Thieves have struck in Walker County, stealing not a radio — but an entire 200-foot AM radio tower. The theft occurred at YHN Network affiliate WJLX in Jasper.
Station general manager Brett Elmore told Yellowhammer News the thieves took the radio tower, transmitter and processors.
Elmore says the theft was first noticed on Friday, when a bush hog crew went to mow the site. They discovered the tower was missing and the transmitter building had been emptied out. The only thing left was wires, where the tower once stood.
Elmore says it will be quite costly to replace the tower and equipment. He says it’s Federal Crime to steal a radio tower and remains hopeful they find out who was responsible. The station is working to get temporary authority from the FCC, to continue broadcasting on their FM translator, while they rebuild their AM operations.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call the Jasper Police or Crime Stoppers.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe today to have Alabama’s leading headlines delivered to your inbox.