[16][17][18] On July 29, Rocking M announced they would partner with Patrick Communications to market and engage a sale of Rocking M's Wichita, Wellington and Winfield stations (including KWME), as well as 7 other stations in Kansas, through an auction; bids were then accepted until September 27, with the auction set to take place in October. On September 10, 2004, KMXW flipped to a gold-based rhythmic adult contemporary format as "Magic 92.3". The longtime Kansas-based broadcasters dismissed two family members, son Christopher Miller and grandson Cale Miller, from the company. [14], On December 23, 2021, Rocking M agreed to a Consent Decree with a $7,000 fine to settle the license renewal applications for KWME, KIBB, KVWF, KKLE and KLEY, and to complete the sale of KKGQ to Pinnacle Media. Facebook users have just about four months until the claim deadline on Aug. 25, 2023, to submit an application online or by mail. Fox News and Tucker Carlson, the right-wing extremist who used his prime time perch at the talk network to exert a firm grip over the Republican Party, have severed ties, the network said . Hunters collapsing world: Why a criminal plea could now be the best option Scalise: Americans expect Biden to sit in a room with Speaker McCarthy and Ted Cruz decries political smear job against Clarence Thomas for ethics Rices departure brings relief to immigration advocates. Rocking M Media will pay a $7,000 fine to the Federal Communications Commission as part of a consent decree to resolve issues that came up during the Commissions review of its license renewal applications for six radio stations and one FM translator in Kansas and the sale of KKGQ-FM Newton, KS to Pinnacle Media. Per the deal, the civil lawsuits between Envision and Rocking M will be jointly dismissed. As with many class action lawsuits, the size of each individuals payout depends on how many claims come in. The Federal Communications Commission has told a federal bankruptcy court in Kansas City that it is investigating Rocking M Media for several alleged violations of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) regulations. The announcement Monday came without explanation and astonished the media industry. At 6a.m. on December 26, the stunting shifted towards playing a wide variety of music from multiple genres (while leaving hints of a possible contemporary music direction based on the stunting), now utilizing the station's intended moniker "Q92". Rocking M took over KKGQ via a local marketing agreement on April 10, with the sale officially completed on September 22 at a price of $2.5 million. (kmm) (Entered: 04/28/2023), Order Granting Third Motion to Extend/Limit Exclusivity Period for Filing a Chapter 11 Plan and Disclosure Statement (Related Doc # 387) Signed on 4/28/2023. The case status is Pending - Other Pending. April 25, 2023 at 6:56 p.m. EDT. Rocking M Media was entangled in a lawsuit with Envision Broadcast Network over Rocking M Media's 2017 $2.5 million purchase agreement for KKGQ Wichita (92.3). Rupert Murdoch, its founder, agreed to a massive settlement of $787.5 million, roughly two-thirds of . [11][12], On October 10, 2014, Journal announced that KFTI-FM would be sold to Wichita-based Envision, a non-profit blind advocacy group, under their newly formed broadcasting division, for a price of $1.55 million. [7] On November 6, Envision filed a second lawsuit against Rocking M in Sedgwick County District Court for failing to vacate the building that houses their station's studios, along with leaving behind damaged property and failing to pay rent for parking spaces. If you have a tip, please e-mail or tweet her or call 316-268-6340. reported that a deal for Wichitas new Allied Media Partners, Overland Park firm is expanding in Wichita in two big ways, In the land of the free, why cant we have mini-pickup trucks like the Taliban and ISIS? Boeger, who heads Union Broadcasting and its Sports stations in Kansas City and Louisville, will pay Rocking M $623,000 for KKGQ. Carrie Rengers, "Wichita-based group forms to buy 6 area radio stations". Kansas Radio Operator Rocking M Media Files For Chapter 11. Public Records Policy. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg sought to limit Trump's social media posts in hush-money case. A couple of lawsuits and a complaint to the Federal Communications Commission followed. On the surface, Fox News got pummeled. Trustee U.S. Developing Local Kansas Businesses For Over 100 Years. This case was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Courts, Stanley Mosk Courthouse located in Los Angeles, California. While the bankruptcy court has approved the purchases, the sale was officially filed with the FCC on February 2, 2023. Rocking M Media and its associated companies that own 21 stations in central and western Kansas has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Newest Oldest Popular Trending In responding to the inquiry, Rocking M Media attributed the periods of silence to being evicted from the stations studio location, a failed multi-station sale, financial difficulties and inadvertence by its manager and a contract engineer. Rocking M CEO Monte Miller did not return a call for comment. [42][43], On June 3, 2021, Pinnacle announced that KKGQ would flip to sports talk as "ESPN Wichita 92.3" on June 14 (the flip occurred a day earlier than planned on June 13). One year later, the station would revert to hot AC as "The New 92.3". UniCourt uses cookies to improve your online experience, for more information please see our Privacy Policy. In its renewal applications, Rocking M said each station had been off the air for substantial periods without FCC authority in violation of its rules but that it had never been silent for 12 consecutive months. On July 30, 2014, it was announced that the E. W. Scripps Company would acquire Journal Communications in an all-stock transaction. Thats never happened. 