. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In reply refer to:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1800B3-WJS

Bick Broadcasting Company
119 North Third Street
Hannibal, MO 63401

Landmark Broadcasting Inc.
401 Main Street
Keokuk, Iowa 52632

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .In re: Station WZBN(FM), Carthage, IL
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Assignment of License
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . File No. BALH-961203GE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Informal Objections

Dear Applicants:

This letter concerns (1) the above-referenced application to assign the license of Station WZBN(FM), Carthage, Illinois, from Landmark Broadcasting Inc. to Bick Broadcasting Co. ("Bick") (File No. BALH-961203GE), and (2) the informal objections of W. Michael Shea dated December 18, 1996 (see Footnote 1), of Sandra Glick dated January 12, 1997, and of Karen K. Hickey dated January 13, 1997. For the reasons explained below, the informal objections are denied, and the application is granted.

The principal objection to the proposed assignment is that, if approval is granted, Bick is likely to change WZBN(FM)'s current programming format, which centers on the community of Keokuk, Iowa and features, among other things, local sports coverage by Mr. Shea. He, Ms. Glick and Ms. Hickey state that such local programming provides an important service to Keokuk, and point our attention to petitions in WZBN(FM)'s public file with some 1,500 signatures requesting that the "Mike Shea Sports Caravan" show remain on the air. In addition, Mr. Shea objects that Bick intends to relocate WZBN(FM)'s studio and offices outside of Keokuk, and that Bick owns three other commercial radio stations in the vicinity.

The Commission appreciates the concerns regarding WZBN(FM)'s programming expressed in the informal objections. As a general matter, however, we do not attempt to direct licensees in the selection or presentation of particular programming, and absent a showing of abuse of the licensee's discretion, we will accept its good faith programming judgments. See WGPR, Inc., 10 FCC Rcd 8140, 8146 (1995); WGBH Educational Foundation, 69 FCC 2d 1250, 1251 (1978); Citizen's Communication Center, 25 FCC 2d 705, 707 (1970). Moreover, we do not consider programming format in reviewing license assignment applications: an applicant need only provide a "brief narrative description" of its proposed issue-responsive programming. WGPR, Inc., 10 FCC Rcd at 8146.

The subject application contains the requisite description of WZBN(FM)'s proposed issue-responsive programming and, therefore, complies with the Commission's rules. See id. Nevertheless, we note that licensees are required to offer programming responsive to the needs and interests of the communities they serve, see, e.g., Philadelphia Television Stations, 5 FCC Rcd 3847, 3847-49 (1990), and we encourage residents and listeners to continue to make their programming preferences known by directly contacting WZBN(FM). Evidence regarding whether the station's programming is responsive to the needs and interests of the communities it serves may be presented in connection with the renewal of its license. Id.

The Commission also appreciates the concerns expressed by Mr. Shea regarding studio and office relocation and multiple station ownership by Bick. However, there is no showing here that the licensee has or will violate the Commission's station main studio location rule. 47 C.F.R. § 73.1125. Furthermore, staff review of the subject application reveals that Bick's acquisition of WZBN(FM) will comply with the Commission's local radio ownership rules. 47 C.F.R. § 73.3555(a).

In sum, examination of the subject application reveals that Bick is qualified to be a Commission licensee, and that the assignment will serve the public interest, convenience, and necessity. The informal objections do not raise a substantial and material question of fact. In light of the foregoing, and pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 0.283, the informal objections of Reverend W. Michael Shea and Sandra Glick ARE DENIED, and the application to assign the license of Station WZBN(FM), Carthage, Illinois, from Landmark Broadcasting Inc. to Bick Broadcasting Co. ("Bick") (File No. BALH-961203GE) IS GRANTED.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sincerely,

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Michael F. Wagner for)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Blair, Chief
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audio Services Division
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mass Media Bureau

cc: Reverend W. Michael Shea
. ..Sandra Glick
. ..Karen K. Hickey
. ..Michael J. Wilhelm, Esq.

Footnote:

Footnote 1: Bick Broadcasting filed a response to Mr. Shea's informal objection on December 30, 1996, and his reply thereto was filed on January 21, 1997.