B
bearcubpa
Guest
Columbia FM LLC, who also owns WHLM-AM, purchased for $800,000
Interesting.
Interesting.
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O
odomski
Guest
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
Does WHLM still have an identity crisis? Last time I heard the station (about a year ago) they were calling themselves "news radio," but they played music. I just hope the owners don't pull the same crap on WKAB with the indentity crisis.
Does WHLM still have an identity crisis? Last time I heard the station (about a year ago) they were calling themselves "news radio," but they played music. I just hope the owners don't pull the same crap on WKAB with the indentity crisis.
B
bearcubpa
Guest
> > Columbia FM LLC, who also owns WHLM-AM, purchased for
> > $800,000
> >
> > Interesting.
> >
> The correct price was 1.1 million.....800,000 cash and
> 300,000 on a non compete payable as installments (see FCC
> website).
>
I stand corrected. Thank you. Its still a nice price for a nice station.
> > $800,000
> >
> > Interesting.
> >
> The correct price was 1.1 million.....800,000 cash and
> 300,000 on a non compete payable as installments (see FCC
> website).
>
I stand corrected. Thank you. Its still a nice price for a nice station.
N
namenotneeded
Guest
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
> Does WHLM still have an identity crisis? Last time I heard
> the station (about a year ago) they were calling themselves
> "news radio," but they played music. I just hope the owners
> don't pull the same crap on WKAB with the indentity crisis.
Yeah, WHLM still suffers from an identity crisis. One minute, they're "Newsradio 930," and the next, they're playing the Isley Brothers. It would be nice to see the station actually move over into a news format, because this area needs it. WKOK won't cover the Bloomsburg/Berwick area unless they get a press release from PPL or the state cops, and WGRC just takes stories from the Press Enterprise.
> Does WHLM still have an identity crisis? Last time I heard
> the station (about a year ago) they were calling themselves
> "news radio," but they played music. I just hope the owners
> don't pull the same crap on WKAB with the indentity crisis.
Yeah, WHLM still suffers from an identity crisis. One minute, they're "Newsradio 930," and the next, they're playing the Isley Brothers. It would be nice to see the station actually move over into a news format, because this area needs it. WKOK won't cover the Bloomsburg/Berwick area unless they get a press release from PPL or the state cops, and WGRC just takes stories from the Press Enterprise.
J
Jenna
Guest
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
> WKOK won't cover the Bloomsburg/Berwick area
> unless they get a press release from PPL or the state cops,
> and WGRC just takes stories from the Press Enterprise.
Actually, WGRC does generate stories out of Bloomsburg on its own while also covering a slew of other counties, but when using a story from the PE, is it noted. I don't have a problem with that... Give credit where it is due, and maybe help them sell a few more papers...
I find this fascinating that it has been stated on the Central PA board that being Christian does not makes WGRC a true news source... Beale's Bites doesn't take recognize them, even though WGRC have scooped others -- radio/tv/print -- straight out of their socks from time to time.
You'd think any station that devotes the time and money WGRC does to news/information programming would be noticed, especially a non-profit that relies on donations from listeners.
Nunya
> WKOK won't cover the Bloomsburg/Berwick area
> unless they get a press release from PPL or the state cops,
> and WGRC just takes stories from the Press Enterprise.
Actually, WGRC does generate stories out of Bloomsburg on its own while also covering a slew of other counties, but when using a story from the PE, is it noted. I don't have a problem with that... Give credit where it is due, and maybe help them sell a few more papers...
I find this fascinating that it has been stated on the Central PA board that being Christian does not makes WGRC a true news source... Beale's Bites doesn't take recognize them, even though WGRC have scooped others -- radio/tv/print -- straight out of their socks from time to time.
You'd think any station that devotes the time and money WGRC does to news/information programming would be noticed, especially a non-profit that relies on donations from listeners.
Nunya
E
e-man
Guest
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
> > Does WHLM still have an identity crisis? Last time I
> heard
> > the station (about a year ago) they were calling
> themselves
> > "news radio," but they played music. I just hope the
> owners
> > don't pull the same crap on WKAB with the indentity
> crisis.
