WIFE-FM Connersville to go dark by next Thursday

[Apollo7979]

Well, it was months in the making, but according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, WIFE-FM will be making the move to it's Cincinnati stick next week. Meanwhile, Cumulus has sold the intellectual property of their Jammin' Oldies station (Mojo 94.9) to Radio One and the name and possibly some of the personalities will make the switch to 100.3 Thursday morning, September 21 to the new "Mojo 100.3". Unlike the present Mojo, current indications suggest this Mojo will be an urban AC similiar to WTLC in Indy.

So much for "Super Oldies" on 100.3. It really isn't that bad of a station. It's too bad it'll only be on the AM station from now on. Richmond & Connersville, listen to the oldies while they last, and fill us in on what they're doing to tell people to make the swich to 1580.

 

[lurkerjock]

From RBR:
Radio One trades in its wife
for some mojo
Radio One's WIFE-FM hasn't even quite moved in yet and already is being dumped. The FM move-in, coming to Radio One from Rodgers Broadcasting as it moves from Connorsville IN to Norwood OH and the Cincinnati market will have some established intellectual property waiting for it in the form of Jammin' Oldies WMOJ-FM, known locally as Mojo. The station was bought for 18M, and Radio One will add 5M to that total for the Mojo calls and format, which are coming from Cumulus Media Partners. Cumulus picked up the station, along with two other Queen City FMs, in its big buy of the Susquehanna Radio Group last year. "This acquisition is a fantastic strategic move for us," said Liggins. "First, it enables us to hit the ground running with our new Cincinnati station. Second, it should provide us with a rapid revenue and cash flow ramp for this new station. Finally, this acquisition further solidifies our urban competitive position in the Cincinnati market." Radio One already owns and operates Urban WIZF-FM in the market.

 

[hipporadio]

Apollo is right-on... The Super Oldies format on WIFE “really isn't that bad of a station” – in fact, it is rather refreshing by contemporary “corporate” standards. I grew up within sight of that stick - and only after “the end of FM radio in Connersville” was announced this past spring, did that station seem to “step up” and take on an aggressive and “interesting” life of its own (seems throughout nearly 60 years of history – it’s been a “stepchild” for something). Oh I know, genius - “the imaging could be better” - but its PD (Bob Wills) is mature, very capable, and passionate about past pop music – and it shows. His choice and variety of music on that station is outstanding - and delightfully “non-corporate” – Thank goodness [insert breath of fresh air here]! The station seems poised to continue with a LIVE on-air staff, local news and sports, and a “full service” concept – even as a stand-alone AM!

Although its ownership appears to have replaced nearly EVERYTHING (except the tower) in the AM system (its sound quality is very good); the station’s RF coverage has deteriorated noticeably over the past few decades. Imagine the effects of 50-plus years on a ground system that was much less than optimum to begin with (it’s perched at the summit of a very steep hill). Few have noticed, since the 1580 frequency has served only as a thoughtless simulcast since the early 80s. Any “makeover” desperately calls for an “RF solution” if this demure AM is to have a long-term outlook.

I’m able to enjoy this station in exceptional quality off an old Carver TX-11b wideband AM tuner routed to the net thru a private 64k mp3 feed on a business T-1 in Connersville. The net has been churning since 9/13 with the “final date” for WIFE-FM’s R.I.P. – but as of this morning – there has been no on-air mention of “a change”. Much of the imaging positions “1580”, but staff still haphazardly ties “Super Oldies” to the 100.3 FM frequency – as they have all summer.

We hear and toss around so much speculation – and downright “wishing” – that some better-than-anemic effort be applied to “dormant” smaller market AMs... Well – we now have our “science fair project”... I sincerely hope this one takes home a prize, and I wish the very best to the “Super Oldies 1580” WIFE format!

 

[donkeypuncher]

Im surprised they even had a raydeeo station there in the first place because when I was a kid we went there on a feild trip and they were big on keeping everything like it was in the older days even churning milk and using glass in windows that wasnt really clear like todays glass if you know what I mean. Glad to see they changed up with modern technology and sorry to see this station go down like it sounds like its going to go down.

 

[Flying-Dutchman]

This dhould not have happened. The FCC that was in place 20 years ago would have never allowed this! Not only is Connersville losing it's class B radio station, but other counties in the area are losing
the only station that paid any attention to them.

