In this week’s issue… More AMs silenced – Remembering CT’s Thompson, NYC’s Gary Kline – WEEI completes new lineup – “Moose” roams NH lakes – New signals on Canada’s Bruce Peninsula – CRTC considers revoking licenses
By SCOTT FYBUSH
Jump to: ME – NH – VT – MA – RI – CT – NY – NJ – PA – Canada
*When the FCC began its “AM Revitalization” program a few years ago, giving owners of AM stations the opportunity to obtain FM translators, we warned that the result was likely to be a two-tiered system – within a few years, we wrote, the AM stations that had picked up FM signals would be worth considerably more than the remaining AMs that hadn’t.
We’re not big on “I told you so,” but, well, we were right, and we’re seeing evidence of just how little those AM-only signals are worth in 2023.
Not only has Townsquare Media turned off its WYOS (1360) in Binghamton, New York, it’s now followed up by taking two more AMs without translators silent.
In both those cases, as in Binghamton, the AM stations were bringing in little or no revenue to make up for the expenses of maintaining aging transmitter infrastructure, and there’s no indication that they’ll be returning to the air. Nevertheless, Townsquare left its options open with the FCC, filing silent STA requests with the explanation that “due to economic conditions in the market, the licensee was forced to take the station off the air temporarily.”
Are Townsquare’s shutdowns just a blip, or a sign of a bigger trend for corporate-owned AMs that are part of larger clusters? We’ll be watching closely to see whether any buyers step forward with interest in these now-dark signals and whether they return to the air or, more likely, go dark for good after their silent STA period comes to an end in six or twelve months.
CALENDARS ON CLEARANCE

If you don’t have your 2023 Tower Site Calendar yet, now is the perfect time to get it. Because we have lowered the price to just $14.
The calendar has great photos of broadcast sites near and far (everywhere from Navajo Nation on the cover to Boston to Toronto to Texas, and beyond), plus a lovely “centerfold” you can keep on your wall for 2024.
It’s still shipping regularly, and you can have yours in just a couple of days!
Order your copy and you’ll see what we mean.
If you have already ordered your calendar, make sure you check out the other items in the store, too!