>
> Yeah, WHLM still suffers from an identity crisis. One
> minute, they're "Newsradio 930," and the next, they're
> playing the Isley Brothers. It would be nice to see the
> station actually move over into a news format, because this
> area needs it. WKOK won't cover the Bloomsburg/Berwick area
> unless they get a press release from PPL or the state cops,
> and WGRC just takes stories from the Press Enterprise.
>
WKOK needs an invitation to do news anyhow. I've found them behind the ball on most breaking news events. What kind of staffing do they have anyhow, with the voices I hear sounds like a minute by minute turn around there. I bet dollars to dozen, management there as well as pay and benifits suck.
> > Does WHLM still have an identity crisis? Last time I
> heard
> > the station (about a year ago) they were calling
> themselves
> > "news radio," but they played music. I just hope the
> owners
> > don't pull the same crap on WKAB with the indentity
> crisis.
>
> Yeah, WHLM still suffers from an identity crisis. One
> minute, they're "Newsradio 930," and the next, they're
> playing the Isley Brothers. It would be nice to see the
> station actually move over into a news format, because this
> area needs it. WKOK won't cover the Bloomsburg/Berwick area
> unless they get a press release from PPL or the state cops,
> and WGRC just takes stories from the Press Enterprise.
>
WKOK needs an invitation to do news anyhow. I've found them behind the ball on most breaking news events. What kind of staffing do they have anyhow, with the voices I hear sounds like a minute by minute turn around there. I bet dollars to dozen, management there as well as pay and benifits suck.
M
mtucker
Guest
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
> Actually, WGRC does generate stories out of Bloomsburg on
> its own while also covering a slew of other counties, but
> when using a story from the PE, is it noted. I don't have a
> problem with that... Give credit where it is due, and maybe
> help them sell a few more papers...
Then judging by their news page, WGRC helps to sell a LOT of newspapers. Properly attributing the source is fine, but you have to be desperate if your news department relies heavily on local newspapers for coverage.
> I find this fascinating that it has been stated on the
> Central PA board that being Christian does not makes WGRC a
> true news source... Beale's Bites doesn't take recognize
> them, even though WGRC have scooped others -- radio/tv/print
> -- straight out of their socks from time to time.
>
> You'd think any station that devotes the time and money WGRC
> does to news/information programming would be noticed,
> especially a non-profit that relies on donations from
> listeners.
WGRC's definition of "scoop" sounds like "let's take this police report or press release and get to the wire before anyone else." And I'm not singling them out, because other stations do it too. Everyone just waits for the news to come to them, be it a press release, cops on the scanner, or the story in tomorrow's newspaper.
This is why I'm more apt to fire up my Superadio and get my radio news from KYW in Philadelphia. Big cities are the only places where you can find actual radio news anymore.
> Actually, WGRC does generate stories out of Bloomsburg on
> its own while also covering a slew of other counties, but
> when using a story from the PE, is it noted. I don't have a
> problem with that... Give credit where it is due, and maybe
> help them sell a few more papers...
Then judging by their news page, WGRC helps to sell a LOT of newspapers. Properly attributing the source is fine, but you have to be desperate if your news department relies heavily on local newspapers for coverage.
> I find this fascinating that it has been stated on the
> Central PA board that being Christian does not makes WGRC a
> true news source... Beale's Bites doesn't take recognize
> them, even though WGRC have scooped others -- radio/tv/print
> -- straight out of their socks from time to time.
>
> You'd think any station that devotes the time and money WGRC
> does to news/information programming would be noticed,
> especially a non-profit that relies on donations from
> listeners.
WGRC's definition of "scoop" sounds like "let's take this police report or press release and get to the wire before anyone else." And I'm not singling them out, because other stations do it too. Everyone just waits for the news to come to them, be it a press release, cops on the scanner, or the story in tomorrow's newspaper.
This is why I'm more apt to fire up my Superadio and get my radio news from KYW in Philadelphia. Big cities are the only places where you can find actual radio news anymore.