 

[hipporadio]

'Forgot to mention... WIFE is promoting a live audio internet stream "starting very soon" at www.wifefm.com A thought... Since R-1 has looted Connersville's FM radio station, leaving behind ONLY a 250-watt (day) / 5-watt (night) service... Maybe they'd be "nice" and get their sycophants at the FCC to approve yet another instance of "the impossible" - and move 1310AM/Indy to C'ville... Then "13-WIFE" would be back in "period form"... FAT CHANCE - and only a wistful anecdote. :'( Flying-Dutchman... We WORE that 45rpm single down to the bare vinyl last spring on the Cincy Board. The "corporate-types" who thought the WIFE "move" was just great - and a shining example of "the free-market system" - actually had to retreat to nightschool for an additional MBA in a pathetic attempt to argue against the very point you just made here in your post. See my brief but humorous analogy for all the racing hearts regarding the "R-1 Miracle" today on the Cincy Board. ;D

 

[MikeStandardsFromIndiana]

Lol Radio One owns 1310 Indianapolis so i dont see them really wanting to give up its only am station in indianapolis so the Old 13 WIFE would return somewhere

 

[brian_stevens]

The FCC that was in place 20 years ago would have never allowed this!

Oh really? Then explain WSMJ.

 

[brian_stevens]

Flying-Dutchman... We WORE that 45rpm single down to the bare vinyl last spring on the Cincy Board. The "corporate-types" who thought the WIFE "move" was just great - and a shining example of "the free-market system" - actually had to retreat to nightschool for an additional MBA in a pathetic attempt to argue against the very point you just made here in your post.

And Flying-Dutchman's point was...? Respectfully, our friend the Dutchman is well versed in a Central Indiana community that in 1978 lost it's only local service. With no AM to fall back on. What's happening in Connersville is nothing new.

 

[MacOConnor]

I think you're thinking of Conner Prairie in Fishers, In NE of Indy...

Im surprised they even had a raydeeo station there in the first place because when I was a kid we went there on a feild trip and they were big on keeping everything like it was in the older days even churning milk and using glass in windows that wasnt really clear like todays glass if you know what I mean. Glad to see they changed up with modern technology and sorry to see this station go down like it sounds like its going to go down.

 

[hipporadio]

Flying-Dutchman... The "corporate-types" who thought the WIFE "move" was just great - and a shining example of "the free-market system" - actually had to retreat to nightschool in a pathetic attempt to argue against the very point you just made here in your post.

And Flying-Dutchman's point was...? Respectfully, our friend the Dutchman is well versed in a Central Indiana community that in 1978 lost it's only local service. With no AM to fall back on. What's happening in Connersville is nothing new.

Brian... Dutchman’s point could not be more clear! But knowing that your “and the point is...” question is often used as a popular debate retort - I will attempt to add additional and factual clarity:

If I am correct in assuming that you are referencing the late-70s “migration” of the 99.5 frequency from Greenfield to become what is now WZPL – that is FAR from a proper analogy. At that time Booth Broadcasting DID NOT propose to change Channel 258’s original community allocation and Greenfield as the C.O.L. In fact, Booth continued to comply with all of the mandates having that C.O.L. required (MANY more than is the case today). The transmission site was not relocated somewhere 60+ miles past the horizon, and Greenfield NEVER suffered a loss of 70dbu service from the new 99.5 facility. Even then, that city was considered “sub-politan” and enjoyed NUMEROUS broadcast services from adjacent Indianapolis. Such is not the case in the WIFE-FM matter. Connersville is nowhere near close proximity to the “underserved non-urbanized city of Norwood, Ohio” LOL!!! It does not receive local coverage from the modified facility, as it receives very little (and virtually no) dependable fulltime coverage from any Indianapolis, Cincinnati, or Dayton station (save WLW – but note my use of the term “virtually no”). I’m sorry, Brian – but to justify such - or even rationalize the 100.3 exodus from Connersville with a reason as trite as “this is nothing new” by comparing it to the 99.5/Greenfield circumstances of nearly three decades ago, is “lame” at best.

