WLS AM/FM SOLD

[klutch00]

At some point in the future it's going to come down to is there any format that is still viable on AM or is the owner better off selling the land that the towers are planted on.  We're already seeing this in other countries.

Perhaps to a degree; but keep this in mind: The clear channel stations serve some purpose. They can provide information over a large area, especially at night. When a major emergency arises, these stations can provide service that may not otherwise be available. Now if we were to eliminate many if not most of the non-clear channels and relocate those stations to an expanded FM band, that might not be a bad idea. WLS is however a clear channel radio station.

[radioman148]

At some point in the future it's going to come down to is there any format that is still viable on AM or is the owner better off selling the land that the towers are planted on.  We're already seeing this in other countries.

Perhaps to a degree; but keep this in mind: The clear channel stations serve some purpose. They can provide information over a large area, especially at night. When a major emergency arises, these stations can provide service that may not otherwise be available. Now if we were to eliminate many if not most of the non-clear channels and relocate those stations to an expanded FM band, that might not be a bad idea. WLS is however a clear channel radio station.

I totally agree with you, but the question is what do the owners think? For them it's all about the mighty dollar.
Having said this it's hard for me to imagine the AM band being abandoned.

[cyberdad]

At some point in the future it's going to come down to is there any format that is still viable on AM or is the owner better off selling the land that the towers are planted on.  We're already seeing this in other countries.

Perhaps to a degree; but keep this in mind: The clear channel stations serve some purpose. They can provide information over a large area, especially at night. When a major emergency arises, these stations can provide service that may not otherwise be available.

I'm on the Gulf Coast this week, where WWL is a perfect example.  I'm about 160 miles from their stick and they're still the strongest and most reliable a.m. signal here....by far! (Thanks to a saltwater path.) They take very seriously their status and their obligation to provide vital emergency news and information during hurricanes, etc.

But they may be something of an exception to the rule. 

Obviously the dynamics are different today than when the 1-A clear channels were established.  Then there wide areas with no local services.  OTOH, however, having a local signal may not automatically mean local programming or local news and information services.   

So while the clears may no longer play most of the role for which they were originally intended, indeed there could be a role for at least some of these big signals in terms of providing news and information during emergencies.  As for the allmighty dollar getting in the way....where's the FCC?  Don't the airwaves belong to the public in the first place? 

Not unlike the special rules that apply for the exit row on an airplane, shouldn't there be/aren't there conditions and obligations that go along with obtaining a licence to operate one of these blowtorches?

[Drucifer]

where's the FCC?

Good question...

[klutch00]

At some point in the future it's going to come down to is there any format that is still viable on AM or is the owner better off selling the land that the towers are planted on.  We're already seeing this in other countries.

Perhaps to a degree; but keep this in mind: The clear channel stations serve some purpose. They can provide information over a large area, especially at night. When a major emergency arises, these stations can provide service that may not otherwise be available.

I'm on the Gulf Coast this week, where WWL is a perfect example.  I'm about 160 miles from their stick and they're still the strongest and most reliable a.m. signal here....by far! (Thanks to a saltwater path.) They take very seriously their status and their obligation to provide vital emergency news and information during hurricanes, etc.

But they may be something of an exception to the rule. 

Obviously the dynamics are different today than when the 1-A clear channels were established.  Then there wide areas with no local services.  OTOH, however, having a local signal may not automatically mean local programming or local news and information services.   

So while the clears may no longer play most of the role for which they were originally intended, indeed there could be a role for at least some of these big signals in terms of providing news and information during emergencies.  As for the almighty dollar getting in the way....where's the FCC?  Don't the airwaves belong to the public in the first place? 

Not unlike the special rules that apply for the exit row on an airplane, shouldn't there be/aren't there conditions and obligations that go along with obtaining a license to operate one of these blowtorches?

This is why should my fantasy ever come true that each state get at least one clear channel station! I would also make a deal with the Canadians should they ever not want to use a given clear channel station that they be required to forfeit the use of that channel within, say five years or so. I say this as a response to how they abandoned both 690 and 940 in Montreal. If they want them, that's one thing; but if not, let someone else who's willing to utilize those frequencies use them to their fullest potential. I could think of two Florida radio stations who could do that!

[semoochie]

It won't do much good to be there, in case of an emergency, if no one can receive their signal and in 20 years(very conservative estimate), no one will!

[Dr Wayne]

I just read that Casey Kasem's American Top 40 from back in the 60's and 70's playing the original broadcast will be heard on WLS FM Sunday Nights.

[radioman148]

I just read that Casey Kasem's American Top 40 from back in the 60's and 70's playing the original broadcast will be heard on WLS FM Sunday Nights.

http://feder.blogs.chicago.timeout.com/2011/04/06/blast-from-the-past-caseys-top-40-countdown-back-on-wls-fm/

[Dr Wayne]

Have you notice that WLS's playlist has added more 80's songs? Maybe to compete with WJMK KHits? Radio wars have begun!

[radioman148]

Have you notice that WLS's playlist has added more 80's songs? Maybe to compete with WJMK KHits? Radio wars have begun!

They were doing that even before WJMK changed over, but I think they've added even more 80s.