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AM Revitalization in Bama

P

Poledo

I haven't been able to locate any non-subscription sites with news on the 400+ FM translator apps and other shenanigans that went on today and are in progress for the big AM revitalization.

If anyone has good links, I'd appreciate them being posted.

Otherwise, what's happening in Bama?

-We know WDXZ got an upgrade from 1kw to 25kw ND. Did they buy a translator to go with it?
-I saw 3 Auburn translators on a list, but they appear to be tied to HD-2's.
This map is on the web showing other translator activity in Bama:

http://www.radioworld.com/Portals/0/FM Translator apps filed on first day of AM Class C-D window.pdf

But I can't make heads or tails of it.

Help.
 
There's a first-day list on Radio Insight here, but it looks like everything that comes in after that first day will be behind the paywall. Bummer.

I don't normally trade in applications on my website, or even really follow them, because they are so often modified or thrown out that it is too much work to keep up with all the changes. But because this is something of a special case, I am adding some application data to my site for the move-ins that are part of this revitalization scheme. I've already come across at least one "collision" that will cause problems so I may have to abandon checking on the CDBS every few days if it gets too messy.

One thing I've garnered from the Radio Insight "dump" of data is that they included a few non-AM type changes that just slipped through. They are listing an FM in Fort Payne, for example, that is only asking to move from 104.7 to 104.5 while relaying Gadsden's FM public radio station WSGN. And the WGZZ HD translators are mostly already in service, they're just seeking some upgrades during this window. I'll update those if and when they get granted CPs. In a follow-up post, I'll go through everything I know related to Alabama and the outlying areas that my website covers.
 
OK, so here is what I've been able to find so far. It may not be comprehensive, but it's probably close up to February 1st.

Stations getting new translators:

790 - WTSK - Tuscaloosa
* W297AO moves in from Brent, Alabama, changes from 107.3 to 93.3 MHz and will broadcast with 250 watts from the Jug Factory Road tower.

960 - WLPR - Prichard
* W258AQ moves in from Citronelle, Alabama, changes from 99.5 to 93.3 MHz with 250 watts on the Shelton Beach Road tower. It's staying in the Goforth family.

1130 - WALQ - Carrville (silent)
* W257DL moves from Alexander City, Alabama, stays on 99.3 MHz with 250 watts from a site near Wetumpka. It is currently relaying WBNM.

1260 - WYDE - Birmingham
* W256CK moves in from Albany, GA, changes from 99.1 to 97.9 MHz with 250 watts directional to the east from the WDJC-FM tower on Ishkooda Mountain.

1270 - WGSV - Guntersville
* W287CA moves in from Corbin, Kentucky, changes from 105.3 to 96.3 MHz, with 250 watts, from the WTWX-FM tower in town.

1300 - WBSA - Boaz
* W228DD moves in from Hillsboro, Alabama, but stays on 93.5 MHz; 250 watts from the WBSA tower.

1480 - WQOH - Irondale
* W262AR moves in from Brewton, Alabama, changes from 100.3 to 97.9 MHz from the WQOH tower, with 32 watts. It stays in the La Promesa Foundation family.

Outside the state of AL but on my website:

790 - WPNN - Pensacola, FL
* W266AS moves in from Carrabelle, FL, changes from 101.1 to 103.7 MHz with 250 watts, from the WPNN tower in town.

1340 - WOKS - Columbus, GA
* W243CS moves in from Winder, GA, changes from 96.5 to 97.5 MHz, with 250 watts.

Translators that will be exiting the state:

W253BM Moores Mill moves to Dalton, GA to rebroadcast WTTI. It is a new CP and has not gone on the air yet. It was going to be another WAY-FM repeater.

W295AJ Jackson moves to Laurel, MS to rebroadcast WHJA. It's currently listed as active and relaying WBHY-FM, but I can't verify that.

So far one obvious problem has cropped up, and that is WYDE and WQOH both vying for 97.9 in Birmingham. I'm not sure if this is first-come, first-serve or if there will be some sort of drawn out process to determine who gets the frequency, but I understand Crawford applied first.

Right now, WYDE merely rebroadcasts WYDE-FM and its talk format, so it'll be interesting to see what happens if they get and build this out. The translator would do good as fill-in for the lousy 101.1 signal over the mountain, or they could launch a new format. The translator will be stuck with AM 1260 but 1260 won't necessarily be stuck relaying the FM counterpart.

