WNAV Seeks Temporary Home After Losing Transmitter Site

WNAV (1430 AM) in Annapolis is facing a major technical challenge after losing the lease for its transmitter site. According to an FCC filing Friday, the property’s new owner is not renewing the station’s lease, forcing Victory Media of Maryland to vacate the site as early as the first week of July.

To keep the station on the air while it searches for a permanent replacement, WNAV is asking for permission to operate for up to six months from a temporary low power facility. The proposal calls for the station to broadcast with no more than 200 watts day and night using a compact vertical antenna mounted at the site of its FM translator. Victory Media says finding a suitable permanent AM transmitter site is a lengthy process, but believes keeping both the AM station and its FM translator operating serves the public interest.

The filing notes that WNAV has also identified a permanent new location for its W224EM FM translator and is submitting a separate application to relocate that facility. Because of the short timetable before the current lease expires, the company is asking the FCC for expedited approval of the temporary operating authority.