While doing some review of websites, I got to WLS-AM in Chicago, and my database indicated there had been a licensee change and the new owner is Frank Keeton Aircasters. This was a total surprise to me. Not only does the FCC say the WLS is owned by Frank Keeton, but also KSFO, KGO, WSBN and WBAP
My initial reaction with this must be some sort of a mistake in my nightly processing of the FCC data. But I tracked it backwards to the FCC, and they show the same thing. However, there is no application to transfer the ownership, and most of the places on their website still say it belongs to cumulus.
I just show what the FCC download says. Presumably, this will reverse itself in a day or two. Those stations are probably worth $20 million, so it would have been big news in the radio press if it was actually true. So if you notice incorrect licensee information, don’t panic!
This problem has not fixed itself. I sent an email this morning to a person who probably can get the message to the right person.
Interestingly, when I call the fcc’s toll free number of this morning, it could not complete the call as all the incoming lines were busy.
Yesterday morning, I had a chat with somebody at the FCC at their help desk. He was trying very hard to be helpful, and he actually knew more than I expected. The media bureau is its own division. It has a hundred years worth of legacy it has to deal with, where Senior Management keeps trying to push the idea that all licenses are the same. I’ve seen this play out over 10 years, and I’m pretty sure it’s the underlying issue. Lots of consultants have probably made lots of money telling them how to fix this.
Pending hearing back from them or the problem being fixed, I’ve implemented a “temporary” fix. As of today, 708 AM and FM licensees are out of date or just wrong randomly. This is all Donald Trump’s fault of course.