The following are updates to stories previously reported here and smaller recent FCC filings and actions that do not merit a full story of their own at this time:
Iowa
Florida Public Radio’s KLOX/90.9 (Creston) isn’t giving up plans to increase from 500 Watts to 100kW, an upgrade that would add fringe coverage of Des Moines. The station has had numerous construction permits for power increases over the past 18 years that have gone unbuilt before deadlines. KLOX simulcasts Christian programming with KSKB/99.1 (Brooklyn, IA).
Minnesota
Media Vista Minneapolis Univision affiliate WUMN-LD (Minneapolis) moved from channel 17 to channel 21, remaining 15kW. The move was needed because the spectrum repack placed WEAU (Eau Claire) on channel 17.
FOX owned-and-operated KMSP/9.9 (Minneapolis) received a construction permit to upgrade from 30kW to 36.2kW, remaining on RF channel 9.
Quincy NBC affiliate KTTC/10.1 (Rochester) received a construction permit to upgrade from 43.1kW to 80kW, remaining on RF channel 10.
The FCC set public comment deadlines for Scripps Media’s proposed purchase of the ION network’s stations and its possible divestiture of some of them, including KPXM/41.1 (St. Cloud-Minneapolis), to Inyo Broadcast Holdings. Petitions to deny must be filed by Dec. 7 followed by opposition to the petitions on Dec. 22 and replies to the oppositions on Dec. 29. The deal also includes stations in the Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Milwaukee, and Wausau markets.
Next Step Broadcasting closed on its purchase of KDOM-FM/94.3 (Windom), KDOM/1580 (Windom), and K276GN/103.1 (Windom) from Riverfront Broadcasting of Minnesota on Nov. 2.
Ontario
The CRTC granted an extension of time to move CBC Radio One station CBOI/690 (Ear Falls) to 95.5 FM. CBC said the project has been slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new deadline is Feb. 5, 2022.
South Dakota
J.F. Broadcasting Independent station KWSD/36.1 (Sioux Falls) received a construction permit to upgrade from 36.9kW to 1,000kW, remaining on RF channel 36.
Prairie Winds Broadcasting applied for a license to cover for for K236CU/95.1 (Milbank), indicating the new 250-Watt translator is ready for operation. K236CU was granted during the AM revitalization window to relay KMSD/1510 (Milbank), which has been relayed on K252FB/98.3 (Milbank) for the past eight years. K236CU and K252FB both transmit from the KMSD tower site. FCC rules would theoretically allow K252FB to be switched over to a different station.
Update: KMSD is promoting a Wednesday, Nov. 18 move to 95.1 for its FM signal:
Haugo Broadcasting’s KXMZ/102.7 (Box Elder-Rapid City) was granted an extension of special temporary authority to operate at reduced power of 1kW following the loss of the lease at its licensed tower site in 2018. The station, which is licensed for 50kW, says the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has put a hold on the project to return to full power.
Wisconsin
Quincy ABC affiliate WAOW/9.1 (Wausau) received a construction permit to upgrade from 63.2kW to 100kW, remaining on RF channel 9.
Word of God Fellowship/Daystar station WDMW-LD/24 (Janesville) appears to be on a march towards Milwaukee. On the same day the FCC granted a license to cover for WDMW-LD’s new 250-Watt directional facility from a tower southeast of Whitewater, the station applied to move farther the northeast. The proposed new facility at North Prairie would also be 250 Watts directional and would rimshot the far southeastern Milwaukee suburbs.