Reference the current Cox-Louisville application to upgrade WRKA. In that case, Cox (the obvious benefactor) was upfront as the perpetrator, and their proposal made acceptable allowances and substitutions for EVERY current facility and standing allocation involved. Such was NOT the case in the WIFE-FM matter. The “real” benefactor (Radio One) was represented BY PROXY, and NO ACCEPTABLE SUBSTITUTION was proposed for the departing WIFE-FM allocation at Connersville. It was a blatant example of two parties illusively treating a small community’s only FM radio service as a simple “commodity” – for which $18mil served as the only consideration. Unless I somehow missed some clandestine rewrite of the Communications Act (and even the infamous Telecom Bill), a broadcast frequency is not the property of its operator. In the event that a “shuffle” of the allocation scheme results in new and improved service – such a change is permitted so long as an acceptable service substitution is made at a location where a channel’s removal is proposed. This historical precedent somehow eluded the eyes of the Radio-One sycophants at the FCC in the WIFE-FM move proposal!?!? This is not the first time R-1 has benefited from “distracted attentions” at the Commission!

 

[brian_stevens]

Re: Hipporadio

Thank you ever so much for the kindly worded reply. Your compassionate and rational response is appreciated. It's so refreshing to find a contributor that can wisely and wittily respond without the usual rancor and dramatics. You truly are the expert.

(In regards to factual clarity. It was Heftel. Not Booth. A minor point but worth mentioning.)

 

[hipporadio]

Thank you ever so much for the kindly worded reply. Your compassionate and rational response is appreciated. It's so refreshing to find a contributor that can wisely and wittily respond without the usual rancor and dramatics. You truly are the expert.

(In regards to factual clarity. It was Heftel. Not Booth. A minor point but worth mentioning.)

Brian... I hope that my "passion" on this topic does not overwhelm wisdom and witt - as I certainly do not appreciate, nor do I wish to contribute to the "dramatics" you describe. I am aware that (for years) FMs have been shuffled around in suburban and sub-politan areas in an effort by owners to "sweeten the pot". I have even seen very elaborate schemes (such as the one in coastal SC and GA back in the early 90s) that rewrote a quarter of the FM Table to increase the number of signals in Charleston and Savannah. In each case, these proposals were in the name of the benefactor (not some illusive proxy) and met ALL of the requirements to preserve local service in smaller affected communities. As a former operator, I played a lower-stakes form of that game to enhance my own properties. I had the experience of more than just a casual lesson from a very good DC attorney on these matters, and I ALWAYS played by the rules (my counsel - also named Brian - would not have initiated anything otherwise). Hence, my level of contempt TOWARD THE FCC for "turning their head" in regards to the shameless self-promotion and enrichment associated with the WIFE-FM transaction. I hope you understand, Brian? THANKS!

BTW... You're right about Heftel... I nearly forgot that "Cecil" got into trouble and had to sell to Johnny Booth - who then got into ethical trouble himself... Interesting biz!

 

[brian_stevens]

I am aware that (for years) FMs have been shuffled around in suburban and sub-politan areas in an effort by owners to "sweeten the pot". I have even seen very elaborate schemes (such as the one in coastal SC and GA back in the early 90s) that rewrote a quarter of the FM Table to increase the number of signals in Charleston and Savannah.

I've always found such attempts to "sweeten the pot" to be most entertaining. Looking back, the first I remember reading about a Connersville FM move to Cincinnati was in 1990. (Did the Radio One / Hughes family own anything more than WOL then?)

So here is where we differ. And please know that in saying this I define "service" as programming content, not just as a signal off a nearby tower.

To me, Greenfield lost local service when WSMJ's Paul Braden accepted that big check from the good Congressman Heftel. When Heftel fired up the fog machine and disco ball of Kiss 99, all local talk, news, weather, sports...all local service was gone. Sure, the signal didn't move. Or after the move to Post Road, at least not far.

The tower for 99.5 could have stayed behind that old chicken hatchery on West Main or moved a half a world away. No diff. With no local Greenfield service from that stick, it didn't matter where it sat. For me, losing our only local service in Greenfield was more objectionable than Connersville losing an FM where an AM remains. Connersville still has local service from 1580.

The person who made the choice with Greenfield was Paul Braden. Where Rodgers and Braden vary is that Braden never much cared about Greenfield. His interest was operating Musiplex, a Muzak knockoff on a WSMJ subcarrier. He made millions in selling 99.5 to Heftel and leased the subcarrier to continue operating Musiplex post sale.

To me, as long as Connersville still has 1580, I have very little problem with the FM move to Cincinnati. Local service continues. The plan for a move had been floated for years. Dave Rodgers finally chose (either on his own or as you suggest by proxy) to put it in motion. And with that 18 m R-1 check, he has certainly profited well from it.

Dave Rodgers is a good guy. Good for him. I also say good luck to Radio One with a mighty big gamble.

