RadioGate: County Judge’s Race Gets Controversial

Who’s gonna feed them hogs? It’ll be Mike Anders for now.

Fayette County Judge candidate Dan Mueller told the Record on Tuesday that he will temporarily step away from hosting his popular music programs on KVLG/KBUK radio.

“One of the other candidates has contacted me about a FCC rule whether or not a candidate can be on the air,” Mueller said. “I’m seeking counsel on that. I believe I will be able to continue doing the news in the morning. But I would be prohibited from doing The Old Music Program on Saturday and Hymns of Hope on Sunday.”

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which regulates the broadcasting industry, requires radio stations to offer equal airtime to candidates during election seasons. Newscasts are exempt from the rule under federal law. The rule comes up more often regarding political advertising. Mueller said he could request a hearing to determine whether or not the rule applies to his music programs.

“I’ve decided I’m not going to fight that,” he said. “I’m just going to do the news as I have been. That’s the only thing I’ll be on the air for now until this election is over.”

During the interim, Mueller said long-time KVLG/KBUK announcer Mike Anders will take over the Old Music Program (during which Mueller often plays the famous hog song by Tom T. Hall). Mueller’s wife and co-host Vi Mueller will continue the Hymns of Hope program on Sunday by herself in the DJ booth.

Mueller did not wish to say which of his opponent raised the issue. Win or lose, Mueller said he plans to resume hosting both of the music programs once the election is over.

“I’ve been in the public eye long enough to know that in campaigns, a lot of things happen,” Mueller said.

“Many of them can’t be controlled. I can’t help but think that if the shoe were on the other foot, I would not do this to an opponent of mine. But I’m going to abide by what the law tells me to do. Lord willing, I’ll be back on the air on March 5.”