Clearly, when the WJLX local radio station was in the planning stages, somebody forgot to include in their risk assessment the issue of theft. This is of no surprise as no one could have predicted a 200ft radio tower could be stolen at all, let alone in such a baffling method.
It’s a mystery to authorities and station management alike as to how the perpetrators possibly executed such a feat, and why they would even try to in the first place. Brett Elmore, WJLX’s general manager, made the shocking discovery on the morning of Friday, July 16th. When an expected morning site maintenance crew, working on the tower in a rural area, arrived at its location, they found what was left of its wires and other equipment.
Elmore has been managing the station for over two decades and says he has never heard of anything of this scale before. “I’ve been in the radio business my entire life, and I have never experienced anything quite like this” said Elmore, struck by the bewilderingly surreal event.
The radio tower is an essential component of the AM channel that WJLX uses to broadcast its signal. Unfortunately, the theft has put this on standby until further notice. Elmore had also found that in addition to the tower, other equipment was stolen, which amplified the impact of the crime on the station. Nevertheless, officials say they are determined to find out who was responsible for this daring and unspeakably bold stunt and charge them to the full extent of the law. Elmore already has his eyes on the culprits, promising they will face prosecution as it is a federal offense.
Alabama Radio Station’s 200-Foot Tower Disappears Without a Trace: ‘You’ve Got to Be Kidding’ https://t.co/KpKXcrXVlO
— ContinuousHits 94KEY (@94KEY) February 9, 2024
Elmore said their alternative option of using a temporary authority given to them by the FCC can only suffice for a short time; the temporary authority can only last but for so long before it requires a constant renewal, which is impractical. This situation places a heavy burden on the station, which depends on tower placement for the continuation of its operations.
Being well aware of the severity of the crime committed, the WJLX station staff is working tirelessly with local authorities in gathering as much information and evidence as possible to convict the suspects if apprehended. The Department of Justice has allocated a team of specialists and extra resources to reinforce the search even further.
Radio station baffled after 200-foot radio tower disappears without a trace: ‘Seen it all now’https://t.co/MxWqEnEH0J pic.twitter.com/nlp6wU2F0t
— K3RRR (@K3TripleR) February 9, 2024
The community, particularly the WJLX radio audience, is shocked and is following this unforeseen crime and developments closely. Not only is it imperative to catch the thieves and bring them to justice, but also for the safety and well-being of the community. The WJLX staff has been inundated with support from concerned citizens, and they are confident the thieves in question will be caught quickly. Government officials are encouraging nearby residents to be on the lookout and report any suspicious behavior.
Radio towers are critical structures that require permission and appropriate permits to be built, according to Jeff Tomas, whose job it is, as an assistant to the Alabama Power Company, to scrutinize the construction of towers in the state. Tomas also mentioned that to his knowledge, the chances of the thieves receiving authorization and permits for the resurrection of a structure anywhere near the former location is probable, meaning down to the ground, the station will have to find a different, appropriate site. Without any solid leads, the dedicated staff of WJLX has faith that the masterminds behind this heinous crime will be brought to justice soon.
