After their studio building and AM transmission facilities were destroyed by a microburst on July 23, 25/7 Media is surrendering the licenses of News/Talk 920 KLMR and Hot AC “93.5 The Heat” KLMR-FM Lamar CO.
In a statement to the FCC, the station’s engineer wrote, “Studios are a complete loss. Unable to restore service for both KLMR-AM (920) & KLMR-FM (93.5) 25-7 Media requesting to cancel both licenses, return spectrum, and release call letters.” The owners told Radio World in July, “Our insurance company believes the building could be a total loss. We should know about that within the next few days. What hasn’t helped is that we have had storms every night since.”
The Aaron Leiker led 25-7 Media acquired the stations and two in nearby La Junta in February 2018 for $400,000. 1400 KBLJ and 92.1 KTHN La Junta were sold earlier this year to Thunder Media for $275,000.
The loss of KLMR and KLMR-FM leaves Beacon Broadcasting Country 105.7 KVAY as the only commercial FM audible in the Lamar area. KVAY Owner/GM/afternoon host Bob DeLancey owned 33 percent of 25-7 Media, while his daughter Janee Queen held a 16 percent stake.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com