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 Aquinas Communications’ W220EQ/91.9 (Galena, IL) a construction permit to move its transmitter to Dubuque with 250 Watts. It will transmit from the western part of the city and relay Aquinas’ KCRD-LP/98.3 (Dubuque), adding more coverage to the west. W220EQ is currently licensed to transmit from a site southeast of Dubuque after moving from its original location in Galena earlier this year; it remains licensed to Galena.
Michigan
Aurora Media’s WYKX/104.7 (Escanaba) was granted an extension of special temporary authority to transmit at about 10kW ERP, rather than its licensed 100kW, while it continues transmitter repairs. The station first began operating at reduced power in July 2024. WYKX’s latest filing states, “the availability of parts is difficult due to the obsolescence of the transmitter” and “the licensee continues to investigates alternate options for repairs.”
Minnesota
Educational Media Foundation’s KMKL/90.3 (North Branch) reported that it briefly operated at an unspecified reduced power due to transmitter failure but returned to full power on June 26. KMKL transmits with 15kW/123m.
Nebraska
Sinclair Television Group closed on its purchase of KXVO/15 (Omaha), which it already operated, from Mitts Telecasting on June 24.
North Dakota
The FCC has approved RADD Media’s purchase of KNDC/1490 (Hettinger, ND), KBJM/1400 (Lemmon, SD), and their FM translators from Schweitzer Media and Media Associates.
South Dakota
Mt. Rushmore Broadcasting’s KFCR/1490 (Custer), which recently reported that it resumed operations on June 18, reports that it went off the air again June 24 for financial reasons.
Wisconsin
WRVM’s WYVM/90.9 (Sheboygan) reported that it is operating at unspecified reduced power with a backup transmitter after its main transmitter began dropping off the air intermittently. The filing notes that a new transmitter is scheduled for shipment and the station anticipates returning to full power in the coming weeks. WYVM normally transmits with 6.1kW/40m.
The FCC has approved Civic Media’s purchase of WRPN/1600 (Ripon) and WAUH/102.3 (Wautoma) from Hometown Broadcasting. The buyer has been operating the stations under a time brokerage agreement since May 1.
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.