FM RADIO FREQUENCY WILL BE AUCTIONED FOR ARNOLDSBURG

(05/28/2005)
The FCC will place a commercial FM radio frequency on the auction block come November for Arnoldsburg, according to an announcement from the FCC.

Few open frequencies are available nationwide. In West Virginia, channels are open for Arnoldsburg and Burnsville.

The frequencies are sometimes bid in by holding companies that later broker the radio channels.

The Arnoldsburg frequency went up for bid a few years ago, with no takers.

The Times Record-Roane County Reporter says Summit Media Communications, which owns two country music stations in Sutton, has expressed interest in the frequencies, provided the minimum bid of $20,000 is reduced.

They have requested a minimum bid of $2,500, since Arnoldsburg and vicinity is in an area that has little economic potential.

Star Communications, which owns WVRC Radio FM-AM in Spencer protested the sale of the frequency in 2000 to a group named Mountaineer Radio, claiming it would damage their market and commercial viability.

The FCC ruled against the Spencer company, saying they (FCC) are not in the business of deciding financial conflict.