[SBE] TV Station Purchase Checklist

[Bob Reite]

Sometimes the seller may have a hard time believing you when you find 
things at fault.  The way around this is to put in the contract that the 
buyer will pay for an Alternative Inspection by your state broadcasting 
association (a neutral third party to the transaction), but the seller 
is responsible for correcting any deficiencies that are found.

A9xw at cs.com wrote:

> 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

>