From “U.S. 1 Radio” and WEOW to “Pirate Radio,” “Barefoot Radio” and “Party 105.7,” there are some 9 commercially licensed radio stations actively serving the Southernmost City of the U.S. — Key West, Fla.
Should another FM be added to the mix? A Florida Keys licensee says yes, and has filed a Petition with the FCC seeking a new Class C3 facility. Now, the public can provide their input on the plan.
Spottswood Partners II has petitioned the FCC requesting it be granted the right to build a Class C3 FM at 100.9 MHz, licensed to Big Coppitt Key, Fla., adjacent to Key West.
According to Spottswood, Big Coppitt Key is an unincorporated community that has a population of 2,869 persons. Is it a community in the eyes of the FCC, however? Audio Division Assistant Chief Nazifa Sawez wants Spottswood to submit additional information demonstrating that it is.
The existence of political, social, economic, commercial, cultural, public service, or religious organizations and services in the community is a good indicator that it passes the test.
But, Sawez says, the principal test is “whether the residents function as and conceive themselves as a community around which their interests coalesce.”
With Big Coppitt Key not presently home to a radio station, establishing one could have benefit. Thus, the Spottswood petition warrants consideration. As such, the Media Bureau moved forward with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with a comment date of July 11 and a reply comment date of July 26 that seeks the public’s input on the matter.
What’s driving Robert Spottswood‘s plan? It appears that the FM could serve as a new home for his Adult Standards/Lounge-formatted WKWF-AM 1600, which presently uses W277DX at 103.3 MHz in Key West as a FM home. Spottswood’s other Key West asset is WKEY-FM 93.7 in Key West, which he purchased from Choice Radio Keys stations trustee Philip Von Kahle following that licensee’s dissolution.
Spottswood is far more than a radio station owner. Based in Key West, his business includes investments in real estate, timesharing, marinas, hospitality, construction and banking.
