FCC Rejects Bid to Revive Silent New Jersey AM Station

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | 4:18pm CT

Federal Communications Commission

The FCC has denied an appeal by Forsythe Broadcasting, LLC, ending the company's attempt to reinstate the license of silent AM station WNJC Washington Township, NJ.

In a Memorandum Opinion and Order released November 25, the Commission affirmed an earlier Media Bureau decision that the station's license automatically expired under Section 312(g) of the Communications Act after WNJC failed to broadcast for more than 12 consecutive months. Forsythe acknowledged the station had been off the air since March 2023, well past the statutory limit.

Forsythe argued that the loss of its transmitter site lease, difficulty finding a replacement location, financial pressures, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic justified reinstatement "in the interests of equity and fairness." The company also cited several FCC proceedings related to AM revitalization and rural broadcasting in an effort to support its case.

But the FCC found Forsythe had not demonstrated compelling circumstances beyond its control, noting the company offered no evidence of diligent efforts to secure a new site or resume operations. Instead, the Commission said Forsythe appeared to be seeking an open-ended extension with no concrete plan to return to air.

The FCC also rejected Forsythe's reliance on past reinstatement cases, ruling that those involved unique safety issues or natural disasters that did not apply here. Procedurally, the Commission dismissed several arguments as untimely or repetitive of earlier filings already considered and rejected.

"Forsythe has failed to show compelling evidence that the varying circumstances...were out of its control," the FCC wrote, concluding that the company's silence stemmed from its own actions, finances, or business decisions. With the ruling, WNJC's expired license and deleted call sign remain final, and its renewal application remains dismissed as moot.