The deal with WALQ Carrville is interesting, too. It's been silent for a while under the ownership of Westburg Broadcasting. They are moving their own translator, which has been relaying WBNM in Alex City, which itself has been relaying Westburg's WRFS Rockford. I'm not sure what's going to happen to the AM now that it's losing its FM outlet.
 
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The magical mystery map linked at the top also shows some activity in Biloxi, any ideas?

I think I saw a WPCS translator in Alabama on a sale/modification list too. Can't find it again though... heck, I can't find the three Auburn translators anymore either.

Have any AMs that already have a translator applied to bring in a second or third?

That new Goforth WLPR 93.3 translator in Mobile, couldn't they simulcast on 106.9 in Fairhope?
 
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tomservo said:
OK, so here is what I've been able to find so far. It may not be comprehensive, but it's probably close up to February 1st.

Stations getting new translators:

790 - WTSK - Tuscaloosa
* W297AO moves in from Brent, Alabama, changes from 107.3 to 93.3 MHz and will broadcast with 250 watts from the Jug Factory Road tower.

960 - WLPR - Prichard
* W258AQ moves in from Citronelle, Alabama, changes from 99.5 to 93.3 MHz with 250 watts on the Shelton Beach Road tower. It's staying in the Goforth family.

1130 - WALQ - Carrville (silent)
* W257DL moves from Alexander City, Alabama, stays on 99.3 MHz with 250 watts from a site near Wetumpka. It is currently relaying WBNM.

1260 - WYDE - Birmingham
* W256CK moves in from Albany, GA, changes from 99.1 to 97.9 MHz with 250 watts directional to the east from the WDJC-FM tower on Ishkooda Mountain.

1270 - WGSV - Guntersville
* W287CA moves in from Corbin, Kentucky, changes from 105.3 to 96.3 MHz, with 250 watts, from the WTWX-FM tower in town.

1300 - WBSA - Boaz
* W228DD moves in from Hillsboro, Alabama, but stays on 93.5 MHz; 250 watts from the WBSA tower.

1480 - WQOH - Irondale
* W262AR moves in from Brewton, Alabama, changes from 100.3 to 97.9 MHz from the WQOH tower, with 32 watts. It stays in the La Promesa Foundation family.

Outside the state of AL but on my website:

790 - WPNN - Pensacola, FL
* W266AS moves in from Carrabelle, FL, changes from 101.1 to 103.7 MHz with 250 watts, from the WPNN tower in town.

1340 - WOKS - Columbus, GA
* W243CS moves in from Winder, GA, changes from 96.5 to 97.5 MHz, with 250 watts.

Translators that will be exiting the state:

W253BM Moores Mill moves to Dalton, GA to rebroadcast WTTI. It is a new CP and has not gone on the air yet. It was going to be another WAY-FM repeater.

W295AJ Jackson moves to Laurel, MS to rebroadcast WHJA. It's currently listed as active and relaying WBHY-FM, but I can't verify that.

So far one obvious problem has cropped up, and that is WYDE and WQOH both vying for 97.9 in Birmingham. I'm not sure if this is first-come, first-serve or if there will be some sort of drawn out process to determine who gets the frequency, but I understand Crawford applied first.

Right now, WYDE merely rebroadcasts WYDE-FM and its talk format, so it'll be interesting to see what happens if they get and build this out. The translator would do good as fill-in for the lousy 101.1 signal over the mountain, or they could launch a new format. The translator will be stuck with AM 1260 but 1260 won't necessarily be stuck relaying the FM counterpart.

The deal with WALQ Carrville is interesting, too. It's been silent for a while under the ownership of Westburg Broadcasting. They are moving their own translator, which has been relaying WBNM in Alex City, which itself has been relaying Westburg's WRFS Rockford. I'm not sure what's going to happen to the AM now that it's losing its FM outlet.
Click to expand...

Here's another one for Tuscaloosa I found on recnet just now. It is a move-in from Tupelo, MS.

http://fccdata.org/?facid=140574
 
Thanks, I forgot about Fccdata.

It looks like Biloxi is picking up a couple.
K226BZ for WXBD
W257BR for WGCM
 
The WPCS translator I was looking for turns out to be W204BT Meridian, MS and they simply moved from 88.7 to 88.5.
 
Hey ABMP, was there anymore AM revitalization in Bama and adjacent markets this week? The pay site says 250 applications granted in its teaser.
 
I haven't had a chance to do any updated searches, been too busy with other stuff. If I'm lucky I'll get a chance to check tomorrow afternoon. The first wave of grants are starting to come through, from what I've read. I imagine things are about to get messy.
 
