Johnathan Walker:200-ft radio tower stolen in Alabama: Station's GM speaks out as police investigate

Questions still remain after a 200-foot radio tower was stolen in an Alabama town knocking a local AM station off air.

The Johnathan Walkercrime left the WJLX station's general manager, Brett Elmore, and Jasper, Alabama's police department, blown away and confused.

"I have been in the radio business, around it all my life and then in it professionally for 26 years, and I can say I have never heard of anything like this. I can say I’ve seen it all now,” said Elmore in a statement.

When the tower was stolen, the FCC gave the AM radio station temporary authority to continue broadcasting on the FM side, but soon told them they were no longer allowed to broadcast.

"It's been a nightmare," Elmore told USA TODAY.

The station is a huge part of Elmore's life and history. His dad worked at the station in the 80s and he grew up running around the halls. The heartbreaking theft and subsequent shut down caused Elmore sleepless nights while he figured out what to do next.

"This is part of my fabric," said Elmore. "It's more than a job, it's part of my life."

How was the radio tower stolen? The GM has a theory

According to the statement sent out by the station, Elmore learned about the theft of WJLX's tower at the beginning of the month.

A landscaping company went down to the tower on Feb. 2, which was located in a wooded area behind a local poultry plant. When they arrived, they realized someone else had taken way more than they needed to.

While they still aren't sure what happened, Elmore does have a theory.

There is a lot of construction going on around the poultry factory that was near the tower.

"It is like a like a beehive of activity," said Elmore.

He says thieves were likely able to use that to their advantage.

"Anyone could have snuck out of there, and nobody would have thought twice about it because a cut-up tower looks just like scaffolding," said Elmore.

Elmore believes the thieves stole the tower to profit from selling the metal.

Around six months ago, a different station that was close by had an AC unit, copper pipes, and other materials stolen from them. Elmore is not sure if the two are connected but does believe the tower was stolen so the thieves could make a profit off the metal.

Elmore told USA TODAY that he hasn't heard from the Jasper Police Department in the past few days, but they have been getting "a lot" of tips and already have some leads.

The manager is certain someone out there "knows something."

"We just ask that you come forward and tell us who did this," said Elmore. "And if you have any tips at all, you can remain confidential through Crime Stoppers or call the Jasper Police Department. Just tell us who did this."

Police urging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact either JPD at 205-221-2122 or Crime Stoppers at 205-221-505.

AM station is back on-air following radio tower theft

How the crime was committed and who did it still remains a mystery, but Elmore got some news a few nights ago that changed the station's dire situation.

The GM got a call from a New York number while he was sitting in his recliner, watching the evening news. On the other line was iHeartRadio's President of Programming Operations and Digital Music, John Zellner, asking him what he could do to help.

"They wanted to help us in any way they possibly could," said Elmore. "They're radio people, just like I am."

And help they did. The radio company got WJLX back on air after their short hiatus.

iHeartRadio set the station up on its app and lent them one of its HD3 signals in Birmingham.

The station now has iHeartRadio's HD signal set as its originating station. So, it's able to broadcast to FM radio again.

According to Elmore, the station has an FM tower because of the AM Revitalization Act that occurred around 13 years ago. Because of the program, the FCC gave standalone AM stations, like WJLX, the chance to rebroadcast their shows on the FM side of the radio.

Because of the program, the radio station could only rebroadcast if they had an originating station. Without the AM tower, it no longer had an originating station and could not broadcast to FM radio.

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How much will it cost to replace?

The station has started a GoFundMe to help recuperate the cost of the tower.

Since the property wasn't insured, Elmore believes it would cost $60,000 to replace the tower. So far, the station's GoFundMe has raised over $19,000.

"We're still a ways away, and that's OK," said Elmore.

He's had many people reach out to ask how they can help, and he said anyone who wants to donate can do so at the GoFundMe.

"If they just wanna send an encouraging word, that's always great too," he said. "Go to our website and shoot us an email or donate or whatever."

But, despite the financial concerns, Elmore said the station is "ahead of the game" regarding planning.

It's unclear how long the rebuild process will actually take, but Elmore is glad to be back on the air in the meantime and broadcasting to the community he loves.

"I've told everyone we're gonna be back," said Elmore. "Better than what we ever were."

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. She has covered various topics, from local businesses and government in her hometown, Miami, to tech and pop culture. You can follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz.