[SBE] TV Station Purchase Checklist

[A9xw at cs.com]

Are you doing inventory or due diligence?  Due diligence would also include 
license inspection, public file, legal issues for lawyers to comb through 
financial records, liens, leases, rent, utilities, space rentals, tower condition, 
and tower inspection, FAA approvals (with license info usually).  If equipment 
current, (condition) needs upgrade, repairs. Vehicles? properly licensed, 
passes EPA inspection, mileage, repair records, OSHA compliance for OB trucks, if 
classed as commercial, most recent inspection. 

Transmitter site, FAA registration placards, RF hazard placards, grounding, 
guys, tower lights, paint, rust, age, type, if necessary, hire crew to inspect, 
when were guys last tensioned and plumbed? Building condition, transmitter 
efficiency, power consumption, back up hardware?  STL licenses, RPU licenses, 
other links, translators, does GPS show correct location per license? Antenna 
AGL to center of radiation (laser measurements) Coax condition, nitrogen 
generator, tank or compressor? HVAC, maintenance records, visual inspection of belts, 
condenser. Coolant condition (transmitter) coolant pumps main and standby 
working? Transmitter logs?  Tower light inspection quarterly forms. Posted TPO, 
line loss, antenna gain calculation to show proper RF output level. Document 
frequency is within tolerance, (all RF devices) Tube hours. Mains breaker and 
distribution meet electrical code?  Fire extinguishers current and proper type. 
Main shut off clearly labeled and placarder?  Utility easements? Police, fire, 
ambulance phone numbers posted.  STL calibration records. Emergency exit 
placards at studio. 

Location of fire extinguishers placarder? Sufficient number for each area of 
building?  Any history of building, fire or other governmental violations. 
Emergency exits work? Fire/smoke alarms, emergency exit lights working, emergency 
illumination lights working? Public file up to date?  I did one for a TV 
station and noted that it was next to a cement factory and cement dust was 
contaminating everything. General condition of facility (neat or rats nest wiring) 
water supply and plumbing, electrical boxes have breakers labeled?  Emergency 
power generator:  run logs, fuel condition, last oil change/maintennace, signs 
of leaks, fuel type, leakage, old hoses, transfer switch tested with load. 

Studio lighting, dimmer working? Any floor cracks (concrete) chuck holes, cyc 
condition, and asbestos light cords? Any asbestos insulation in buildings? 
Any asbestos removal certificates?  Chemicals and paint in fire proof lockers 
and hazard marked?  Lead warning for solder? Proper ventilation for paint or 
wood shop? Lock out on hazard items such as radar, uplink power?  External power 
shutoff within sight of external items (sat antennas as example).  Proper 
clearance from electrical panels, high voltage properly placarder?  Binder for 
manufacturers hazard data sheets for chemicals, solder, paint. Eyewash or first 
aid stations? 

That's a start.

Henry Ruhwiedel




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