The following are updates to previously-reported items and other recent regulatory filings and actions concerning Upper Midwest broadcast stations. This report is created by the author and is not an official report of the FCC.
Iowa
The FCC granted Gray Media’s KCRG-TV/9.1 (Cedar Rapids) a modification to its construction permit to move to RF channel 32, using a side-mounted directional antenna at a height of 500 meters above average terrain on its existing tower. The filing explains that the side-mounted antenna will only be used until a top-mounted antenna is ready; previous filings indicate the top-mounted antenna at 607 meters above average terrain will be shared with two other stations. KCRG reports that the channel change is planned for Aug. 20.
With KCRG-TV’s frequency change pending, DTV America’s KFKZ-LD (Cedar Falls) has applied to move from channel 32 to 30. It would remain 15kW from its present site near Walker, reaching Waterloo and Cedar Rapids.
Edge Spectrum’s K33QA-D (Davenport), which received the license for its new channel in July, has requested special temporary authority to remain silent. The station’s filing says it “is experiencing reflective power feedback” and “determining what components are failing.”
Michigan
The FCC granted a modification for future station WGTM/90.3 (Manistique), owned by West Central Michigan Media Ministries, to downgrade from 500 to 150 Watts.
Minnesota
The FCC granted the callsign KVSL-LP for Shalom Lutheran Church’s future low-power FM station on 102.9 in Alexandria.
Edge Spectrum’s K34QF-D (Vesta), which received the license for its new channel earlier this month, has requested special temporary authority to remain silent. The station’s filing says it is working to repair a failed air conditioning unit.
Edge Spectrum’s K25QC-D (Lake Crystal) was granted an upgrade from 7.5kW to 11.5kW, remaining at its present site.
North Dakota
Following the earlier announcement that they would go off the air, Faith Broadcasting’s KHRT/1320 and KHRT-FM/106.9 (Minot) have formally notified the FCC that they went silent as of Aug. 1. A request for special temporary authority to remain silent states, “station operations have not been supporting the business as a going concern. Licensee is analyzing all conditions to determine whether to continue operations or turn the license in and would like the time to make a proper and well-informed decision.” Federal law allows the stations to remain off the air for up to a year before their licenses expire.
Wisconsin
The FCC granted Roseland Broadcasting’s WMWI-LD/17 (Verona) a construction permit to upgrade from 1kW to 15kW. It will remain at its existing transmitter site in the Town of Primrose and use a directional antenna pattern that includes coverage of Madison.
Digital Networks-Midwest’s K18NQ-D (Rhinelander) has withdrawn a 2023 application to move from its present tower site in Crandon to a location south of Lakewood.
The FCC has approved Magnum Communications’ purchase of W223DN/92.5 (La Crescent, MN) from Faith Sound Inc. W223DN, formerly K220EP, recently completed the move of its transmitter to West Salem, WI, and now relays Magnum’s WKBH-FM/102.7 (Onalaska-La Crosse).
Disclosure: Jon Ellis is an employee of Gray Media Group. The statements and views expressed in this posting are his own and do not reflect those of Gray Media Group.