If there's interest, I thought I'd begin a series of scouting reports on possible
Air America Radio affiliates. This thread starts the scouting with Wisconsin and Michigan....
I have no idea what Air America is looking at in these markets, but they're both important swing states. Here are some factors that might go into a distribution or acquisition analysis:
- AM rather than FM. Air America's talk format is probably most appropriate for AM, and FM stations are often more expensive.
- "Distressed." That could be indicated in a variety of ways, such as weak programming, change in ownership, etc. Conversely, you're not going to go buy the local ESPN radio affiliate or the popular all-news station.
- Location, location, location. Will Air America reach a commercially viable audience?
- Coverage. Some of that depends on power, but not all. For example, Air America affiliate WNTD in Chicago has an awfully good signal for its local market at least, but it's not a 50,000 watt powerhouse.
Wisconsin
In this state I focus on stations around Madison, since that city has a built-in natural constituency for Air America's programming. I find two possibilities:
WTDY - AM 1670. It's currently a talk station, and it carries Ed Schultz's left-leaning show plus a bunch of right wing stuff. Looks like an also-ran for the conservative programming. Downside is that 1670 is awfully high on the dial.
WTUX - AM 1550. Currently a nostalgia station (think Sintra, Doris Day, etc.)
Michigan
Motown, possibly with a coverage bias toward Ann Arbor (and its University of Michigan population). LOTS of potential affiliates in this city. I didn't check Canadian stations just across the border, but that's another option.
WAAM - AM 1600. Located in Ann Arbor, this talk station is currently owned by Big D Broadcasting.
WCAR - AM 1090. A few transmitters, including their "home" one in Livonia. Owned by the Catholic Church and featuring Catholic programming. Could the Catholic Church raise some much-needed funds if Air America shows them how to do Internet streaming? Weakish signal.
WCHB - AM 1200. This 50,000 watt Detroit station is gospel, but its owner has two FMs with urban and R&B programming so might be willing to part with this prize. Other stations have gospel anyway.
WHNE - AM 1290. Saline, near Ann Arbor, somewhat low power.
WXDX - AM 1310. Owned by Clear Channel. Third tier rightish talk schedule. Looks like good coverage for a 5,000 watt.
WEXL - AM 1340. Royal Oak/Detroit. Another religious/preaching/gospel station. This owner has two other stations in the market, too.
WQBH - AM 1400. "Full service urban," but family JUST sold to Salem Communications (pending FCC approval). Wonder if Air America could swipe it.
WMKM - AM 1440. Inkster/Detroit. Religious/gospel/Spanish. The Spanish stuff is brokered. Only 1000 watts, though.
WSDS - AM 1480. Salem Township/Ypsilanti. Odd power output, but looks really excellent for Ann Arbor. Owned by an individual, country format currently.
Anybody know anything about these stations? Should I start posting station phone numbers?