33-year-old local radio station ending broadcast this month; here’s why

Photo via 92.9's Instagram

Well folks, it’s the end of an era. A local, beloved radio station is officially going off air at the end of the month.

Alternative rock station CD 92.9, one of Ohio’s last independently operated radio stations, is ending its broadcast on January 31, 2024, according to Randy Malloy, President and owner of WWCD, which owns CD 92.9 (which was previously on stations CD 101.5 and CD 102.5).

Malloy explained that CD 92.9 tried its best to remain on the airwaves, but it’s unable to do. Initially, WWCD/CD 92.9 elected to not share any additional details besides that they were unable to finalize an agreement with FCC licensees, ICS and Delmar, that would have allowed them to continue broadcasting on the FM dial.

Days later, they posted on their Facebook, “Now that ICS and Delmar have stated their side of the story, WWCD/CD 92.9 would like to share its side of the story, all of which is documented via emails exchanged with Mark Litton (ICS) and Brent Casagrande (Delmar).”

Here are the details, according to WWCD/CD 92.9’s Facebook post:

In September, CD 92.9 informed ICS and Delmar that they wouldn’t be able to renew the existing agreement for another three-year term because costs increased to $26,000 per month as of January 1, 2024. Plus the $14,000 each month for the operations of WWCD’s other stations (two AM stations and 2 FM stations).
They proposed a new arrangement, a 10 year seller-financed deail, where they would be able to purchase the FCC licenses and related assets. ICS and Delmar initially rejected it.
On October 4th, ICS and Delmar presented an offer to enter into a 10-year agreement that would have allowed WWCD/CD 92.9 to purchase the stations.
On October 12th, WWCD accepted the offer in principle and handed it over to their attorneys to work out the details.
Then a day later during a follow-up, it was stated that the attorney’s wouldn’t be able to prepare the agreements until December 1st.
Fast-forward to early December, and ICS and Delmar informed WWCD that certain terms would be included in the new agreements, including immediate termination if payments were not made within seven days, plus an immediate 10% late fee if any payment was one day late. WWCD claims that these were unreasonable terms, and they wouldn’t be able to sign this agreement.
On December 20th, ICS and Delmar stated they would “not be going forward with the 10 year purchase option at this time.”
WWCD was planning on telling their staff the state of affairs on January 5, 2024, and told ICS and Delmar their plan to tell the staff and then issue a press release.
ICS and Delmar requested that WWCD transfers their entire website and music library to them. WWCD stated that if they would like to use their assets, they would need to execute an asset purchase.
Then, ICS and Delmar sent WWCD a proposed press released that stated they would continue reinstating free online streaming and would continue to support their legacy programs. WWCD immediately informed ICS and Delmar that they did not have permission to use their intellectual property or portray themselves as a continuation of the brand that they spent 33 years building.
WWCD will be taking legal action of ICS and Delmar use their assets and property, considering WWCD, Ltd. has registered CD 92.9, CD929, and WWCD as registered service marks with the State of Ohio.

“And that’s where we are,” their post says. “Again, many thanks for your endless support!”

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“While it pains me to once again announce our departure from the airwaves, the WWCD radio brand, along with CD 92.9 merchandise, will remain available on our website,” said Malloy.

WWCD was established in 1990, and throughout its 33-year old history, they’ve committed to being a vital component of the Columbus community. They’ve provided arts, culture, and social-service organizations, along with donating more than $1 million to children-centric charities through the station’s nonprofit foundation, called CD 102.5 For the Kids.

Malloy has always believed that “radio done right is about more than charts and ratings – it’s about community, and it’s about people.” We’re heartbroken to see them signing off.

For more information, please visit their website.

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