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KKOL AM 1300 - Bainbridge Island

R

RF101

In recent years, whenever I think of KKOL it's always about the drawnout battle with neighbors over possible excess RF. Originally KKOL wanted 50 kw but had to settle for 35 kw.

Now it appears that KKOL is having transmitter problems, running just 3,000 watts day and night. (How's reception? ) Here is an excerpt of their latest filing from their engineering representatives:

----------------------
GENERAL
This office has been authorized by Inspiration Media, Inc., licensee of Standard
Broadcast Station KKOL, Seattle, Washington, to prepare this engineering statement in
support of a Notification of Reduced Power. KKOL is licensed to operate on 1300 kHz
with 35.0 kW daytime and 3.2 kW nighttime utilizing a different directional antenna
parameters for each of the modes.

In accordance with 73.1560(d), notification is being given that KKOL is operating
at a power level less than 90% of the licensed authorized power. Specifically, KKOL is
operating at a reduced daytime and nighttime power of 3.0 kW while employing the
licensed directional antenna parameters for each mode. On August 31, 2025, KKOL
began operating at reduced power due to a failed part that provides a sample voltage to
the controller. The part had to be manufactured and has now arrived at the KKOL
transmitter site for installation. Work has commenced at the site and is expected that the
necessary repairs will be completed shortly.

It is expected that KKOL will return to full power before 30 days. If licensed power
cannot be achieved before 30 days, the appropriate STA filing will be made.

---------------------------------
 
RF101 said:
In recent years, whenever I think of KKOL it's always about the drawnout battle with neighbors over possible excess RF. Originally KKOL wanted 50 kw but had to settle for 35 kw.

Now it appears that KKOL is having transmitter problems, running just 3,000 watts day and night. (How's reception? ) Here is an excerpt of their latest filing from their engineering representatives:

----------------------
GENERAL
This office has been authorized by Inspiration Media, Inc., licensee of Standard
Broadcast Station KKOL, Seattle, Washington, to prepare this engineering statement in
support of a Notification of Reduced Power. KKOL is licensed to operate on 1300 kHz
with 35.0 kW daytime and 3.2 kW nighttime utilizing a different directional antenna
parameters for each of the modes.

---------------------------------
Click to expand...

Well, I've never heard KKOL up here, only KDSO
 
Too bad there’s always something going on with 1300. That’s a frequency that can at least compete (to an extent) with some of the other major AMs left in the market.
 
Apparently the repairs to 1300 uncovered other issues so today KKOL filed a full STA for the lower power setting of 3.0 kw.

------------------ from filing -----------------------
On September 24, 2025, a Notification of Reduced Power was filed with the FCC because KKOL was operating at a power level less than 90% of the licensed authorized power(s).

Specifically, KKOL was operating at a reduced daytime and nighttime power of 3.0 kW while employing the licensed directional antenna patterns for each mode
because of a failed part that provides a sample voltage to the controller. The transformer has now been replaced by the engineer. An additional technical
issue has surfaced which prevents KKOL from returning to the full licensed daytime and nighttime power levels. Due to additional time needed to troubleshoot the problem and the impending government shutdown, Special Temporary is herein requested to continue operation at a reduced daytime and nighttime power of 3.0 kW until all repairs can be completed and full authorized power can be achieved.
----------------------------------------------------
 
KKOL has had intermittent problems with their TX ever since they moved to Bainbridge (I don't know about before that). Currently they are emitting broadband hash up to 100 kHz (!) either side of their carrier, even on reduced power. This TX should have been taken out of service a long time ago. I have been alerting them for over 3 years about this issue. One time they switched over to their 10 kW back up TX and all problems were gone. I really wish they'd fix it, it's wiping out a lot of my AM reception. However, it feels like it's not a big priority. Salem media's stock is pennies to the dollar, their stations in Seattle are not even showing up on the Nielsen ratings - likely because they are below the reporting threshold or perhaps not participating/subscribing to it. I think they are just waiting for a legislative change so they can sell it off. At this point I'm just hoping that this thing will be permanently switched off since I'm getting frustrated with it. Apparently this sentiment is shared by many Bainbridge island residents.
 
Filed Today

This Special Temporary Authority (“STA”) filing requests the modification of existing STA file #
0000278929, granted September 30, 2025. As the Commission staff is aware, Inspiration has
been working with community residents to identify and resolve complaints that may or may not
be related to blanketing interference from KKOL. This request seeks special temporary
authority for the station to conduct certain tests to identify power levels at which consumers do
not experience issues that may be related to such blanketing interference. As part of the
testing, the station will increase power in 5 kw (or possibly 2 kw) increments starting at its
current 3 kw operation and in no event will operate at greater than its 35 kw licensed authority.
See attached engineering statement.

See the pretty colors at the different power levels inside their multi-page engineering submission:

 
how long as this saga with 1300 being going on? This station will never turn a profit, will it?
 
I'm surprised that KKOL AM 1300 didn't relocate their antenna to Vashon Island like other Seattle area radio stations (KVI 570, KIRO 710, KTTH 770, KGNW 820, KJR 950, KOMO 1000, and KPTR 1090). KKOL AM 1300 used to be on Harbor Island Seattle before they move to Tacoma Shipyard area and finally to Bainbridge Island. I'm not sure if they can move to Vashon Island and regain 50kw DA-2 again.
 
It's a shame, because 1300 could easily be among the stronger AM stations in Seattle if the technical issues could get corrected. We all know that AM is not what it used to be, but there's a difference between an AM that a listener can hear versus can't hear. I can barely hear them most of the time.
 
And nearby KKMO AM 1360 today filed to extend their STA-driven lower-than-official power level:

Special Temporary Authority Extension Application
KKMO(AM), Tacoma, Washington (Facility ID 33301)

Sea-Mar Community Health Center (“Sea-Mar”), licensee of station KKMO(AM),
Tacoma, Washington (the “Station”), respectfully requests a six-month extension of its existing
Special Temporary Authority (“STA”) to operate the Station at reduced power.

On August 8, 2025, Sea-Mar notified the Commission that the Station began operating at
reduced power (approximately 2.0 kW of transmitter output power) on or around June 25, 2025,
due to failed components in the Station’s transmitter. See LMS File No. 276403. Sea-Mar also
applied for, and was granted, STA to remain at reduced power for longer than thirty (30) days.
See LMS File No. 276404. STA is due to expire on February 14, 2026.

Sea-Mar needs additional time to complete equipment repairs. Sea-Mar is in the process
of replacing the damaged transmitter, however delivery of crucial parts has been delayed due to
factors outside of Sea-Mar’s control, necessitating STA extension. Sea-Mar will continue to
work diligently to restore the Station’s licensed operations
 
KKMO is getting thrashed by KKOL's scattered modulation issues here in North Seattle. Pretty sure KKOL transmitter is operating out of its linear region.
 
xmtrland said:
Sounds like speculation. Unless you have a spectrum analyzer I'm pretty sure you don't know what your talking about.
Click to expand...

i obviously don't live in the area but that problem has actually happened before... a DXer in the area reported it on a list awhile back, and i got in touch with someone whos done work there.. no idea whats happening now though
 
xmtrland said:
Sounds like speculation. Unless you have a spectrum analyzer I'm pretty sure you don't know what your talking about.
Click to expand...
No need to be so aggressive. They know that TX is behaving badly, I have send them many spectrum screenshots over the last couple of years.
 


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