In order to develop more specialized radio programming, WNIU-FM has applied for two new frequencies from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), said WNIU General Manager Mike Lazar.

owever, the FCC has been “sitting on” both applications, Lazar said. He said WNIU first applied for a frequency in February of 1983 in competition with WQFL of Rockford. Since WNIU missed the cut-off date for applications, a request was made by WNIU to waive the deadline rules so proposals from both parties could be evaluated by the FCC.

“Apparently this action has held up our action,” said Barry Armstrong, general manager of WQFL.

WQFL is a community-based channel affiliated with The First Assembly Church in Rockford. The frequency, which was applied for by Christian Life Center Schools, would be used as a religious educational channel, Armstrong said.

In attempts to prompt the FCC into action, WNIU’s attorneys offered to purchase another frequency for WQFL. However, WQFL did not accept the offer because the same frequency was applied for by another Christian broadcasting station, Armstrong said.

“There is no battle. We are pursuing our best interests, and WNIU is pursuing theirs,” Armstrong said. “We both want to service the community.”

Neither WNIU nor WQFL have received any news from the FCC in regard to the application. Armstrong said WQFL is “optimistic” about getting the frequency.

“Because it is a regulatory issue, the FCC does not want to deal with it,” Lazar said.

WNIU applied for another frequency in May of 1986 in competition with Faith Center of Rockford. Faith Center did not comment on their application for the frequency because they are in litigation with WNIU. The FCC has not acted on these applications either.

Lazar said a new frequency would enable WNIU to devote one station to classical music and fine arts and the other station to news and jazz.

“Right now we are trying to serve many different needs with one signal,” said Lazar.

Lazar said if a new frequency is obtained, the present WNIU staff would be re-directed to either station depending on their job function. A new frequency would cost less than $100,000 to obtain, but a figure could not be given as to operational costs.