M
mtucker
Guest
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
> > > Does WHLM still have an identity crisis? Last time I
> > heard
> > > the station (about a year ago) they were calling
> > themselves
> > > "news radio," but they played music. I just hope the
> > owners
> > > don't pull the same crap on WKAB with the indentity
> > crisis.
> >
> > Yeah, WHLM still suffers from an identity crisis. One
> > minute, they're "Newsradio 930," and the next, they're
> > playing the Isley Brothers. It would be nice to see the
> > station actually move over into a news format, because
> this
> > area needs it. WKOK won't cover the Bloomsburg/Berwick
> area
> > unless they get a press release from PPL or the state
> cops,
> > and WGRC just takes stories from the Press Enterprise.
> >
> WKOK needs an invitation to do news anyhow. I've found them
> behind the ball on most breaking news events. What kind of
> staffing do they have anyhow, with the voices I hear sounds
> like a minute by minute turn around there. I bet dollars to
> dozen, management there as well as pay and benifits suck.
I don't know, but if this is any indication, then the station treats its best employees like crap. They burned through four reporters last year alone.
> > > Does WHLM still have an identity crisis? Last time I
> > heard
> > > the station (about a year ago) they were calling
> > themselves
> > > "news radio," but they played music. I just hope the
> > owners
> > > don't pull the same crap on WKAB with the indentity
> > crisis.
> >
> > Yeah, WHLM still suffers from an identity crisis. One
> > minute, they're "Newsradio 930," and the next, they're
> > playing the Isley Brothers. It would be nice to see the
> > station actually move over into a news format, because
> this
> > area needs it. WKOK won't cover the Bloomsburg/Berwick
> area
> > unless they get a press release from PPL or the state
> cops,
> > and WGRC just takes stories from the Press Enterprise.
> >
> WKOK needs an invitation to do news anyhow. I've found them
> behind the ball on most breaking news events. What kind of
> staffing do they have anyhow, with the voices I hear sounds
> like a minute by minute turn around there. I bet dollars to
> dozen, management there as well as pay and benifits suck.
I don't know, but if this is any indication, then the station treats its best employees like crap. They burned through four reporters last year alone.
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
I look for Joe to switch formats on 103.5 FM to either a true CHR or playing the Oldies that he currently plays on WHLM AM 930. My bet is a true CHR.
PLUS... you would probably start to see a shift toward the All News theme more on the AM.
More than likely, WKAB call letters will be lost to the more recognizable ones of WHLM FM.
Too bad, Joe doesn't buy the AM 1280 in Berwick and completely control the radio scene in Columbia County. Well, after this purchase of WKAB; he pretty much does now!
I look for Joe to switch formats on 103.5 FM to either a true CHR or playing the Oldies that he currently plays on WHLM AM 930. My bet is a true CHR.
PLUS... you would probably start to see a shift toward the All News theme more on the AM.
More than likely, WKAB call letters will be lost to the more recognizable ones of WHLM FM.
Too bad, Joe doesn't buy the AM 1280 in Berwick and completely control the radio scene in Columbia County. Well, after this purchase of WKAB; he pretty much does now!
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
> I look for Joe to switch formats on 103.5 FM to either a
> true CHR or playing the Oldies that he currently plays on
> WHLM AM 930. My bet is a true CHR.
> More than likely, WKAB call letters will be lost to the more
> recognizable ones of WHLM FM.
If you think Joe is going to "flip formats" you've fallen off the chair in your cubicle. I dont think managment is foolish enough enough to do that. There will more then likely be tweaking of the current Classic Hits format and ownership may try to more aggresively market the product. There is a strong base for this format with the strongest being in the Hazleton area. The demographics speak for themselves. Will more people tune in if it goes true CHR? No.
> I look for Joe to switch formats on 103.5 FM to either a
> true CHR or playing the Oldies that he currently plays on
> WHLM AM 930. My bet is a true CHR.
> More than likely, WKAB call letters will be lost to the more
> recognizable ones of WHLM FM.
