jon wrote:Everyone is assuming that CISL will be using the old 600 towers and transmitter. That isn't explicitly said anywhere in the application, as far as I can see. Though I do agree that it makes sense, and would also explain the more than halving of night-time power, it does seem odd that nothing has been said about the two existing applications for use of 600 KHz that both indicate the use of Pattison's site.
The Pattison letter in the Newcap application does not clearly state it one way or the other, but it sounds like Pattison would retain ownership of the land, transmitter and towers.
Which leads me to what I think is the most likely scenario: CISL and whoever gets a license for 600 KHz will share the towers, much as 1040 and 1410 do now at the site built in the last 10 years. Only this one is even easier, as CISL and 600 will both use the same three towers, just with different directional patterns.
What I don't know is whether you can place two AM stations on the same towers when they are so closely spaced on the dial.
I'd think CISL would use the existing towers. As for the TX, I believe CISL updated to a new Nautel in the last few years, so possibbly the old 600 TX would become a backup. It'd be nice if CISL snagged the
AM Stereo generator from the 600 TX tho.
I don't believe the property is or was ever for sale. If it had been put on the market, it would have sold years ago and be a part of the ever growing industrial development between their property and the
Fraser River. Much is the acreage is filled with blueberry plants.
The 600 site would be a nice grab who whoever (if anyone) is granted 600 BUT there is nothing saying Pattison has to lease the site to a successful applicant. Pattison surrendered the 600 license when
they were granted the FM license for The Peak. The property they own happens to have three towers and a transmitter on it that were used for a defunct radio station. Likewise, there is nothing saying
a successful applicant has to lease the property from Pattison for their new station.