 

[hipporadio]

I am aware that (for years) FMs have been shuffled around in suburban and sub-politan areas in an effort by owners to "sweeten the pot". I have even seen very elaborate schemes (such as the one in coastal SC and GA back in the early 90s) that rewrote a quarter of the FM Table to increase the number of signals in Charleston and Savannah.

I've always found such attempts to "sweeten the pot" to be most entertaining...
So here is where we differ. And please know that in saying this I define "service" as programming content, not just as a signal off a nearby tower.
To me, Greenfield lost local service when WSMJ's Paul Braden accepted that big check from the good Congressman Heftel. When Heftel fired up the fog machine and disco ball of Kiss 99...
The person who made the choice with Greenfield was Paul Braden. Where Rodgers and Braden vary is that Braden never much cared about Greenfield. His interest was operating Musiplex...
Dave Rodgers is a good guy... I also say good luck to Radio One...

Great post, Brian... THREE near-ancient memories in one morning... WHEW! The “good Congressman” from Hawaii, Kiss 99, and “Braden--The SubCaster”... My years are showing. I was but a newly-crowned teenager, who wondered why 99.5’s 19 kHz pilot illuminated the stereo beacon on my new Realistic home receiver for only HALF the day. Many years later I would receive my education in FM sub-carriers, and learn that forgoing stereo allowed Braden to sandwich more supermarket audio into his FM signal.

Your analogy regarding Braden verses Rodgers is “right on” (Geeze, the 70s are becoming recurrent here today). I only know OF Dave Rodgers – a friend in the biz recently told me that I could stand to gain much by picking up his tab after several hours of cocktails – not FROM the adult beverages – rather the T.S.L. Throughout frequent discourse about WIFE-FM last spring on the Cincy board; while I never approved of the Commission’s departure from its historic priorities allowing the frequency to be sold with no viable replacement - I always added that Rodgers was BY FAR the best operator in that stations long history. As for Radio One – I remain far more reticent.

Brian, your definition of “service” is firmly rooted in the “ethical” genre... I cannot let that go without due recognition. Because of the nature of this forum and the discussion/passion on it, when arguing the outcome of a technical procedure – I feel compelled to define “service” within its “legal” domain. Failure to do so invites the obvious from those you are debating.

An uninvolved proponent of the WIFE-FM transaction clearly falls into a well identified group. The corporate/anti-corporate paradigm is more than accounted for here, and superimposes itself upon a broad range of issues. It’s very close to the general social analogy of the “haves vs. the have-nots”. While the “nots” have fair concerns (and usually an ax that needs sharpening) – the corporate element is driven by motive and sheer preservation of their current status quo. Any criticism invites a very territorial response – not at all unlike a bunch of Frat Boys caught in a hazing act... Hold them accountable, and their response is “You hate us because you’re not good enough to be one of us”.

While all of this may be interesting to the very “shrinks” hired today to evaluate eclectic radio employees, it should not mitigate intelligent and informative discussion of controversial industry issues - (as you said) free from the rancor, resume comparisons, and drama. You may not be surprised to know that MANY employed to steer their clients’ ad dollars, routinely read these “professional” forums – and although humored – come away with the impression that the radio industry is quickly becoming disheveled and desperate.

Thanks for your “experience from age”-type insight, Brian!

 

[hipporadio]

The former WSMJ calls stand for...

I am aware that (for years) FMs have been shuffled around in suburban and sub-politan areas in an effort by owners to "sweeten the pot". I have even seen very elaborate schemes (such as the one in coastal SC and GA back in the early 90s) that rewrote a quarter of the FM Table to increase the number of signals in Charleston and Savannah.

To me, Greenfield lost local service when WSMJ's Paul Braden accepted that big check from the good Congressman Heftel...
His interest was operating Musiplex, a Muzak knockoff on a WSMJ subcarrier.

Brian... It dawned on me after you returned the WSMJ calls to my memory...

Could they possibly have stood for: We're SuperMarket Jams :

GoooodDay!

 

[gr8oldies]

Frankfort actually got a 50,000 watt FM on 99.7 thanks to the WSMJ/WIKS move...they appaently footed the bill because they had to move WILO-FM(now WSHW) about 15 miles north of Frankfort. Whether Greenfield "lost" service or not, I couldn't say. With there being no FCC control of formats, there could be no requirement that WSMJ keep targeting programming exlusively to Greenfield. The FCC allocated signals which could reach far beyond their City of License...it should have been easy to foretell that given the chance, these signals would go after greener pastures whether its a Monticello, IN moving to Brookston to target Lafayette or Shelbyville or Greenfield's stations dropping the swap shop and becoming players in Indianapolis. A case where the situation worked out well was when WBYR moved from Van Wert OH to Ft. Wayne..the signal was replaced by a station licensed to nearby Paulding.

