Chalk Hill Communications buys KXAL-FM

[billyg]

Cut and pasted from yesterday's "Taylor on Radio-Info" e-mail..

"Make it two sales this Summer for Spanish hits “Brisa 100.3” KXAL-FM, in east Texas. Sale #1, a regular-ole Form 314 asset sale, was from Dudley Waller-managed Waller Media to William Waller, Jr. Price was $300,000. Sale #2 is from William Waller to Chuck Conrad-led Chalk Hill Communications. Price this time, in late Summer 2009 - $250,000. Just for the heck of it, I tracked back to mid-2005, when Waller Media bought Class A KXAL-FM, Tatum, Texas from Hunt Broadcasting. The price four years ago? $975,000. KXAL is currently simulcasting Waller Broadcasting’s Spanish hits KDVE, Pittsburg, TX at 103.1. We’ll see what plans Chuck Conrad has for it. Broker on KXAL – Bill Whitley of the Dallas office of Media Services Group."

Congrats to Chuck for picking up KXAL. Any big plans for it? I wonder if that Class A can be improved.

[Holstead]

I love his "QX-FM"  I also hear he has a mean collection of classic cars.

[txchipk]

Since Chalk Hill is transferring KZQX-LP to a church (https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101325926&formid=314&fac_num=134419), I would guess KZQX-LP's format will go to 100.3.

[Chuck]

Since Chalk Hill is transferring KZQX-LP to a church (https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101325926&formid=314&fac_num=134419), I would guess KZQX-LP's format will go to 100.3.

That is correct.  100.3 will eventually become "KZQX-FM" and broadcast our "QX-FM" Adult Standards format.  The church plans for the LPFM to become "Classical KXAL" and do a light classical and jazz format.  That way the call sign stays in the area, and it picks up a little of the void that was the result of Kilgore College selling their Classical and Jazz station, KTPB.  The church has no desire for it to become some kind of religious satellator.  They think there are enough of those already. 

I believe this is one of those rare instances where everyone wins.  Incidentally, Bill Waller has been incredibly helpful and gracious through this entire process.  My sincere thanks to him in helping make this possible.

[Greg Branch]

Congrats Chuck!

What is going to become of your Longview, Kilgore, and Tyler translators? Do you also have a translator in Henderson?

[Chuck]

Congrats Chuck!

What is going to become of your Longview, Kilgore, and Tyler translators? Do you also have a translator in Henderson?

Since I don't own the translators, that is going to be largely up to my friends who do own them.  I suspect that Longview and Kilgore will stay with the LPFM.  The Tyler translator is licensed commercial, so it would be appropriate for it to carry the 100.3 signal.   That would leave Tyler no worse off than it is right now.

There has been a MX's application for a Henderson translator rattling around the FCC for the last five years.   I have no idea what will become of it. Since 100.3 comes in OK in Henderson, perhaps if it is ever granted, it could be used by the LPFM.

[Goat Rodeo Cowboy]

This is a sobering moment for many of us, Chuck.  In peeking and poking around the world of LPFMs.... trying to locate the ones that have demonstrated some "smarts and know how"....  you have ranked high on that list.  It has not gone un-noticed that you have posted comments a number of times that LPFM has a hard time creating cash income.  By buying a commercial channel,  one might say that you have put some money right where your mouth has been!

I'm happy for you.  I think your community will be well served by the transaction you have arranged.

I haven't looked up the exact numbers lately.... but I will very soon...   but my hazy memory tells me there are give or take 900 LPFMS and close to maybe 80% are broadcasting religious programming exclusively.  So in this whole nation there may be 100 to 125 LPFMs trying to do "radio programming in the classic way". 

I have been trying to create a list of stations that could be my heroes,  my role models.  I'm looking to add to my list.  Qualifications to get on my list means the station has connected to the community in such a way that people roll up their sleeves and provide programming content,  and people pull out their wallet to keep the bills paid.  Who should I put on my list to take Chuck's place?

[Chuck]

I can't give you any specifics, but I know there are a few other LPFM operators who have been able to touch their community.  This station certainly has, which is one of the major reasons for taking the opportunity to have a better signal. It has become important to a lot of people, but our extremely low power has made it a challenge to be heard.  In areas where it can be received, it has continually done well in the ratings.  The ability to "fix" that problem is too important to pass up.

When the FCC  "drank the Kool-Aide" and accepted 100 watts at 100 feet as the standard for LPFM, they sentenced the service to a slow death.  A lot of enthusiastic people applied for these stations, but many found themselves empty-handed when the rules got changed after the first filing window.  Those who actually got a license woke up to the reality that the  coverage was not exactly adequate to be viable.   

In reality, the FCC should have made the LPFM technical rules to be identical with those of translators.  The only real difference being LPFM's originate local programming and translators do not. The interference level is exactly the same, but for some reason Congress was persuaded that 100 watt LPFM stations produce "unacceptable interference," while 250 watt translators do not.  Only a politician could think that argument is reasonable.

If these stations had the possibility of being 250 watts at 200 feet, many would have been able to serve an entire community.  Being stuck with 100 watts or less really hampered the viability of the service.

As you note, most LPFM's are owned by religious organizations and merely rebroadcast a feed provided by their true owners who are anything but local.  What they are doing is legal, but not in the spirit of the original R&O.  I think that is a shame.

The best thing I can tell you about this one is that it will continue to be an important member of the community.  The new licensee is committed to that.  Although I will no longer be in charge, I will be an enthusiastic volunteer, as will several other folks who have been there when the station needed help.

[Alan McCall]

Chuck,

I'm really pleased to learn of the transactions.  I've listened to your LPFM in the past and thought you
were working really hard to fill the void in your area.

Congratulations on the FM. I'm sure it will do well under your leadership.

I love seeing a win/win. That happens too infrequently these days. Kudos to all parties involved!

[C414B]

Congratulations, Chuck!

Glad to see your borders enlarging for QX-FM. Hope the transition is a smooth one.