KKLE

KKLE (1550 AM) is a news/talk radio station in Winfield, Kansas and is owned by Rocking M Radio Inc.

KKLE
CityWinfield, Kansas
Frequency1550 kHz
BrandingKKLE 1550am
SloganTalk Radio
Programming
FormatNews/Talk (currently off the air)
Ownership
OwnerRocking M Radio Inc.
KIBB, KKGQ, KLEY, KVWF, KWME
History
First air date
August 10, 1963[1]
Technical information
Facility ID31892
ClassD
Power250 watts day
52 watts night
Transmitter coordinates
37°14′11″N 97°01′31″W
Links
Websitekkle-1550 Website

The station is currently silent.[2]

History

On March 29, 2019, Rocking M announced they would sell KKLE 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. Allied Media Partners would take over the stations via a local marketing agreement on April 1.[3] 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. The completion date would be delayed a few more times, with a final scheduled completion date of October 31. On September 23, 2019, Envision, who owns the building that houses the station's studios, would lock the doors, denying staff members access to the station and offices; the non-profit organization claims that Rocking M was behind in their lease agreement. In response, Rocking M would take each station off the air that day as well.[4] A week later, Allied Media Partners announced it would cease operations, and let go all employees, putting the future of the stations in jeopardy.[5] On October 11, Envision would file 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 owes the company money (Envision is seeking $1.25 million plus interest, costs and attorneys’ fees). It also wants a sheriff's sale of property related to the station and demands that Rocking M deliver all collateral to Envision.[6] On November 6, Envision would file a second lawsuit against Rocking M in Sedgwick County District Court for failing to vacate the building that houses their stations' studios, along with leaving behind damaged property and failing to pay rent for parking spaces.[7] In return, Rocking M would file 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. In addition, Rocking M has stated that it hopes to still sell KKLE and its five sister stations.[8][9]

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.[10]

References
  1. Broadcasting Yearbook 1979, Broadcasting, 1979. p. C-85. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
  3. Allied Media Partners Acquires Six in Wichita from Rocking M Media
  4. Wichita Cluster Silenced as Allied Buy Implodes
  5. Sale Conflict Takes Wichita Cluster Off the Air
  8. Wichita Cluster Off-Air with Purchase of Stations Now in Jeopardy
  9. FCC Pulled Into Battle Over Rocking M's Silent Wichita FMs
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