WJLX Looks to Rebuild After Having Its Radio Tower Stolen

But the FCC declined to let it continue to operate its FM translator

BY ELLE KEHRES 

PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 9, 2024

A week ago, staff at WJLX(AM) were stunned by the discovery that their 200-foot radio tower had disappeared overnight. Now that the literal and figurative dust has settled, the community station serving Jasper, Ala., is looking to rebuild, even without a helping hand from the government.

This week, WJLX filed requested and received special temporary authority (STA) with the Federal Communications Commission, reporting the damage to its site behind a local poultry plant on a dead-end road. The FCC can grant an STA to permit immediate or temporary operation of certain radio facilities during emergencies or other urgent conditions.

The station filed another STA requesting permission to continue broadcasting on its FM translator. But, on Thursday, that request was denied, and WJLX turned its FM translator off.

Read the full story at: 

https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/headlines/wjlx-looks-to-rebuild-after-having-its-radio-tower-stolen?utm_term=5D9DE571-5BD8-4EB3-9615-8CD97234C766&lrh=3486d86a6688884172ad5d9863167948b34d1939739bddadeae8dd83cbeb49ca&utm_campaign=0028F35E-226C-4B60-AC88-AB2831C8A639&utm_medium=email&utm_content=3990FDF5-84AE-4FFB-8795-89DFF6E36EB0&utm_source=SmartBrief

Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/4p7x97cp

(photo/Radio World)

Concrete Truck Brings Down WNIX’s Radio Tower

 

In a concrete vs. steel matchup, concrete wins

BY ELLE KEHRES 

PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 6, 2024 - UPDATED: FEBRUARY 7, 2024

It’s safe to say that the last few days have been more than trying for a couple AM radio stations in the south. First, WJLX in Jasper, Ala., reported that someone stole the station’s 200-foot AM tower.

WNIX’s fallen AM radio tower (Photos courtesy of Larry Fuss)

Now, in Mississippi, WNIX’s 199-foot tower has been hit … but not by thieves.

On Sunday, the foundation was being poured for WNIX’s new transmitter building when a concrete truck on-site backed into a guy wire, causing the tower to collapse. Located on the northeast side of Greenville, Miss., the radio tower has stood tall since 1994.

As of Tuesday afternoon, both WNIX(AM) and its FM translator — which operates from the same tower — are off the air, although the station continues to stream online at: wnixradio.com

Additional story at: 

https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/headlines/concrete-truck-brings-down-wnixs-radio-tower?utm_term=A8208372-8B15-4B60-A12B-B5B02339D50A&lrh=5fe29bca13dc3e17fdcf1cf80df5f0574faf550d6593cce4d12e8d4836f3656a&utm_campaign=0028F35E-226C-4B60-AC88-AB2831C8A639&utm_medium=email&utm_content=67D637F7-BA86-4364-9433-A29257D580CA&utm_source=SmartBrief

Tiny URL: http://tinyurl.com/yfze4yet

(photo/Radio World)