WQZS: Wahl Files Application for Review, Issues Apology

A Somerset County radio station owner has asked for clemency just days before the FCC was to finalize the order to revoke his license.

Roger Wahl, the owner and founder of Meyersdale-based WQZS, filed an application for review Monday with the FCC through his Washington attorney, Dan J. Alpert. In the 45-page application, Wahl was forthcoming with his legal problems and his chronic health issues.

Alpert stated that the FCC did not meet its requirements for burden of proof regarding Wahl’s character.

“The felony convictions, however unfortunate, should not define Mr. Wahl or result in the loss of his radio station licenses to the community of Meyersdale,” wrote Alpert. “The inquiry at the core of this hearing proceeding is whether the felony or misdemeanor of which Mr. Wahl stands convicted render him unqualified to remain a commission licensee in light of the Commission’s character qualifications policy. Findings not supported by reliable, probative and substantial evidence or irrelevant matters not based on the record cannot be considered.”

Alpert added that Wahl’s inability to meet the deadlines imposed on him should not serve as a substitute for the FCC Enforcement Bureau’s failure to meet its burden of proof.

A contrite Wahl was much more forthcoming about his relationship with the victim in his criminal case, a live-in companion of more than a decade.

“I began getting suspicious that she was having an affair,” wrote Wahl through his attorney. “I then had my son…watching her, and learned that she was indeed with another guy. I was devastated, our relationship shattered, and that is when I began the actions described in the court documents.”

Wahl stated that he stayed with the victim until December of 2018, when he broke his neck in a fall at the home he and the victim shared, requiring hospitalization. He then moved into the radio station upon his discharge.

“I admit that I made a serious mistake because of being so upset,” wrote Wahl. “This single, horrendous event, should not be an indication of my overall character, or of my dedication to being a reliable licensee to the FCC in the future. I am deeply apologetic for any frustration and turmoil (my) health problems may have caused the FCC, but I would deeply appreciate a further opportunity to be allowed to present facts sufficient for this station to survive and serve the community.”

Wahl’s application also contained 11 exhibits, many of them notes of support from the community.

“When I learned of the allegations leveled against Mr. Wahl by the Pennsylvania State Police, I was shocked,” wrote David Flower, a Somerset-based attorney who represented Wahl during his criminal trial. “To Mr. Wahl’s credit, he had taken steps to prevent any potential harm from befalling the victim by directing the person who called him away from her, and he was very forthcoming throughout the criminal prosecution.”

Sam Coughenour, pastor of the Abundant Life Christian Center – and one of Wahl’s most vocal supporters – concurred with Flower’s testimony.

“I know the FCC will be fair in its ruling, and I have said this to many who approach me,” wrote Coughenour, who has aired a two hour broadcast Sunday mornings on WQZS with his wife Margie for 27 years. “WQZS has been a real asset to the things our local churches endeavor to do for the community.

Meyersdale borough council president Jeff Irwin requested that if the FCC decides against Wahl holding the license, then it should transfer to his daughter through an application which is still being held in abeyance by the FCC.

“Please allow this valuable asset to continue as our local radio station,” wrote Irwin. “Our town and county are economically distressed areas and I believe the loss of WQZS would be a devastating blow.”

Insurance broker Blake Henry said that WQZS provides both news and affordable advertising that meets the needs of the community.

“For many of us (WQZS) is the only source of local news,” wrote Henry. “Our formerly local newspaper is now part of the USA/Today group and provides almost no local news. All small businesses need to advertise to keep their customers informed. WQZS is the fastest, most reliable way to do that in our area. We need them.”

“Roger Wahl and WQZS Radio are a huge part to the start of my day,” wrote Jane Swartzwelder, mayor of Salisbury borough since 2012. She went to commend WQZS and Wahl for its role in keeping her community informed after a tornado struck in 1998.

“I would be correct by saying Roger Wahl saved lives by his warnings to the public of approaching danger over WQZS Radio,” Swartzwelder added.

Wahl’s daughter, Wendy Sipple, pleaded in the application to transfer the license to her for the sake of keeping the station in her family, which she said started building the station in the 1980’s.

“(My parents) both worked full-time jobs and would work on the station at night and on weekends,” wrote Sipple. “(They) worked tirelessly to finally get this accomplished and started the first broadcast October 16, 1992.”

Wahl had attempted to transfer the license of WQZS to Sipple in a token $10 transaction after his legal troubles began in 2019. The FCC initially approved the transfer, but then retrenched after learning of Wahl’s impending criminal case.

The Application for Review essentially resets the clock for Wahl and allows him to legally keep his license for the time being. If the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau decides to proceed with finalization of the revocation order, the transfer of the license from Wall to Sipple would be dismissed as moot.