Rich Broadcasting evicted from Idaho Falls building over $553K in unpaid rent
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IDAHO FALLS – Rich Broadcasting, a local media company that owns four radio stations, has been evicted from its building at 1406 Commerce Way in Idaho Falls.
In court documents dated Sept. 2, a writ of assistance issued to the Bonneville County Sheriff orders the defendant, Rich Broadcasting, “to be immediately removed from the premises.” The order gives the defendant seven days “to remove their belongings” and authorizes the plaintiff, Commerce Way Partners II, LLC — the landlords through which Rich Broadcasting had a lease agreement — to take possession if Rich Broadcasting does not comply.
On May 15, the court found Rich Broadcasting had unpaid rent and interest. The amount of accrued and unpaid rent totals $553,362.49, according to court records.
The civil case has been ongoing for months. Court records filed on May 8 show the parties initially entered into a settlement agreement, which stipulated that Rich Broadcasting — registered to Richard Meacham of Salt Lake City — be allowed to purchase the property for $800,000. The judgement would be dismissed, providing all payments were made in a timely manner, according to the terms of the agreement. Rich Broadcasting also agreed to pay $3,500 to Baker & Harris Law Office in Blackfoot by June 1.
“In the event there is a breach of this agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of attorney’s fees and cost for pursuing the breach,” court documents say.
On May 15, the court ordered that Rich Broadcasting be evicted. The media company had 72 hours to vacate the building. If the plaintiff had not taken possession of the building by June 9, a writ of assistance authorizing the plaintiffs to remove any remaining items would be issued.
EastIdahoNews.com’s attempts to reach out to Rich Broadcasting have been unsuccessful and contact information for Meacham was not available in court documents.
As of Sept. 9, Meacham is reportedly looking for a location that better suits the company’s needs. A local news outlet reports that on-air staff are working remotely to ensure all broadcast content continues unchanged.
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Rich Broadcasting owns KID Newsradio on 106.3 and 92.1 FM, The Wolf 96.1 and 102.1 FM, Star98 on 98.1 and 98.5 FM, and The Pick 94.9 and 104.5 FM.
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