WVA Radio: FCC Holds-Up Station Sale

The FCC has rescinded a transfer-of-ownership application for two Morgantown radio stations following an objection raised by the company that produces West Virginia University sports broadcasts, according to The Charleston Gazette.

IMG Sports Senior Vice President Joe Potter filed a letter calling on the FCC to closely review what appear to be "very close connections and operational control" between AJG Corp., operated as a trust for the descendents of John and David Raese, and West Virginia Radio Corp., which the Raeses own and operate as co-directors.

Potter's complaint also asserts that IMG was close to finalizing a contract to air WVU sports broadcasts on Morgantown stations Classic Hits WCLG 1300 AM and Rock WCLG 100.1 FM , but was prevented by the terms of AJG's purchase agreement signed Aug. 9, which bars the current owner of WCLG from "entering into any contract or agreement" without the consent of AJG.

Potter states that IMG had sent a draft contract for a two-year broadcast agreement to Bowers Broadcasting, owner of WCLG, on July 27, but was advised Aug. 2 that the contract could not move forward, because of the pending purchase agreement.

"I was personally in meetings where Bowers Broadcasting gave verbal assurances and commitments to be an affiliate carrying WVU athletics radio broadcasts during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons," Potter states, noting the situation abruptly changed over the next six days.

"I believe that change was West Virginia Radio Corp. assuming control or trying to block the WCLG stations from being affiliates on WVU football game broadcasts," he contends.

West Virginia Radio Corp. produced WVU radio broadcasts for years, but in July, WVU entered into a 12-year, $80 million third-tier media rights contract with Winston-Salem, N.C.-based IMG.

Previously, West Virginia Radio Corp. filed a civil lawsuit against WVU, alleging fraud and collusion for allegedly tailoring a request for bids to favor IMG.

Potter's letter contends that there are "very close connections and operational control" between AJG and West Virginia Radio Corp., possibly in violation of FCC regulations.

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