Stations to shift positions due to FCC decisions
Don Day | January 21, 2008The Federal Communications Commission just approved a big rulemaking document that affects a raft of frequencies across Idaho. As part of the decision, KZDX/99.9 The Buzz will have to leave its current dial position behind for a new slot at 93.5 FM. KZBQ/Idaho Country 93.7 will shift to 93.9 FM – and KQEU/Arrow 107.1 will slide up to 107.9
Our FCC expert Oldtimer has the breakdown:
WINNERS in IDAHO
- Sand Hill Media’s KSNA 94.3 a C2 licensed to Rexburg Idaho swaps channels with co-owned KUPI at 99.1 thus giving it an improved signal over Idaho Falls.
- Sand Hill’s KUPI takes over the frequency of BYU-Idaho’s KBYI at 100.5 which will give it a transmitter site near Idaho Falls and thus coverage over both Idaho Falls & Pocatello.
- Sun Valley Radio’s KLZX 95.9 licensed to Weston ID upgrades to a C3 from an A and moves to 99.9.
- Simmons owned KOAX 107.3 C2 licensed to Kemmerer WY becomes a move-in to Shelley Idaho covering Idaho Falls & Blackfoot.
- College Creek, another Chris Devine entity, has their Ashton Idaho Fm construction permit changed from 96.5 class A to 104.5 which will allow it to move closer to Idaho Falls & Rexburg.LOSERS in IDAHO
- The community of Soda Springs loses its only local FM as it moves to Wilson (Jackson) WY at 100.1 as a C3.
- BYU-Idaho’s KBYI is forced to change frequencies from 100.5 to 94.3 despite its objections to the FCC.
- KZBQ Pocatello changes frequency from 93.7 to 93.9 despites its objections to the FCC.
- KZDX Burley changes frequency from 99.9 to 93.5.
- KQEO Idaho Falls changes frequency from 107.1 to 107.9
- Vacant channel 105.1 class A at Dubois ID to 96.5 class A
Arrow 107.1 will be staying at frequency 107.1…
As KnowItAll indicates…there may be some stations involved in this docket that end up “swapping” frequencies with other stations/allocations AND there may be other modifications yet to be filed by stations or CPs involved in this docket now that the FCC has actually acted. For example, Tri-State Media Corporation (controlled by Morgan Skinner of St. George UT) licensee of KITT-FM at Soda Springs, has this station “listed” with media broker Beth Griffins. The listing indicates that KITT is or will be licensed to Shelley Idaho at 107.9 however, as stated in the FCC docket, the current KITT is moving to Wilson WY and KQEO (Arrow 107) has been assigned 107.9 so there must already be some “horse trading” going on that the FCC is yet to be made aware of. Let the swap & sale games go on!
Typical Chris Devine BS. Move-in rimshots and screw the longtime frequency holders. Happened in SLC and now here. If you are a big corporate with big bucks it is easy, but if you are a smaller operator you get smacked. KBYI has been on its frequency since the early 80’s, KLZX is a relatively new signal that goes to 99.9, whereas the BUZZ, KZDX had been there since the seventies. Is there no sanctity in broadcasting, or respect for seniority? Maybe we need a house-cleaning in Washington with our buddy Kevin Martin, the biggest friend of big money and the big lobby.
Hey! Maybe we should apply the FCC’s think to water rights in Idaho…Problem Solved.
All this frequency swapping can mean only one thing…..MORE COUNTRY STATIONS!! Yeeee Haaawwww!!
I would welcome more country, southern gospel, and quality talk radio because it would encourage a return to the fundamental roots of the country and encourage discussion and thinking as opposed to a lot of the trash we currently have on radio.
We want to be ENTERTAINED…not “Informed” ha ha ha.
I’m pretty sure it won’t be country….Promise…
Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) has a great song…. regarding entertainment….. AMUSED TO DEATH. I love the concept.
Amused To Death: The Stories of John Belushi, John Candy, Britney Spears, and Others. Sounds like good “infotainment” to me. Not.