KNTS (AM)

KNTS (1680 kHz) is an AM radio station broadcasting a South Asian format. Licensed to Seattle, Washington, it serves the Seattle metropolitan area. The station is currently owned by Baaz Broadcasting Corp.

KNTS
Simulcast of KKDZ Seattle
Broadcast areaSeattle metropolitan area
Frequency1680 kHz
BrandingRadio Punjab
Programming
Language(s)Punjabi
FormatSouth Asian music and talk
Ownership
OwnerBaaz Broadcasting Corp.
History
First air date
1998 (as KAZJ)
Former call signs
KAZJ (1998-2001)
KTFH (2001-2006)
KDOW (2006-2008)
Technical information
Facility ID87153
ClassB
Power10,000 watts day
1,000 watts night
Links
Websiteradiopunjab.com

History

KNTS originated as the expanded band "twin" of an existing station on the standard AM band. On March 17, 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that 88 stations had been given permission to move to newly available "Expanded Band" transmitting frequencies, ranging from 1610 to 1700 kHz, with KLFE in Seattle authorized to move from 1590 to 1680 kHz.[1]

A construction permit for the expanded band station was assigned the call letters KAZJ on January 9, 1998.[2] The FCC's initial policy was that both the original station and its expanded band counterpart could operate simultaneously for up to five years, after which owners would have to turn in one of the two licenses, depending on whether they preferred the new assignment or elected to remain on the original frequency.[1] However, this deadline has been extended multiple times, and both stations have remained authorized.

The station’s call sign was changed to KTFH on July 22, 2001, to KDOW on June 16, 2006, and to KNTS on July 1, 2008.

On February 11, 2021, KNTS flipped to regional Mexican as "La Patrona 1680".[3]

On August 5, 2022, it was announced that Salem proposed to sell the station to Baaz Broadcasting.[4] The FCC has generally required paired original and expanded band stations to remain under common ownership.[5][6] However, it was also proposed to sell KNTS's standard band companion, KLFE on AM 1590, to a different company, Reliant Radio, so a waiver request was filed with the FCC to allow an exception to the common ownership requirement. This request listed as one justification the fact that this waiver would support FCC efforts to increase minority radio stations holdings, as Baaz "was 100% controlled by individuals of South Asian descent". In addition, the $225,000 sales price was said to be less than half of KNTS's fair market value, as established by independent appraisal.[7]

On March 1, 2023, KNTS dropped the Regional Mexican format and began simulcasting sister station KKOL, which airs a conservative talk format.

References
  1. "FCC Public Notice: Mass Media Bureau Announces Revised AM Expanded Band Allotment Plan and Filing Window for Eligible Stations" (FCC DA 97-537), March 17, 1997. This notice lists the station under its earlier call letters of KZOK.
  2. FCC Call Sign History (1680 AM) (Facility ID: 87153)
  3. Salem Launches 'La Patrona' in Seattle
  4. "Salem Sells Two In Seattle". RadioInsight. Retrieved 2022-08-06.
  5. "In re: WHLY(AM), South Bend, Indiana" (FCC DA 13-600, released April 3, 2013)
  6. "Re: WDDD (AM) Application for Consent to Assignment of AM Broadcast Station License" (August 23, 2010 correspondence from Peter H. Doyle, Chief, FCC Audio Division, Media Bureau. Reference Number 1800B3-TSN)
  7. "Form 314: August 2022: Request For Waiver of 47 C.F.R. § 73.1150(c)" for KLFE(AM) and KNTS(AM), Seattle, Washington.

47°39′20″N 122°31′05″W

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