1,150 people like this. If you have a tip, please e-mail or tweet her or call 316-268-6340. ruled in favor of Envision Broadcast Network in its lawsuit, six Wichita-area Rocking M Media stations went off the air, has been on and off the air over the past year, Overland Park firm is expanding in Wichita in two big ways, In the land of the free, why cant we have mini-pickup trucks like the Taliban and ISIS? Allied Media Partners would take over the stations via a local marketing agreement on April 1. CNN . The case status is Other. The firm harvested the data of as many as 87 million Facebook users,the Associated Press reported. [6] On October 11, Envision filed a lawsuit against Rocking M in Harvey County District Court, claiming that Rocking M did not meet a payment schedule related to KKGQ's sale in 2017 and owed the company money (Envision is seeking $1.25 million plus interest, costs and attorneys fees). The Rocking M Asset Auction Concludes | Radio & Television Business Report [35][36][37][38], On August 28, 2020, the Harvey County District Court ruled in favor of Envision, awarding the company $1.2 million plus interest for what it said was Rocking M's breach of contract. In 2020, Rocking M did receive special temporary authority for some stations to remain silent for certain periods, but other periods were not approved. started notifying people who may be eligible, Facebook notifies users who may be eligible for $725M privacy settlement, Whats the cheapest day of the week to buy gas? The suit said that in 2017, Envision agreed to sell KKGQ-FM, 92.3, and its assets to Rocking M but that Rocking M then failed to meet a payment schedule. FCC Tells Bankruptcy Court Rocking M Faces Near-Million Dollar Fine For EEO Violations. | Opinion, Undrafted Kansas State football players sign with NFL teams as priority free agents, Kansas native who has written several No. On October 11, Envision filed a lawsuit against Rocking M in Harvey County District Court, claiming that Rocking M did not meet a payment schedule related to sister station KKGQ's sale in 2017 and owed the company money (Envision sought $1.25 million plus interest, costs and attorneys' fees). At 6a.m. on the 15th, the station shifted its stunting to Christmas music, now using the moniker "Santa Q92". Boeger, who heads Union Broadcasting and its Sports stations in Kansas City and Louisville, will pay Rocking M $623,000 for KKGQ. As part of the deal Union Broadcasting and Envision will conduct a one day camp for blind and visually impaired youths that includes access and engagement to produce and air radio broadcast shows, Envision will be a founding partner of the station for three years, Envision will have a bi-weekly hourlong show espousing the Envision mission and all that Envision does., and review and consider resumes of blind and visually impaired applicants from the Envision Group when applicable. (785) 565-0406. In addition, Rocking M has stated that it hopes to still sell KWME and its five sister stations. for the Period March 1, 2023 Through March 31, 2023. [32] In return, Rocking M filed a complaint with the FCC, hoping that the agency would force Envision to allow access back to the stations' studios, as well as to fine the company. [23], On March 29, 2019, Rocking M announced they would sell KKGQ and its five sister stations in the Wichita/Wellington/Winfield area to Allied Media Partners, a local group owned by Matt Baty and Tommy Castor, for $6.2 million. Rocking M had until March 14, 2021 to return KWME to air; as of February 23, 2021, KWME resumed broadcasting, this time airing an unbranded adult hits format. "[12][13] A month later, on March 15, KWME fell silent again due to technical issues with their studio-to-transmitter link. Rocking M Media Revives Two Of Its Wichita Stations Bankruptcy attorney Sharon Stolte of Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard, who is representing the company, told the Wichita Eagle that We filed on Saturday, and we are hoping to reorganize. If you do not agree with these terms, then do not use our website and/or services. Lance also advises stations, talent and brands on digital content strategies, programming integrations, and brand extensions. Carrie Rengers has been a reporter for more than three decades, including almost 20 years at The Wichita Eagle. [20][21][22][23], (KWME's logo under previous 93.5 frequency). Rocking M says the dollar figure is a theoretical total were it to be found in violation of EEO rules. Over the course of 2015, the station added more hot AC material to the playlist, with the complete shift to the format completed on October 1 (most of the rhythmic AC material had been moved to the evening hours), though the station did retain a rhythmic lean overall. On October 11, Envision filed a lawsuit against Rocking M in Harvey County District Court, claiming that Rocking M did not meet a payment schedule related to KKGQ's sale in 2017 and owed the company money (Envision is seeking $1.25 million plus interest, costs and attorneys' fees). Rocking M told the FCC the silence was a result of financial problems, an eviction and a failed sale of a number of its stations among other things. [24][25] The FCC approved the sale in late May; however, the sale was not consummated due to Allied Media Partners condition that Rocking M would clear all liens and outstanding