I predict if Crawford is awarded the 95.3 translator to pair with WYDE-AM, the new name of the 1260/95.3 combo will be "The New FunStar Legend 95.3". ;)
 
Alright, here's everything I have been able to find up to this point, for areas covered by my website. Application grants are starting to come in, so I'm in a bit of a mess between keeping up with things that have been applied for but not yet granted, things that have been applied for and modified but not granted and things that have been granted.

Pending approval:

Facility: W228DD Hillboro, AL @ 93.5
For: 1300 WBSA Boaz
New Freq.: 93.5


Facility: W232AH Florence, AL @ 94.3
For: 1290 WBTG Sheffield
New Freq.: 105.9
Notes: This is not actually a move-in from anywhere; WBTG is currently heard just fine on 94.3 in Florence. They just tried to use the AM Revitalization plan to move frequencies, which was denied. They have put in a regular APP to move anyway, but I never removed it from my notes.


Facility: W257DL Alex City, AL @ 99.9
For: 1130 WALQ Carrville
New Freq.: 99.3
Notes: This translator is currently on air in Alexander City rebroadcasting WBNM. It's being moved to Carrville and another translator will take its place, which is listed under the "Permits approved" section, below.


Facility: W262AR Brewton, AL @ 100.3
For: 1480 WQOH Irondale
New Freq.: 97.9


Facility: W297AO Brent, AL @ 107.3
For: 790 WTSK Tuscaloosa
New Freq.: 93.3


Facility: K226BZ Tallulah, LA @ 93.1
For: 1490 WXBD Biloxi, MS
New Freq.: 103.5


Facility: W243CE Winder, GA @ 96.5
For: 1340 WOKS Columbus, GA
New Freq.: 97.5


Facility: W257BR Macon, MS @ 99.3
For: 1240 WGCM Gulfport, MS
New Freq.: 100.9

Permits approved:

Facility: W260BJ Tupelo, MS @ 99.9 or 100.1
For: 1230 WBHP Huntsville
New Freq.: 102.5


Facility: W256CK Albany, GA @ 99.1
For: 1260 WYDE Birmingham
New Freq.: 95.3
Notes: Originally applied for 97.9 along with the translator for WQOH but was quickly amended. Will be on what appears to be the WDJC-FM tower on Ishkooda, directional to the east towards Homewood and Mountain Brook.


Facility: W258AQ Citronelle, AL @ 99.5
For: 960 WLPR Prichard
New Freq.: 93.3
Notes: Might be the shortest "move-in" I've come across, not even leaving Mobile County. But the AM Window was the opportunity to get it in town and off 99.5, which will be used for another translator in the city at some point.


Facility: W287CA Corbin, KY @ 105.3
For: WGSV Guntersville
New Freq.: 93.5


Facility: W270AO Winona, MS @ 101.9
For: WBNM Alexander City
New Freq.: 96.3
Notes: This will take the place of the 99.9 translator currently tied to WBNM, which is moving to 1130 WALQ in Carrville. I'm actually quite familiar with this translator's origin story, as I lived near Winona, MS when it was granted and came on (and quickly went off) air relaying a religious station from Cleveland, MS.


Facility: W277CO Tupelo, MS @ 103.3
For: 1420 WACT Tuscaloosa
New Freq.: 101.3
Notes: WACT already has a translator, W245BR on 96.9 MHz and is marketed as "My 96.9". Not sure why they are getting this one, since it'll be locked to WACT for a while. What might they do with the other translator?


Facility: W266AS Carrabelle, FL @ 101.1
For: 790 WPNN Pensacola, FL
New Freq.: 103.7
Notes: WPNN is listed already as the parent for the rogue translator on 97.1 MHz in town that is actually The Ticket's Pensacola mouthpiece, so who knows if this will actually be for them or someone else. The translator owner is remaining Divine Word through the whole transaction as far as I can tell, which is odd since they sold WDWR and its translator to La Promesa recently.


Facility: W286BE Dawson, GA @ 105.1
For: 1270 WBOJ Columbus, GA
New Freq.: 102.5

Translators set to move out of state:


Facility: W253BM Moores Mill @ 98.5
For: WTTI Dalton, GA
Notes: A new CP that has never been on the air.


Facility: W295AJ Jackson @106.9
For: WHJA Laurel, MS
 
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I see some possible interference issues with 102.5 W273AJ in Athens with this new move in for WBHP in Huntsville at 102.5. The Athens translator is only 19 watts, but still. We'll see I guess.
 
R.D.P. said:
WMGY Montgomery is getting another relay station, thanks to the revitalization act. For the details visit: http://fccdata.org/?facid=149182

Dan <><
Click to expand...

