US

FCC Report 6/2: Nielsen Market Definitions Still Cannot Determine Translator Contours

FCC Actions
The FCC has rejected Reno Media Group’s application for review seeking a waiver request to increase power on 96.9 K245DC Carson City NV from 40 watts to 250 watts.

K245DC, which rebroadcasts 1270 KBZZ Sparks, currently operates as Classic Rock “The Hog” along with 92.5 K223AL Reno/106.9 KRNO-HD2. The company filed its application in January 2021 to allow the translator “to better serve its core market” claiming that due to the shape and size of the Reno market as defined by Nielsen and intervening terrain there is low conductivity and diminished reception for KBZZ in Carson City. The FCC dismissed the application stating that neither were unusual circumstances that warranted deviation from the FM Translator Siting Rule authorizing a translator rebroadcasting an AM to be within the greater of 25 miles or within the AM’s daytime 2 mV/m contour. The application sought to place the translator’s contour 42 miles from KBZZ’s translator site and beyond its 2 mV/m contour.

In dismissing the application for review, the commission finds the waiver request in direct conflict with the FCC rules and it was properly denied as there was no reference to a Nielsen market or to suggest that translators could be placed to provide service throughout a market as defined by Nielsen.

GeoBroadcast Solutions is promoting that after the FCC permitting FM Boosters to originate a limited amount of programming, a number of operators have applied to utilize their ZoneCasting technology.

Among the groups seeking to add boosters are:

Roberts Broadcasting Hip Hop 97.7 WRBJ-FM Brandon/Jackson MS, which has held CPs for boosters in Jackson, North Jackson, and Flowood MS since January 2023.
Ashley Communications’ “Eagle Country 105.5” KLCY Vernal UT, which intends to target portions of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation with four booster applications in Fort Duchesne (1, 2, 3, 4).
Radio Activo Broadcasting’s Regional Mexican “La Mejor 93.5” KADD Logandale NV was granted three CPs for boosters in Henderson, Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas.
Evans Broadcast Group’s “99.1 FM Talk” KKFT Gardnerville-Minden/Reno applied for a new booster in Stateline to target Minden and to modify its existing one covering Lake Tahoe, while co-owned AC “Fun 101” 100.9 KRFN Sparks applies for three covering different parts of Carson City (1, 2, 3).

Roberts Broadcasting owner Steve Roberts stated in a release, “ZoneCasting has already proven successful for WRBJ-FM during our testing phase, significantly enhancing our ability to serve the Jackson community with localized content. With full FCC approval now in place, we are eager to roll out this innovative technology on a larger scale. It will allow us to provide more targeted and relevant programming, while also creating new advertising opportunities for local businesses. This is a pivotal moment for our station and for the future of broadcasting.”

Silent Notifications

Volunteer Broadcasting’s 89.7 WJHO Alexander City AL (Complete license transfer to RadioAlabama Foundation)
GBI Communications’ 97.5 WBBA-FM Pittsfield IL (Loss of programming source)
Nicholls State University’s 91.5 KNSU Thibodaux LA (No staff until school resumes in August)
Penfold Communications’ 89.9 KMWC Bethany MO (Feed station issue)
Carolina Catholic Radio Networks’ 1270 WCGC Belmont NC (Financial issues, seeking sale)
University of Texas at Tyler’s 99.7 KVUT Cuney TX (Financial reasons)

FM Changes
Salem Media Group Christian AC “95.5 The Fish” WFHM-FM Cleveland seeks to relocate […]

US

A New Source For 104.1 Memphis

Flinn Broadcasting has found a new LMA partner for 1240 WMSO Southaven MS/104.1 W281BR Memphis TN as Regional Mexican “El Gallo” flipped to a mix of Southern Soul, Blues and R&B as “Power 104.1 The Source“. The new brand is being operated by local event promoter Lamonte Cunningham’s ER Entertainment. It is planning to emphasize […] […]

ASIA

India’s Red FM returns with Quiz India Movement

India’s Red FM announced season 2 of the Quiz India Movement, a celebration of India’s unending curiosity, thrill, and sharp intellect.The contest began on May 29 and will run till June 29,  alongside the T20 World Cup.National Content Creator Award winner RJ Raunac,  will host the show.The first live quiz is scheduled for  June 7 and will be a weekly event every Friday until  June 29. Each question in the live quiz awards Rs. 21,000, and there are weekly bumper prizes of Rs. 1,00,000 for a few lucky winners. Additionally, the powerplay section offers more opportunities to win big.Speaking on the announcement, Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO, of RED FM, and Magic FM, said, “Last year was the first time that a radio network introduced live broadcasting in gaming and the unprecedented success of Season 1 of Quiz India Movement made sure we brought it back for Season 2. Our objective with QIM has been manifold, establishing QIM as an IP that sets the gold standard for quizzing in India and blending the power of radio and digital for the ultimate user engagement experience. Incorporating an engagement hook that brings the audience back every day to play was also a decisive factor in creating the Quiz India Movement. Season 2 is based on the T-20 World Cup and the seasons to follow will have varied themes. We are looking forward to our audience’s continued love.” […]

ASIA

Suria FM scores a win at Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards 2024

Malaysia’s Suria FM won international recognition with an award in the ‘Live Event Radio Streaming In Malaysia’ category at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards 2024 held at Singapore on May 30.The Malay-language station won the award for Jelajah Suria 2023 programme. It was received by the station’s general manager DJ Lin.The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ Awards is an event that aims to recognise innovation and excellence in projects that advance the broadcasting industry through content, innovation & digitalization. This program is open to all broadcasting companies and industry partners around the Asia Pacific region.Expressing gratitude for the recognition, DJ Lin said: “I believe that this success is the result of the efforts and commitment of my men at Suria FM who are committed to producing quality products and content for all our loyal listeners. Thank you to Asia-Pacific Broadcasting+ for this award, as well as to the Solar listeners who have always inspired us to continue to innovate in the world of radio broadcasting. This success would not have been possible without the strong support of all of you.” […]