FCC denies “move-in” by KACS Centralia-Chehalis

The FCC today denied a change of city-of-license & a potential “move-in” by Chehalis Valley Educational Foundation’s Christian talk 90.5 KACS.  The CVEF applied to change location from Chehalis to Rainier plus a power increase to accompany the change.  The feds argued this application had little to do with providing the community of Rainier with a first broadcasting service than it did a move-in to the Olympia/Lacey market & beyond.  Based on engineering data submitted, the FCC determined the proposed signal would cover 53.6% of the Olympia/Lacey urban market & 13% of Seattle.  Under rules in place for NCE stations located in the 88-92 mHz portion of the FM band, this would be a violation of the regulations & therefore not permitted.  The FCC also expressed concern that as a listener-supported station funded by membership & donations, allowing this move may have a negative & competitive impact on existing non-commercial, listener-supported radio broadcasters in the Olympia/Lacey, Tacoma & Seattle markets. An application by KACS for a review of this decision has also been denied.