Yep, I totally missed that one! *scratches head* not sure how I did it, I searched the CDBS and looked at every application filed between Jan 1 and today for every state within 250 miles.

This is another MS translator I know about, because I lived in the city where it's coming from, Grenada. This translator was "a taste of home" because when it was on the air, it was supposed to be relaying WMCR from Bruce, MS on 94.5. But WCMR was held together with duct tape and prayers and was off air more often than it was on, so I would often hear WJOX from Birmingham clear as a bell via the translator all morning long. Especially in the summer!

Right before I moved away they finally shut it off, but I think it came back on later with AFR's WAUM in Duck Hill before being bought by Alexander.

Not sure why they'd want this move-in for WMGY. It's showing only 56 watts on the application, and WMGY is already heard on another translator that's 250 watts and appears to have full market coverage. I can only conclude they have plans for the 250 watt one somewhere else.

RollTide said:
I see some possible interference issues with 102.5 W273AJ in Athens with this new move in for WBHP in Huntsville at 102.5. The Athens translator is only 19 watts, but still. We'll see I guess.
Click to expand...

You're not the first person I've heard that from. I can't imagine WDXB from Birmingham won't cause issues during tropo, too. I guess we're witnessing the end of the ability for owners to find "open" frequencies in the Tennessee Valley, now they're starting to latch on to these compromised frequencies.

In a related situation, the owners of WLXA have applied to move it to a TX site south of the Alabama border, where it will city grade Florence for the first time. It's on 98.3 MHz and will be short spaced to WKEA in Scottsboro, and will be awfully close to a first adjacent LPFM in Decatur.
 
Here's the latest addition to the list of translators, including the one Dan just mentioned:

Facility: W276BI Grenada, MS @ 103.1
For: WMGY Montgomery
Notes: WMGY already has a translator of its own, W243CS on 96.5.


Facility: W263CI Jackson, TN @ 100.5
For: WLOR Huntsville
Notes: WLOR also already has a translator of its own, W251AC at 98.1 MHz, where it's marketed as "Sunny 98.1". This app was just approved as a CP.
 
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The way I understood the old "hopping down the road" translator rules, AM stations could use up to 3 FM translators.
Later, when the Matoon Waiver came around, AMs were only allowed to use it to move in a single translator.
Now with AM revitalization stations can buy and move one translator 250 miles in one hop and pick the best frequency on the local dial.

I *thought* AM stations that had already used the Matoon Waiver were ineligible for the AM Revitalization 250 mile jumps.

Without buying or using existing, non-waived, local translators, very few AMs will be able to find a way to use multiple translators to cover a market (i.e. WBHY 103.3/103.5/106.9 Mobile).

How wrong am I?
 
Interesting about the translator for WLOR Huntsville. It looks like it will have a slightly better coverage area than their current translator at 98.1. Could Rocket City Broadcasting be planning on moving WLOR to the new 107.5, then an upgrade to HD on WAHR or WRTT and use 98.1 for an HD subchannel relay with a new start up station? Or will they have to give up 98.1?

I see what you mean about WLXA but I wouldn't worry much about WKEA interference. The mountains really block WKEA. I can NEVER get them in on the west side of Monte Sano. Even on a good DX night. The Decatur LPFM might be a different story though. If this gets approved WLXA will have a pretty nice signal in the Shoals area.
 
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All I know about these move-ins is they're locked to the station on the application for a good while. Two years, maybe? But that doesn't mean they can't be on more than one, so there may be no hurry to change up 98.1…

Someone set me straight on the translator for WBTG, too. I had just assumed it was a full market signal because so many of them are (or are as close as they can be) these days but I was wrong. Their translator on 94.3 is only 7 watts AND it's directional, to boot. The application for 105.9 is still directional but at least it's 250 watts horizontal. It should still improve things, despite being hemmed in on both sides by full power stations from adjacent areas.
 
The plot thickens for WLOR's 98.1. I found an application filed on the 10th. The proposed change will take away the null to the north that the translator currently holds. It doesn't look like it will change coverage to the south but it will vastly improve north, northeast, and northwest coverage through Madison County. If this is approved it will hold better coverage than the 107.5 move in. It'll be interesting to see what they do with all of this.

WBTG's translator is tiny. 105.9 will be better, but from the AM tower on the ground it still won't be that great. Not for 250 watts. It reminds me of WEUP's translator at 94.5 in Huntsville. Its on the AM tower on the ground outside their studios and even though its 250 watts the coverage isn't very good. Its not even as good as the maps show.
 
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