KSDS (FM) San Diego filed an informal Opposition to Informal Objection pleading with the FCC on December 13, 2021 in favor of renewing the station’s license. The filing was made to counter an Informal Objection filed by attorney Dan Alpert, representing Friends of San Diego Public Radio, against renewing the San Diego Community College District radio station license. The original pleading appears to represent the opinions of a single person, San Diego radio personality, consultant, and program director Mike Halloran.
Continue reading KSDS Responds to Halloran License Renewal ObjectionKNX Begins Simulcasting on 97.1 FM
Audacy-owned KNX Los Angeles, known for its all-news radio format since 1968, began last week broadcasting on KNOU (FM) 97.1 and identifying itself exclusively by its FM channel location.
KNOU (FM) is licensed for 21 kW from Mt. Wilson with a directional antenna aimed southwest, so its signal toward most of the LA basin is compromised, but given its elevation, it still covers the region well.
With cars increasingly leaving out AM tuners (looking at you, Tesla), and with the superior fidelity of FM, the move could help boost listenership. Other Audacy all news outlets, such as KCBS San Francisco, WBBM Chicago, and KYW Philadelphia, now simulcast on FM stations.
FCC Dismisses More Local NCE FM Apps
The FCC last week released a seven-page list of Dismissed Applications from the recent non-commercial educational FM filing window. Included in the list:
Facility ID 767224 Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor application for 88.1 MHz at Descanso, CA. The FCC said it was in violation of the protected contour of a first-adjacent channel allotment in Esperanza, Baja California Norte, MX, and a co-channel allotment in Tecate, also in BCN.
Facility ID 766663 Activist San Diego application for 89.1 MHz at Glamis, CA in Imperial County. The FCC said it was in violation of the treaty-protected contour of the second-adjacent allotment in San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, MX.
In-person Holiday Luncheon Planned at iHeart
Chairman Tony McDaid has invited Chapter 36 members and others in the broadcast technical community to meet at the iHeartMedia studios at 9660 Granite Ridge Road. The Thursday, December 16 at 12-noon outdoor gathering (weather permitting) will include food and drinks provided by the chapter. No presentation—just a social gathering to get caught up.
Informal Objection Filed Against KSDS License Renewal
Michael Halloran, well-known local rock radio personality, filed an 281-page Informal Objection to the FCC license renewal of KSDS (FM) San Diego, a service of the San Diego Community College District. In his 281-page treatise, Halloran touched on several issues with the district’s management of the station:
- “KSDS’s failure to serve the needs and interests of the community is egregious…Absolutely no news or community-issue oriented programming is presented on the station.” He cites the station’s online public inspection file that he says has no “issues-programming lists.”
- The station, he said, loses money annually and is financially dependent on San Diego City College for funds that are not used for educational purposes.
- He repeatedly cites as an example of KSDS management neglect the continued employment of then Chief Engineer Gerald “Larry” Quick. Halloran says fellow employees had complained for years of behavioral issues and abuse. Quick resigned from KSDS in early 2016 after he was accused of theft of station equipment and spent time in jail.
I asked Mike Halloran about his Informal Objection:
Continue reading Informal Objection Filed Against KSDS License Renewal