Louisville Radio: High Winds Force WAKY, WLVK Off-Air

The wind in Western Kentucky was so intense Wednesday that it snapped in half the tower for Classic Hits WAKY 103.5 FM and Country WLVK 105.5 FM.

"Heard the crash and said, ‘What in the world is that?’" Joe Fedele, director of programming for W&B Broadcasting's WAKY, said.

It was the strong winds that left the top half of the station’s 100-foot radio tower dangling.

Fedele said being off-air is a nightmare, but having the tower break the day before a holiday makes it worse; getting equipment and people they need for repairs is tough.

"Most places are already closed," Rene' Bell, managing partner for W&B Broadcasting, said. "They close early on Thanksgiving. Insurance agencies, people that would provide us parts."

Bell said because the damage is pretty bad, they are going to have to get a new tower. Being off-air on two of their most popular stations in the meantime could have a huge impact on business.

Bell said it may be a few weeks before WAKY FM and Big Cat are back to normal operations.

Until repairs are made to 103.5, WAKY listeners were guided to translator W261CO 100.1 FM in Northern Louisville and Southern Indiana . Jefferson and the Lake Forrest areas can listen on W292FS 106.3 FM. Metro Louisville and Southern Indiana can also tune in on WAKY 620 AM.

WAKY is also streaming online at wakyradio.com or on the WAKY app.