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.
Manitoba
U Multicultural’s CFUM-DT/14 (Winnipeg) has requested permission to add a digital subchannel carrying Indigenous programming. “The proposed Indigenous Sub-Channel will be dedicated to Indigenous-focused programming and will serve Indigenous audiences by prioritizing Indigenous perspectives, lived experiences, cultures, and voices,” the application states. While ubiquitous in the U.S., DTV subchannels are rare in Canada.
Michigan
Michigan Civic Media Alliance’s WJMS/590 (Ironwood) provided an update on efforts to return the station to full daytime power of 5kW. WJMS had previously been using 2kW daytime while it worked to repair damage to the transmitter and other equipment. According to a new request for special temporary authority, engineers have completed repairs to the transmitter but have not been able to access the tower tuning unit, so it is now using 3.5kW daytime. WJMS uses 113 Watts at night.
West Central Michigan Media Ministries’ WHFJ/88.9 (Houghton) reported that it has been operating at no more than 75% of its licensed 2kW ERP since May 7 due to ice damage to the antenna.
Minnesota
Midwest Communications’ KQDX/106.3 (Hibbing) reports that it returned to full power of 25kW on March 18. The station had been at reduced power since last fall due to a transmitter malfunction.
Blooming Prairie Farm Radio’s KFOW/1170 (Waseca) returned to full daytime power of 2.5kW on May 5. A previous filing indicated it had been using 1kW daytime since last fall due to transmitter damage caused by a flood.
Nebraska
The FCC approved a callsign change for KIOR-LP/98.1 (Omaha) to KIRA-LP. The station also has a construction permit to change frequency to 91.9 and move its transmitter to the western part of the city.
North Dakota
CSN International’s K201FJ/88.1 (Williston) went off the air April 10 for unspecified technical reasons.
Wisconsin
HC2 Station Group is buying WGBD-LD/49.1 (RF 17, Green Bay) from Word of God Fellowship for $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.