If you think Joe is going to "flip formats" you've fallen off the chair in your cubicle. I dont think managment is foolish enough enough to do that. There will more then likely be tweaking of the current Classic Hits format and ownership may try to more aggresively market the product. There is a strong base for this format with the strongest being in the Hazleton area. The demographics speak for themselves. Will more people tune in if it goes true CHR? No.
B
bearcubpa
Guest
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
> I look for Joe to switch formats on 103.5 FM to either a
> true CHR or playing the Oldies that he currently plays on
> WHLM AM 930. My bet is a true CHR.
>
> PLUS... you would probably start to see a shift toward the
> All News theme more on the AM.
>
> More than likely, WKAB call letters will be lost to the more
> recognizable ones of WHLM FM.
>
> Too bad, Joe doesn't buy the AM 1280 in Berwick and
> completely control the radio scene in Columbia County. Well,
> after this purchase of WKAB; he pretty much does now!
>
Isnt there an issue with a large FCC fine hanging over 1280 ? That could cause anyone to take a second look.
> I look for Joe to switch formats on 103.5 FM to either a
> true CHR or playing the Oldies that he currently plays on
> WHLM AM 930. My bet is a true CHR.
>
> PLUS... you would probably start to see a shift toward the
> All News theme more on the AM.
>
> More than likely, WKAB call letters will be lost to the more
> recognizable ones of WHLM FM.
>
> Too bad, Joe doesn't buy the AM 1280 in Berwick and
> completely control the radio scene in Columbia County. Well,
> after this purchase of WKAB; he pretty much does now!
>
Isnt there an issue with a large FCC fine hanging over 1280 ? That could cause anyone to take a second look.
O
odomski
Guest
Re: what FCC fine hanging over 1280?
What fine does the FCC have hanging over WFBS? Can you be a little more specific before providing information like that? Without any details on your statement, that's a very gutsy, ballsy accusation to make...considering you haven't provided any details.
What fine does the FCC have hanging over WFBS? Can you be a little more specific before providing information like that? Without any details on your statement, that's a very gutsy, ballsy accusation to make...considering you haven't provided any details.
B
bearcubpa
Guest
Re: what FCC fine hanging over 1280?
> What fine does the FCC have hanging over WFBS? Can you be a
> little more specific before providing information like that?
> Without any details on your statement, that's a very gutsy,
> ballsy accusation to make...considering you haven't provided
> any details.
>
Sorry about that. I had to do some digging. I knew there was a post about it on the Central PA board
http://www.radio-info.com/mods/board.php?Post=598894&Board=centralpa
and here is the link to the fcc report.
http://www.fcc.gov/eb/Orders/2004/DA-04-3158A1.html
its public knowledge, i just had to take some time to find it.
Thanks
> What fine does the FCC have hanging over WFBS? Can you be a
> little more specific before providing information like that?
> Without any details on your statement, that's a very gutsy,
> ballsy accusation to make...considering you haven't provided
> any details.
>
Sorry about that. I had to do some digging. I knew there was a post about it on the Central PA board
http://www.radio-info.com/mods/board.php?Post=598894&Board=centralpa
and here is the link to the fcc report.
http://www.fcc.gov/eb/Orders/2004/DA-04-3158A1.html
its public knowledge, i just had to take some time to find it.
Thanks
J
JKradio
Guest
> Columbia FM LLC, who also owns WHLM-AM, purchased for
> $800,000
>
> Interesting.
>
Joe was speaking about this sale on Tuesday morning's "WHLM Morning Buzz." He mentioned that he heard a rumor about the possible sale of the station. That was a year ago. He met with the owner who said he had some $1 million-plus offers on the table from the group broadcasters. Joe said WKAB's owner did not want to sell to one of the groups for fear the station would become a hard drive attached to a transmitter. Joe's $1.1 million offer ($800K + a $300K non-compete) was lower than the other offers WKAB's owner had received. WKAB's owner liked what Joe was doing with WHLM and thought that the community connection would continue with local ownership. Joe did not mention formats or staffing in his discussion about the sale. He did say that some "belt tightening" - his words - would have to take place. He also mentioned the benefits a stand-alone would have by having another station in the family. The WKAB sale is a front page story in today's Bloomsberg Press Enterprise. (http://www.pressenterpriseonline.com)
> $800,000
>
> Interesting.
