With CBS Radio acquiring Merlin Media’s WRXP for its WFAN-FM
simulcast, now the question is what happens to its New York stations? Speculation almost
immediately had CBS forced to sell off one of its seven radio stations (with
the WRXP completed deal) and two TV channels.
But according to
Jerry Barmash at mediabistro.com, CBS has filed an application with the FCC.
CBS first addressed the Local Ownership Rule, stating:
“…The common ownership of eight radio stations, no more than
five in the same service, is permitted in the New York Metro. Therefore, CBS’s
acquisition of a controlling interest in WRXP complies fully with the FCC’s
local radio ownership rule.”
There is also the Radio-Television Cross-Ownership Rule,
under which CBS may have found its loophole.
“…The noise-limited DTV contour of WLNY-TV, whose
transmitter is located in a distant corner of the New York Metro – on Long
Island, some 50+ miles from the center of New York City
– does not entirely encompass New York
City , the city of license for all seven radio
stations. Additionally, the relevant contours for all seven radio stations do
not entirely encompass Riverhead, New
York , the city of license for WLNY-TV.”
It’s a technicality, to be sure, as WLNY is available on
satellite or cable throughout much of the tri-state area, and WLNY focuses on
news stories from those regions.
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