KALH 95.1 FM Broadcast Radio
Business operations need to be straightforward. Without some sort of checks and balances present on each article to be published, results in articles published by local media, such as Alamogordo Conservative Daily. Chris Edwards speaks about his “media empire.” This consists of 2ndLifeMediaAlamogordoTownNewsKALHradio.org. First, KALH radio, 95.1 FM is false and misleading. Although an FCC license shows 2nd Life Media as the Operator, the station is inoperable. There is NO broadcast signal. This was a known fact on December 27, 2022, in his article “Change in Leadership at Community Public Radio KALH-LP Alamogordo, New Mexico” where Editor, Chris Edwards, remarked on the status of KALH, “excepting for an investment in some infrastructure to ensure long term sustainability and new equipment to sustain the 95.1 radio broadcast.” Was that equipment purchased? KALH is an internet site that streams music. When questioned about the inability to receive a broadcast signal from 95.1 FM he said the use of 95.1 FM was just “branding.” Most people would say it is deceptive and false advertising. The graphics showing 95.1 FM have a distinct meaning and expectation of receiving a broadcast signal at that radio tuning location but it does not exist. Although he may not have an operable transmitter, there is also the problem of no antenna placement on the tower, which is owned by Burt Broadcasting and listed on the FCC license. Were lease payments made for placement on the tower. How can an FCC license list the tower location if there is no operable antenna located on it? As reprehensible and misleading as it is, is it even legal? Perhaps that is a question for the FCC or Burt Broadcasting.
Additionally, Chris Edwards states in the same article above he declares, “Under the new leadership the success and family traditions of the Bass family will continue to be honored front and center as a community-focused nonprofit organization committed to the local community news and information along with quality music and entertainment.” How is the current state of the broadcast radio station and false advertising honoring the traditions of the Bass and Medlin families? Ken Bass’ family, Tiffany and Mattie Medlin took over control after the death of Mr Bass in 2021. Was the radio station operational then? After much difficulty with the station operation, the Medlins passed it to 2nd Life Media as Operator of the FCC license for 95.1 FM broadcast radio.
Business Licenses and Taxes
It’s common knowledge that a person cannot avoid two things – death and taxes.
Why are there no current city business licenses issued to any of Chris Edwards and associates?
Have there been federal or NM taxes filed for any connected business?
One thing that cannot be avoided is the NM Sales Tax. Have those been filed and paid?
What about payroll tax? If you have “contract employees,” is a 1099 issued each year and filed with the IRS?
Even if cash was used to pay for services, such as a city art tour, was sales tax reported? If employees or contract employees were paid with cash how about payroll taxes or 1099’s issued and filed with the IRS? What about payments to the journalists who contribute? Since Alamogordo Conservative Daily is “monetized” or paid by “clicks,” is the journalist paid from the income derived by Alamogordo Conservative Daily from NewsBreak? Do the writers or guest contributors even know they are generating income for Chris Edwards?
A Businessman in the Community?
Businesses in our community strive to be honest and transparent and operate legally and ethically. They are the backbone of our city and the business people are community leaders and supporters. Owning and running a business is not easy and takes hard work to be successful. There are no short cuts. Owners and operators of businesses do not continually create numerous business names and usually do not operate on a cash basis under the table. That is skirting accountability to employees when all appropriate taxes especially taxes that support our city are not paid. Chris Edwards’ proclamation of his “media empire” is somewhat empty based on his “smoke and mirrors” approach in business dealings.
The first red flag to anyone should be the total lack of responsible business operations. As a “media empire,” it is incumbent on Edwards’ to be an example to the community by operating with ALL requirements in business operations. It becomes difficult to be “movable” if everything is out in the open. Businesses do not operate in a “flexible” manner but are stable and consistent with all documents, licenses, and taxes secured and available for accountants or audits. If these are not in place, which the licenses are not, according to Alamogordo city documents obtained, perhaps the “media empire” is only an imaginary friend.
Yes, Edwards does acquire income from NewsBreak but the method may be in question as previously mentioned. Being a legitimate business requires sacrifice, perseverance, and honesty. The goal is to do everything in a legitimate fashion because it prevents problems down the road.
Unfortunately, Chris Edwards appears to have a disdain for the community “elite” as he calls them. Business people and community members who donate their time to make things better are a small group. That is typical of social groups, churches, athletics, or groups gathered to support community activities. Yet, Edwards writes and speaks with disdain about many who are actively involved in doing just that. For Edwards in his postings, it is far better to demean these people in order to diminish their contributions. Why? These actions are of someone who would rather address the issues in ad hominem attacks which appear bitter and vengeful. The result of these types of attacks – division and destruction created by the writer at Alamogordo Conservative Daily. Cancel Culture again?
Yes, people need to be held accountable by the press but anytime there is a challenge, make sure there is supporting documents, that are properly and intelligently analyzed. “Gotcha reporting” is unfair and information usually has not been thoroughly researched. “Bringing pressure” to a situation to be covered is not one of making threats that others would scoff at. These methods utilized are not respected and create division. Anyone can attack others but few can attack with substance. As previously stated, a defense by Chris Edwards of touting the number of articles written is empty and a deflection of the issue being challenged. Declaring his “media empire” as a defense is just as empty. Responsible reporting is healthy for a community and its leaders by reporting good and bad situations but what has been happening is breathless gotcha “exposes” with little or no substance followed by threats of investigations, petitions, and baseless accusations to tout a “pressure campaign” disguised as “news.” There is no respect for that. Stir up a situation, get everyone reacting to the printed nonsense then come in to appear to be the hero. It’s a game. Pay attention. Thanks to the actions of Edwards’ “heroic” actions look at the result! In most situations, the action was already taken by others but not grandstanding their moves. Not everything in life, business, or government operations is done with a marching band, spotlights, fireworks, and threats.
Misinformation and disinformation are dangerous. Most people do not have the time or inclination to look into reports. That is how this type of deceptive or sloppy reporting continues to thrive to mislead people. Never take “sound bite reporting” as truthful. Check it out. If the source is genuinely trying to present honest reporting, criticism is welcome and errors are corrected without attacking the messenger. Everyone makes mistakes but they do not hide behind the number of articles written or my “media empire” as a defense. Everything must have honest substance or that becomes disrespectful to the readers. Let’s work together in our community and go forward constructively.
