As of today, June 5, 2010, The Net is no longer in existence. Branch Communications, Inc. is now operating 106.3 -- The Light. The Light features the southern gospel satellite radio programming of Salem Broadcasting supplemented by the Classic Gospel Morning (a 1.5 hour segment, 5 days per week).

What happened to The Net? This is best answered by simply listing facts:

• The Net was comprised of 106.3 (licensed by Branch Communications), 99.3 (licensed by Erik Anderson dba Hardware Monkey), and 104.7 (licensed by Erik Anderson dba Hardware Monkey). A rebroadcast agreement existed that granted Hardware Monkey permission to rebroadcast 106.3
• On June 30,2009, Mark Bohach (WLOH-AM) contacted Erik Anderson about acquiring one of the translators. He offered $25,000. Erik Anderson politely declined the offer.
• During the Hocking County Fair in 2009, Mark Bohach mentioned to Erik Anderson that he had a new proposal for the translators yet did not go into specifics. Tom Walz discussed Mark's proposal and relayed a few facts to Erik Anderson ($50,000 plus relocate 99.3 to new tower site). Tom Walz indicated he wanted to setup a time for Mark, Erik and Tom to meet. Erik did not intend to sell a translator.
• On October 19, 2009, a third party contacted Erik Anderson on Mark's behalf. This individual relayed that Mark had recently met with Tom Walz and "was currently in negotiations to acquire" a translator. Mark wanted to express that he wanted to "be above board with everything" and did not want to "leave you (Erik) out of the discussions, as the translator licensee.” Erik was invited to contact Mark at any point in time to "answer any questions." Erik anticipated Tom Walz would discuss his meeting with Mark. For 7 weeks, Erik heard nothing although he was at the radio station (located on Cornerstone Baptist Church property) 5-7 days per week.
• On December 3, 2009, Tom Walz led three other men into the station for an unscheduled announcement to Erik Anderson – “after much prayer… we have decided to get out of the radio business.” Tom had put together a deal (reportedly) valued for over $200,000 for the sale of the translators (which he was not the licensee) and the LPFM to Mark Bohach. When Erik mentioned several of the reason why the deal was illegal, the comments fell upon deaf ears. Frustrated, with the situation, the next day Erik decided to cease his membership with Cornerstone Baptist Church and agreed to sell one of the translators for the benefit of both Cornerstone and Erik Anderson.
• In January 2010, Mark Bohach backed out of the original contract after recognizing that several details of the contract violated federal laws.
• Mark attempted to broker a new contract between Jeff Dickerson and Branch Communications. After researching the legal issues, Jeff made an offer in March 2010 for the maximum amount the FCC regulations would permit. The offer was rejected.
• Mark Bohach prepared a new offer, a management agreement, where he would run and control the station, yet not take ownership. Again, such an offer was not permissible by law, yet Tom Walz proceeded.
• A few days later, a meeting was held with Mark Bohach, Tom Walz, Erik Anderson, Jim Walz, and two additional members of Cornerstone Baptist Church to discuss a new rebroadcast agreement for 99.3. Terms were agreed upon and Erik Anderson hired an attorney to prepare the contract which was submitted to Tom Walz.
• In April, Mark Bohach backed out of his second contract after recognizing the federal code which made the offer illegal.
• On April 15, 2010, Tom Walz then called Erik Anderson and informed him that he needed to come to the station to pick up his final check. Once again, Tom included two church members and this time, Erik Anderson had his oldest son with him. After Erik received his final check, Tom made a final appeal to sell 99.3 to a “third-party” to which Erik refused. At this point in time, Tom Walz informed Erik Anderson that he would not be signing the lease agreement for 99.3.
• Erik Anderson immediately turned off 99.3 and notified the FCC of the loss of program content. He has since had conversation with two different stations regarding the opportunity to rebroadcast on 99.3 and anticipates an agreement will be reached this summer.
• Jim Walz (Tom’s son) is the new station manager for 106.3 and changed the format from “local radio, The Net” to Solid Gospel, Salem’s satellite fed southern gospel program, and changed the name to “106.3 The Light.” The station is obligated by law to “originate locally at least eight hours of programming per day” where “local origination is the production of programming within 10 miles of the ... transmitting antenna.”
  

Logan Chieftain football and basketball will now be aired on 98.3 The Bull featuring the team who won your hearts on The Net. As for local events, election results, and other community features, we will all see what the future has in store for us.

For the final time, Thanks for listening to local radio, The Net,
Erik Anderson