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 has again upheld its dismissal of Holy Mother Mary’s application for a new low-power FM station in Cascade. The FCC initially rejected the application because it conflicted with the allotment for a future station on 98.7 in Asbury. It gave Holy Mother Mary a chance to amend the application to specify an adjacent frequency, which would constitute a minor change. The applicant sought a change to 98.3 and requested waivers of minimum power and spacing requirements, also presenting an alternative plan of moving to 93.5, which would constitute a major change. The FCC rejected the waiver requests and also rejected the major change, which FCC rules do not allow after the filing window has closed. Holy Mother Mary then filed a second petition referencing a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that gave federal agencies the authority to interpret statutes that are “silent or ambiguous with respect to the specific issue.” In its latest dismissal, FCC Audio Division Chief Albert Shuldiner says the court decision does not apply to this situation because the agency “did not eliminate or change the LPFM minor amendment rule, which remains in full force and effect.”
K-Love’s KQKL/95.3 (Keokuk) reports that it returned to the air at full power of 100kW on Jan. 17. It had previously reported going off the air Dec. 21 due to transmitter failure.
Minnesota
Leighton Radio’s K254CM/98.7 (Winona) and K268DJ/101.5 (Winona) submitted license to cover applications indicating they have completed new facilities at sister station KRIV-FM’s tower just over the border in Wisconsin. K254CM now transmits with 130W, relaying KWNO/1230, while K268DJ/101.5 transmits with 170W and relays KHWK/1380. Both had previously transmitted from the KGSL/95.3 tower in Winona, which collapsed last November.
North Dakota
K-Love Inc. notified the FCC that K211FS/90.1 (Williston) is now relaying “Air1” network flagship KHRI (Hollister, CA). K211FS had previously carried the “K-Love” network, which is heard on KNDW/91.7 (Williston).
South Dakota
Riverfront Broadcasting’s KQRQ/92.3 (Rapid City) and KZLK/106.3 (Rapid City) both reported that they are operating at 1kW ERP due to partial transmitter failures, with KZLK also reporting antenna problems. Both stations are licensed for 100kW. They requested special temporary authority to operate at the reduced power level until new transmitters and antennas are installed.
Black Hills State University’s KJKT/90.7 (Spearfish) informed the FCC it began reduced-power operation on Jan. 5 for antenna repairs.
Wisconsin
Roseland Broadcasting’s WMWI-LD/17 (Verona) submitted a license to cover application indicating it has completed construction of a new facility in Sun Prairie using 15kW, which covers the Madison metro area.
VCY America’s K208FO/89.5 (Prairie du Chien) reports that it went off the air Dec. 14 due to transmitter failure. It has requested special temporary authority to remain silent.