Family Stations Will Sell 94.7FM WFME Newark

[DToTheJ]

I remember reading ESPN was going to get 101.9. Now that 94.7 is available, will they make the switch?

They'll have to. This could probably be the last FM signal available in New York for awhile, provided Pacifica remains steadfast in holding onto 99.5 WBAI.

My top format choices are:

1. Dance

Enough already with your "dance music returning to New York" fantasy. Enjoy it on HD radio like the other four people.

[luperm]

Even though it's a NJ licensed station, it's a NYC station for all intents and purposes. I don't see Townsquare getting it.

ESPN and Merlin seem the most likely candidates. As another poster noted, don't count out EMF (K-Love) grabbing it for their second service (Air 1)...though they would probably flip it with 96.7 since they usually put K-Love on the better signal.

As for a move to Empire, that seems unlikely for reasons previously discussed here.

[radioguy39nj]

ESPN and Merlin seem the most likely candidates. As another poster noted, don't count out EMF (K-Love) grabbing it for their second service (Air 1)...though they would probably flip it with 96.7 since they usually put K-Love on the better signal.

As for a move to Empire, that seems unlikely for reasons previously discussed here.

If 94.7 can't move to ESB, ESPN, Merlin or any major operator won't be interested.  When Malrite purchased 100.3, it was licensed to Newark.  Z100 would never have been successful had it not moved to ESB.

Other FMs I recall moving to Manhattan were 93.1 from Clifton, NJ to the WTC and 103.5 from Fresh Meadows, Queens also to the WTC.

[danikayser84]

94.7 can't move to ESB as a full B due to WMAS in Springfield, Mass; it'd have to either downgrade to a B1 or install a directional at the ESB... a B1 downgrade would cause similar issues to WQXR on 105.9...

[radioguy39nj]

94.7 can't move to ESB as a full B due to WMAS in Springfield, Mass; it'd have to either downgrade to a B1 or install a directional at the ESB... a B1 downgrade would cause similar issues to WQXR on 105.9...

In that event, whoever buys 94.7 will have to put money into it to reach the NY area.  A B1 downgrade would make it similar to 105.9.  No major operator is going to go for that.  Would a directional give 94.7 coverage to the tri-state NY area without interfering with WMAS?

[disney fanatic]

Good move. I checked the station at 91.7 that they're still running "Family Radio", if there is any speculation that WFRH in Kingston, NY is the only station in the Hudson Valley would be for sale, or maybe 91.7 will flip to "K-Love". I hope the Hudson Valley needs "K-Love", but we shall see.

[crainbebo]

Not sure if it would work, but "CD 94.7-Smooth Jazz for New York City!"

-crainbebo

[radiodxrichmond]

With the two stations on the block, WBLS will get sold and probably remain with the same format under new owners.

WFME will go to ESPN, will go mono and sports since the signal will benefit in the city and the fringe suburbs without stereo. Wouldn't be much of a need to move the signal then.

WFME will get sold for a song much like their Philly and DC stations. I'm sure broadcast equipment wise, that place is a wreck.

Radio-X

[Giacomo Siffredi]

Just FWIW, there is no FCC reason why it can't be sold to a religious broadcaster -- that's a decision Family made on their own -- so at least as far as the FCC is concerned, they can change their mind.  (so it's not 100% impossible 94.7 could end up a K-Love)

Exactly. Harold Camping is still calling the shots at Family Stations despite rumors to the contrary and he does not want any religious broadcasters to acquire any of the signals they once used. At this point, it is all about cashing in for as much money because they owe creditors big for the massive May 21, 2011 advertising binge they embarked on. So it is not only for theological principles but for financial gains. A commercial license is worth tons more than non-commercial.

As for 94.7, if ESPN gets it, does 1050 get sold or remain a simulcast of ESPN Radio (or change to ESPN Deportes)?

Right now, Disney/ABC is the most likely candidate. They only own three broadcast outlets in the New York City Metropolitan area. Those would be: WABC-TV New York, TV Channel 7; WEPN New York, AM 1050 (ESPN Radio); and WQEW New York, AM 1560 (Radio Disney). They are not maxed out as other media companies are, they are interested in an FM outlet for ESPN Radio as this would present the most serious competition to CBS-owned WFAN New York which has dominated sports talk radio in the region for over twenty years, and they have the financial resources to buy a New York market FM signal. If they were to acquire 94.7FM, ESPN Deportes could be launched on WEPN.

While it is always possible, do not expect Family to acquire either of those AMs or any other stations in this market. Their current strategy is selling and exiting, just as they did in the Philadelphia market.

A report from one of their "followers" suggested they acquired an AM in Baltimore so as not to alienate their loyal audience when they sold 107.9FM in Annapolis. Not true. The low-wattage AM (now WFSI, formerly WBGR) that drops to 66 watts at night was acquired by Family in 2005, well before Camping went on his exorbitant warn the world campaign.

On a separate note: To Kevin L. Sealy: I follow this and many media boards. While I have no problem with you reporting anything I post, please credit me and the board I post on. It is just good and fair journalistic practice. I am referring to your post earlier today on the "other" radio board. Thank you!

[DavidEduardo]

In that event, whoever buys 94.7 will have to put money into it to reach the NY area.  A B1 downgrade would make it similar to 105.9.  No major operator is going to go for that.  Would a directional give 94.7 coverage to the tri-state NY area without interfering with WMAS?

I'm not sure the ESB can accomodate a directional station. If Scott Fybush is following this, he may be able to contribute thoughts to the ESB question.

The directional station I am familiar with is WTFM, which had a stand alone directional on the World Trade Towers until eventually a deal was worked to accommodate mutual interference by all affected. A new directional for a New Jersey non-com was just put at 4 Times Square, so perhaps that location would work... apparently the third highest site in NYC.

In any event, directional coverage would be limited towards Hartford, meaning that smaller portion of the market that is about half of a county in CT would likely not get a good signal. The rest likely would be quite well served.