>
Joe was speaking about this sale on Tuesday morning's "WHLM Morning Buzz." He mentioned that he heard a rumor about the possible sale of the station. That was a year ago. He met with the owner who said he had some $1 million-plus offers on the table from the group broadcasters. Joe said WKAB's owner did not want to sell to one of the groups for fear the station would become a hard drive attached to a transmitter. Joe's $1.1 million offer ($800K + a $300K non-compete) was lower than the other offers WKAB's owner had received. WKAB's owner liked what Joe was doing with WHLM and thought that the community connection would continue with local ownership. Joe did not mention formats or staffing in his discussion about the sale. He did say that some "belt tightening" - his words - would have to take place. He also mentioned the benefits a stand-alone would have by having another station in the family. The WKAB sale is a front page story in today's Bloomsberg Press Enterprise. (http://www.pressenterpriseonline.com)
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
That sort of simple maintenance and obvious liability makes all your previous critical comments about others in the market kind of hypocritical doesn't it! Someone should write an instruction manual about how to operate an AM radio station...oh yea! The FCC already did!
> This matter is presently an open issue between the license
> and the commission, so although I acknowledge that it exists
> I can't say anything. The matter is being appealed and that
> response is pending.
>
That sort of simple maintenance and obvious liability makes all your previous critical comments about others in the market kind of hypocritical doesn't it! Someone should write an instruction manual about how to operate an AM radio station...oh yea! The FCC already did!
> This matter is presently an open issue between the license
> and the commission, so although I acknowledge that it exists
> I can't say anything. The matter is being appealed and that
> response is pending.
>
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
The radio station was transferred to me in that condition, and a determination from the FAA which declared that our tower was "waived" existed. In my response, I questioned the commission's transfer process; our station had been off the air for an impossible-to-determine time, the license had not been renewed, and issues surrounding the tower which were to have been in order five years earlier were not...and the commission put it all through.We're appealing, we've been forthright with all issues, the enforcement bureau in Philadelphia recommended the commission drop it given the level of candor and cooperation, given that the original license did not properly identify the correct location of the tower ( and my work and level of cooperation exposed that), given those things we hope to prevail.
And yeah..I still reserve the right to comment on things happening in the medium that are wrong, and right.
The radio station was transferred to me in that condition, and a determination from the FAA which declared that our tower was "waived" existed. In my response, I questioned the commission's transfer process; our station had been off the air for an impossible-to-determine time, the license had not been renewed, and issues surrounding the tower which were to have been in order five years earlier were not...and the commission put it all through.We're appealing, we've been forthright with all issues, the enforcement bureau in Philadelphia recommended the commission drop it given the level of candor and cooperation, given that the original license did not properly identify the correct location of the tower ( and my work and level of cooperation exposed that), given those things we hope to prevail.
And yeah..I still reserve the right to comment on things happening in the medium that are wrong, and right.
S
SamBuca
Guest
Re: WKAB-FM Berwick sold...WHLM question
After looking over your paperwork and hearing the story, I'd say your purchase was null and void. 47 CFR 73.1740 expires the license after 12 consecutive months of no operation...and failing to renew it just furthers the fact that there never was a license anyway.
FCC should take back the allotment, auction it off, and then you can get it...probably cheaper than fighting the FCC and paying past due fines, not to mention you'd start with a clean slate.<P ID="signature">______________
</P>
After looking over your paperwork and hearing the story, I'd say your purchase was null and void. 47 CFR 73.1740 expires the license after 12 consecutive months of no operation...and failing to renew it just furthers the fact that there never was a license anyway.
FCC should take back the allotment, auction it off, and then you can get it...probably cheaper than fighting the FCC and paying past due fines, not to mention you'd start with a clean slate.<P ID="signature">______________
</P>
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