I don't neccesarily believe that if Community A has a station licensed to it (especially a higher powered one), that it needs to stay licensed there until the end of time. I find it still interesting to note the lack of public outcry in Connersville, folks packing city council chambers up in arms about their local station going away. Country is just up the road in Richmond.

 

[Kent]

I don't neccesarily believe that if Community A has a station licensed to it (especially a higher powered one), that it needs to stay licensed there until the end of time. I find it still interesting to note the lack of public outcry in Connersville, folks packing city council chambers up in arms about their local station going away. Country is just up the road in Richmond.

What it goes back to is that, in many cases, people were listening to the larger market's stations anyway. Sherman/Denison, TX has lost almost all of its stations to Dallas/Ft. Worth in the last 10-years. However, they're not missed by many. People have been able to hear Dallas stations in their cars for at least the last 15 years, when quality FM receivers were standard pretty much everywhere. Home stereos have also had good receivers since at least that time (I have several that are quite-a-bit older that do fine). I suspect people in Connersville can get Cincinnati on every receiver except for portables and clock radios and have been listening to those stations since.

 

[ten_four]

The move of Greenfield's tower to Post Road did NOT affect Shine 99's tower position. The story I heard was that Shine's owner Vern Kaspar threatened to place his 50,000 watt tower in southern Clinton county, which would have caused interference to 99-5's signal in Boone County (in the Indianapolis metro.)
Cecil Heftel paid for Shine 99's tower when Vern landed some property in northern Clinton county, to give him city grade in Frankfort, Kokomo and Lafayette.

As far as the Connersville situation is concerned, there are a lot of local frequencies that barely serve their city of license with local news, sports, etc., any more. Bluffton, Alexandria, Hartford City, and Elwood just start the list. Yes, their towers are still there, and from time to time a remote or two from those locations, but not to the extent of the 60s and 70s and 80s. I agree, at least they still have a local service available.
But the FCC should provide a new FM freq for the market.

 

[hipporadio]

I find it still interesting to note the lack of public outcry in Connersville, folks packing city council chambers up in arms about their local station going away. Country is just up the road in Richmond.

Of all of the circumstances and rational thrown out in support of the WIFE-FM move to Cincy on the Cincinnati board last winter – your comment was the most popular and THE ONLY one that was 100% accurate. Sadly, you are right! Connersville did not complain – not to its city council and not to the FCC! In fairness, Dave Rodgers fully disclosed his plans to sell the 100.3 frequency, which would result in it moving to Norwood, Ohio. He was open and candid about the matter in an interview with The Connersville News Examiner about a year before the grant of the CP and sale. Sidebar: Rodgers also stated that “Connersville will have an FM radio station – it just won’t be at 100.3.” To what degree that published comment may have mitigated public formal objection – I can’t fairly say. Furthermore, Connersville is a community struggling with many “bread & butter” economic issues that far outweigh its leisurely interest in local radio.

The accuracy of your observation aside, I still cannot imagine that the Commission WOULD GRANT such a request based only on a clean comment folder. Again, their historic priorities have taken precedence over root public comment in nearly EVERY ruling they have made. Furthermore, individuals have long perceived their words and opinions to be powerless in the face of the federal government in particular – and they all know of the FCC and its pedigree as a federal agency.

Do listeners complain to the Commission about offensive content? Yes! Do they respond to quick on-air announcements regarding technical stuff in the public file? No! Let me share a 10-year personal experience and very good example which makes this point... Our stations were the “bad boys” in a Midwest market of 13... A long history of colorful morning shows and "adult beverage" promotions; “Strokin” [unedited] Fridays at 5PM on the FM Rocker; a “Dirty Ole Man” Oldies AM jock who’s “retake” on Jim Stafford’s “My Girl Bill” and Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself” while hilarious – were far from the conservative “community standard”. Complaints – PLENTY - to the paper and local CBS TV affiliate, but NONE in the form of an objection to our three license renewals! Not even our well publicized and shocking (albeit temporary) takeover of the market’s coveted Christian AM station drew a single written complaint during the transfer process. If circumstances such as these didn’t gin up an FCC complaint crusade, how could you expect Connersville to suddenly become mesmerized by the migratory habits of one WIFE-FM?