NorthEast Radio Watch 2/5/2024: WJIB’s New Era

In this week’s issue… What next for Bittner’s stations under new owner? – CBS-FM shifts lineup – FCC begins granting, dismissing LPFM apps – Remembering Buffalo’s Wallack

By SCOTT FYBUSH

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*The most unusual radio station in MASSACHUSETTS is getting a new owner – and he’s one of the most distinctive and memorable radio guys in the region’s history.

John Garabedian, the impresario who put music videos on UHF TV back in the 1980s on “V-66” (WVJV) and founded and hosted “Open House Party” for three decades, is buying WJIB (740 Cambridge) and its translator on 101.3, W267CE, from the estate of the late Bob Bittner, who died last May.

Garabedian’s RCRQ Inc. is paying $575,000 for the 250-watt AM daytimer (with five watts at night) and an additional $10 for the translator – but there’s a lot more going on with this deal, and we’ll try to clear up a lot of confusion about it below the fold.

Looking to get into station ownership? Our StationSale division has some great new listings for you, including a major market FM translator opportunity, a profitable Midwest FM, an inexpensive entry into a fast-growing Western market, and a turnkey profitable FM/AM/translator small-market combo that’s ready for a new owner. Drop me a line at scott@fybush.com and I’ll set you up with an NDA and all the details…

And if your noncommercial FM station is ready to think about translators, there’s a filing window coming soon from the FCC and it’s the perfect time to start making plans.