Copper Thief Knocks 100k-Watt Kentucky FM Station Off the Air

Thieves targeted 93.7 WDGG(FM) in Ashland, Ky., cutting its main tower transmission line in broad daylight to steal copper, leaving the 100,000-watt station operating at just 10 watts. The suspect allegedly disabled surveillance before severing the pressurized line, which cannot simply be spliced due to gas leak risks. Station owner Mike Kirtner estimates repairs at $70,000 to $100,000 and hopes to restore a direct transmission path by early June, while the local community rallies behind the locally owned broadcaster.