The federal government forced a controversial Kalispell radio station off the air Thursday.
Listeners heard owner and talk show host John Stokes announce county and federal authorities were in his station. They escorted Stokes out of the building.
He filed for bankruptcy after being ordered to pay $3.8 million dollars for defaming businessmen Davar and Todd Gardner. Stokes filed chapter 11. That means he wanted to reorganize his debts. But, the federal trustee converted it to a chapter 7 bankruptcy. That means his assets can the federal trustee converted it to a chapter 7 bankruptcy. That mean his assets can be seized and sold and one of Stokes' largest assets... the Federal Communitcation Commission license for his radio station. Stokes' supporters lined up tp watch Stokes leave. They're angry he's off the air. They say the bankruptcy case is under appeal and call the takeover unfair.
Stokes supporter Pamela Ruiz says, "John was the voice of the community. He wasn't just a radio host. He was the voice of this community and he helped us in so many ways."
But some people we spoke to Thursday say they are happy to know Stokes is off air. They tell us he didn't add anything good to the community.
Gladys Jenson says, "I think it's a good idea he's off the air... He's a rebel rouser."
A lawyer representing the United States Trustee taking over says the property now belongs to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. He says anyone on the property will be considered tresspassers.
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