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WPAY-AM to shut down broadcast Friday
by Ryan Scott Ottney
9 months ago | 5407 views | 2 2 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print
WPAY-AM 1400 will conclude nearly 80 years of radio broadcasting in the Portsmouth community as the station draws silent Friday afternoon.

The AM station was not included in the WNKU deal to purchase the WPAY-FM station's license and property earlier this year, but WPAY station President Doug Braden said they can't operate the AM-side without a staff — which was lost in the FM purchase.

Braden said the WPAY-AM radio station began in Mt. Orab. The station moved to Portsmouth in about 1936, and was instrumental in covering the historic 1937 flood. On Friday, however, the radio will go silent as the AM station concludes its broadcasting and leaves the air at 2 p.m.

Braden said he has enjoyed being a part of the Portsmouth community, and explained that this move is an entirely financial decision.

"We have appreciated the support that the community has given us these many years. We are very grateful for all the support we have had. It's just not feasible to continue," he said.

RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235, or rottney@heartlandpublications.com.
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RadioTom
|
June 06, 2011
I'm in broadcasting; and I was curious, so I got to looking - and I see that WPAY-AM needs some work done at the transmitter site. Expensive work. So, all things considered, this decision to shut down isn't too surprising... if you use cost-benefit analysis and short-term return on investment. If I had the liquid assets available, I might consider buying the station... Although I do have some friends that may have a bit more cash available right now... Hmm.....
waltwinchell
|
June 01, 2011
Well this is another news outlet gone. Isn't this the station that broadcasts the council meetings ? Now they can conduct more meetings in secret ! Who will step up and put the real news out now? It's sure not the Portsmouth Daily Times that doesn't even put out a Monday paper, how much longer can they hang on ?
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