The sight of a major radio broadcast group giving away AM radio stations rather than selling them probably isn’t doing much for the morale of those who worry about the long-term value of AM licenses. But it’s welcome news to the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council, which now has received two more AM stations through a donation from Clear Channel Radio, making a total of six in the past year.
Clear Channel Radio is giving MMTC two stations to help it expand ownership and training opportunities for “minorities, women and other underserved groups.”
The stations are KFXN in Minneapolis and WTOC in Newton, N.J.
Last year Clear Channel gave a transmitter and four stations to the MMTC: WHJA in Laurel, Miss.; KYHN in Fort Smith, Ark.; KYFX in Wabasha, Minn.; and WYNF in North Augusta, S.C.
The organizations this week also announced that two of last year’s stations now will be “relaunched” with new minority operators and executives.
WYNF was awarded to Shannon Renee deMedicis of Medici Media Inc. WHJA was awarded to Jeffrey Hedgemon, CEO of Full Spectrum Broadcasting. MMTC described a “rigorous screening process” to choose candidates who could best serve their communities.
The stations will be operated under LMAs pending financing and final diligence.
