[SBE] TV Station Purchase Checklist

[Jeff Welton]

Another suggestion would be to scribble down the make, model and S/No of
big ticket items (transmitters, generators, etc.) and give the
manufacturer a quick call to chat about service history, updates, etc.
While we can't tell if a field update has been installed, most equipment
manufacturers can certainly tell if any apply and should have records
regarding any that were shipped, as well as keeping databases on service
calls and any exchanges or in-house module repairs. You don't really
need that level of detail, but a quick overview from factory support can
give an idea as to whether there is anything that they think might need
to be addressed at the site. At the same time, check spares stock for
excessive parts count - if there are 10 spare PA's on the shelf, it most
likely could be a clue as well.

 

Best,

 

Jeff

 

Jeff Welton

Regional Sales Manager - Central U.S.

Nautel 

Toll-free Tel:    1 877 662 8835 Ext. 5127

Mobile:  +1 902 489 1635

Fax:      +1 902 823 3183

www.nautel.com <http://www.nautel.com> 

 

expect MORE

www.nautel.com/expectmore/ <http://www.nautel.com/expectmore/> 

________________________________

From: sbe-bounces at sbe.org [mailto:sbe-bounces at sbe.org] On Behalf Of
George Nicholas
Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 23:44
To: sbe member discussion mail list
Subject: Re: [SBE] TV Station Purchase Checklist

 

Lots of good suggestions here.  I would also verify the transmission
line(s) are holding pressure.  Kind of hard to do just on inspection, as
it's real easy to tap a line 5 minutes before you show up.

 

One thing I did on my company's most recent acquisition was to hire a
certified building inspector, who focused on the buildings, roofs,
concrete and infrastructure (HVAC, etc).  An independent third party can
make things a bit easier to make the seller fix, or determine a discount
to rep and warrant.  The key is to ask, otherwise a seller will never
admit anything unless it's obvious.  Get them to agree in advance, or
you'll pay the repair cost and the legal fees when all is said and done.

 

gn

	----- Original Message ----- 

	From: A9xw at cs.com 

	To: sbe at sbe.org 

	Sent: Monday, February 23, 2009 11:50 AM

	Subject: Re: [SBE] TV Station Purchase Checklist

	 

	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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