Imagine arriving at work one morning, only to discover that your entire radio tower, standing tall at 200 feet, has vanished into thin air. That’s exactly what happened to WJLX, a radio station in Alabama. This unbelievable incident has left the station in shock and disbelief.
A Costly Heist Unfolds
Early one morning, as a landscaping crew arrived at the radio station for routine spring cleaning, they were met with a shocking sight—their towering radio structure had vanished. Perplexed, one crew member immediately contacted the general manager to deliver the unbelievable news. Brett Elmore, the station’s general manager, couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “What do you mean the tower is gone? Are you sure you’re in the right place? I actually used more colorful words than that,” Elmore recounted to NBC News. The reality sank in when the crew member described the wires scattered on the ground and the complete absence of the tower.
To make matters worse, the criminals didn’t stop at stealing the radio tower. They also vandalized a nearby building, leaving the door ajar. Elmore felt a sinking feeling as he realized the severity of the situation. “That’s when reality was starting to set in that something bad had happened,” he expressed.
A Clean Sweep: Everything Goes Missing
In addition to the tower, the thieves made off with every piece of equipment from the radio station’s building, including a crucial transmitter. Elmore promptly filed a police report, and the Jasper Mayor, David O’Mary, confirmed that an investigation was underway. However, lacking essential information, a full-fledged investigation could not yet be conducted.
The Aftermath and Road to Recovery
WJLX took immediate action and notified the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that their AM station was now silent. The station hoped to continue broadcasting through its FM radio transmitter while resolving the issue. “We requested a temporary authority to keep the FM translator on until we get the AM back on the air,” Elmore explained. Unfortunately, the FCC denied their request, leaving them no choice but to power down the transmitter. Despite these setbacks, Elmore remains optimistic about the station’s future. “Unfortunately, the site was not insured. We’re a small market station, but we’re going to get back, and we’re going to be back on the air as soon as we possibly can,” he assured.
The shocking disappearance of their 200-foot tower and the subsequent theft of vital equipment has undoubtedly dealt WJLX a significant blow. However, with their determination and resilient spirit, it’s only a matter of time before they bounce back and grace the airwaves once more.
Source: F5mag.com