio Ink prints this WBT puff piece, the FCC approves the merger... coincidence?
http://radioink.com/2016/10/05/live-local-legendary-greater-medias-wbtcharlotte/

 

[DToTheJ]

I'd bet on EMF (KLove)... Selling to EMF gets rid of competition for ad dollars...

Would think EMF would be content with their coverage in the market at 94.1 as well as 91.9 (the former "New Life") but with the above mentioned point, it makes it a whole new ball game.

 

[test123]

I heard a rumor last week. I was only able to confirm that an announcement was coming. I did not think Beasley would keep the Greater Media stations. Early on I heard that Beasley had no intention of keeping the AMs.

http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/a...-spinoffs-wbt-wlnk-wfnz-to-?ref=mail_bulletin

t123

 

[TheBigA]

Probably the easiest way to handle it. Helps them pay down their debt. I see where Entercom is also doing some refinancing of its obligations as well. Plus they're selling off an AM in Atlanta.

 

[vchimpanzee]

Would think EMF would be content with their coverage in the market at 94.1 as well as 91.9 (the former "New Life") but with the above mentioned point, it makes it a whole new ball game.

I discovered when I was looking at 12+ ratings that K-Love is also on WLXK in Boiling Springs, so the market is covered.

 

[Mike Sheridan]

So now all the former Jefferson Pilot Stations are back together. Atlanta, Miami, San Diego,Charlotte and (Denver?) now owned by Entercom.