debt on the stations in order for the sale to be completed. April 19, 2023, 12:13 p.m. Envision has filed two lawsuits against Rocking M and various members of the Miller family. ESPN Radio programming fills the remainder of the schedule. In adopting the consent decree, Audio Division Chief of the Media Bureau Albert Shuldiner said granting the license transfer for KKGQ-FM will serve the public interest. But rather than renewing the other stations licenses for the full term, the order grants a one-year term due to the stations record of failing to serve the public during their substantial periods of silence.. The lawsuit stems from accusations that Facebook allowed users personal data to be shared with third parties, the most famous being Cambridge Analytica, a consulting firm that supported Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. [44][45], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}380112N 972306W / 38.020N 97.385W / 38.020; -97.385. Lance Venta is Owner and Publisher of RadioInsight.com. October 28, 2022 0 On August 1, RBR+TVBR first reported that a group of radio stations licensed to the company led by Monte and Doris Miller would be placed up for sale in a court-administered. [9][10] On August 28, 2020, the Harvey County District Court ruled in favor of Envision, awarding the company $1.2 million plus interest for what it said was Rocking M's breach of contract. Filed by Sharon L Stolte on behalf of ROCKING M MEDIA, LLC . In addition, Envision registered several website domains with "Q" in the address, including Q92TheBeat.com, Q92TheBeat.net and Q92TheBeat.org, as well as anonymous domains for Q92Wichita.com, Q923Wichita.com, 923QFM.com and 923TheQ.com that were registered when the sale was announced (Q92Wichita.com would be picked as the official domain). An Overland Park firm has been doing business with Wichita customers for years, but now its expanding in the city in a couple of different ways. Rocking M Media's inability to keep its Wichita-area radio stations on the air full time has frustrated listeners, and the FCC apparently doesn't like it either. To be more specific, not all Facebook users are eligible but more than 100 million are. Rocking M agreed to sell its entire Wichita cluster in 2019 to Allied Media Partners for $6,188,645, however liens placed on the stations by Envision were unable to be cleared and Envision locked Rocking M Media out of their studios located at Envisions headquarters leading to the sale collapsing. Allied Media Partners would take over the stations via a local marketing agreement on April 1. DeSantis stirs up opposition in Florida town built by Disney What is now KWME officially signed on the air in 1979 as KZED, and broadcasting on 93.5 FM. KKLE - Wikipedia Rocking M Media then filed requests for special temporary authority to remain silent, which the Bureau granted on Nov. 25, 2020 for a six-month period ending May 24, 2021. [22], During its tenure as "Q", ratings were in the upper 0smid-1 shares of the Wichita market, and often ranked as the lowest rated commercial station in the market. The fine and consent decree are for violations of the agencys minimum operating requirements. Carrie Rengers, "Rocking M Media's six area radio stations off the air", a former Wichita station of the same name, "Wichita radio station changes name, music", "Application for Consent to Assignment of Broadcast Station Construction Permit or License", "Description of the Proposed Transaction", "Blind Advocacy Group Acquires 92.3 KFTI Wichita", "Envision buys Wichita's KFTI-FM radio station", "Envision putting its stamp on Wichita's 92.3 FM", "Q92 Wichita Officially Launches As Hot AC", "Rocking M Media to Merge with Envision Broadcast Network", "This station 'envisions' a rocking future", "Brett Harris and Tracy Cassidy lose Q92 morning show", "KKGQ Brings Red Dirt Country to Wichita", "Allied Media Partners Acquires Six in Wichita from Rocking M Media", "Wichita Cluster Silenced as Allied Buy Implodes", "Sale Conflict Takes Wichita Cluster Off the Air", "One of six Rocking M Media stations that went off the air last week is back", "Lawsuit, FCC complaint follow six Wichita radio stations going off the air", "Rocking M Media faces another lawsuit as its six Wichita-area stations remain off", "Wichita Cluster Off-Air with Purchase of Stations Now in Jeopardy", "FCC Pulled Into Battle Over Rocking M's Silent Wichita FMs". [3] In 1976, KJRG-FM changed its call sign to KOEZ. In addition, Union will enter into an advertising agreement with Pinnacle to manage the station. It's out $787.5m and top host Tucker Carlson. What's next for Fox News? By continuing to use this website, you agree to UniCourts General Disclaimer, Terms of Service, Former KKGQ owner Envision Broadcast Group (unrelated to the syndicator), had placed liens on Rocking M Media forcing the lockout of the studios that took the stations off the air in September and then the collapse of the sale. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Carrie Rengers on Twitter: "Rocking M Media and related companies file But the FCC also says the documents the broadcaster is seeking contain confidential information and could compromise the agencys investigation if disclosed prematurely. The agency tells the court that all documents will be provided once the investigation is wrapped up. (Entered: 04/30/2023), Motion to Extend Time to Submit Ballot Summary Filed on behalf of Debtor ROCKING M MEDIA, LLC, with Certificate of Service. After spending its first four years at 92.1 FM, KJRG-FM relocated to its current frequency in 1963. You have permission to edit this article.