1110 New Format

[KyleSmith1988]

I wonder if Mix would be better off upgrading onto 92.7/99.3 instead of 100.9 keeping 99.3 ... would they downgrade Sports FNZ.

Maybe If FNZ & Praise would be better off Swapped ... But Would FNZ or Praise be Better off on 1110 ..

Which would (should) pair better with 1110 instead/of 610 (i.e. if Praise goes back to 100.9) .. and the other AM do well pairing with 100.9 or 102.5

 

[caudleweather]

Just thinking out loud at this point since we’re all out of guesses—but has anyone considered whether Urban One has picked up the phone and called the Bible Broadcasting Network yet?

 

[secondchoice]

Honest question for the group: do you think this would have played out the same way under any owner, or is this more specific to Urban One’s operational approach?

Yes!! The easiest "fix" is to let the Atlanta cluster folks call the shots. Who ever is responsible for trashing the AM program wise, better have a resume ready if I was calling the shots. The way it's going they could have saved around a hundred dollars a day electric bill and just turn in the license.

 

[IM42A]

That's not a fair question to answer as the underlying motives for the whole cluster shift would've been different. The longer this goes on, the longer it is apparent that one of two things happened. 1) Whatever they were planning fell through or 2) They had no plans for 1110.

I'm tempted to think the first scenario is what happened.

At this point, IMO they should just put WFNZ on 1110. There's always an appetite for sports radio.

 

[CLTRadio]

I believe they had a plan, but it changed.

99.3 is still in mono, and they might pair it with 1110 again. If you look at the construction permits for 92.7 and 100.9, 92.7 gains coverage to the north and 100.9 gains coverage to the south and west, but loses northern coverage. If you combine those two signals, they cover all of the high density areas except for parts of Gaston County west.

I wouldn't be surprised if they dropped Mix. They're spending a lot of money on a product that is severely underperforming. They definitely need to trim some fat off that station. WFNZ is performing well and would benefit from stronger coverage.

Another thought is they're waiting on engineers to get some of the tech issues fixed before they go all in.

 

[TV Guy that still loves radio]

I'm tempted to think the first scenario is what happened.

At this point, IMO they should just put WFNZ on 1110. There's always an appetite for sports radio.

The Hornets for sure would kill for a 50,000 watt signal.

 

[KyleSmith1988]

Thats why i wonder if they'll make a pair with 100.9/92.7 again (like when it was WQNC - both have lots of Overlap). Even Better if they add 1110 to that ..

or if 99.3/92.7 would be better instead for Mix, but only if one of their other station pairs moves over to 610 .. it would be as helpful for Praise or FNZ with 1110 as paired with a Smaller FM or translator which standalone only covers part of the market.

1110 is a full market AM .. and 610 i would say isn't ...

if prompt changes aren't imminent, and something be better for one of their stations than what is on there now ... why not just sell it ... unload 1110 + maybe unload 610 too . this is frustrating, 😅

 

[CLTRadio]

Thats why i wonder if they'll make a pair with 100.9/92.7 again (like when it was WQNC - both have lots of Overlap). Even Better if they add 1110 to that ..

or if 99.3/92.7 would be better instead for Mix, but only if one of their other station pairs moves over to 610 .. it would be as helpful for Praise or FNZ with 1110 as paired with a Smaller FM or translator which standalone only covers part of the market.

1110 is a full market AM .. and 610 i would say isn't ...

if prompt changes aren't imminent, and something be better for one of their stations than what is on there now ... why not just sell it ... unload 1110 + maybe unload 610 too . this is frustrating, 😅

If you look at the demographics, 100.9 covers more of the high income suburban white women which is Hot AC's target demographic, especially after the CP. 92.7's coverage area demographics don't match as well with the Hot AC format.

I agree that pairing 92.7 and 99.3 makes more sense. 99.3's coverage area is more rural, diverse, and working class which makes more sense for a sports format or even gospel. They love Jesus in rural SC. 99.3 also doesn't add much coverage in populated areas vs 100.9.

If you pair 92.7 and 99.3 the problem becomes what do you do with 1110? Have a 3 way simulcast? You still have coverage issues to the west. I wish they could move 99.3 a little more northwest to gain coverage in Gaston and Cleveland counties, which are much more populated vs 99.3's current coverage area.

They have a lot of options. I do think that combining 92.7 and 100.9 makes a lot of sense, though. You could have close to a full market signal and actually compete for ratings.

 

[KyleSmith1988]

Yea, 100.9 WLNK Requested Changes Aren't Listed Construction Permit, but are pending as a "Minor Modification" - with a Mod Fee Cost of $1,485 😲 Submitted on 1-27-2026 ..

link here:  enterpriseefiling.fcc.gov – WLNK

Changes include Upgrading 100.9 to a Directional Class C3 Signal (25,000 watts at 97 meters HAAT). COL Changes From Indian Trail NC, to Weddington, NC - But to Broadcast from Indian LAND, SC 😅 (New Site About 1/2 Mile South of NC State Line, Along US Highway 521 in Lancaster County.)

New Site is a few miles South of the Current Site in Matthews, NC. Directional SW Protects 101.1 WROQ

Shifts in Coverage: Some Gain the South and West. The 60 dbu Contour line is Still From North Charlotte to Monroe but to ALSO Include Rock Hill and Lancaster and to the West, Just into Gastonia.

No Big Gains to the North or perhaps slightly less to the NE w/ Slight Shift of 60 dbu Contour a few miles, line moves to/over Harrisburg NC and North still follows along I-485 Outer to about I-77 exit, below Mooresville and Huntersville, similar to the Current Site coverage boundary.

Also, much more overlap with 99.3 especially near Rock Hill ... it wouldn't make sense to keep 100.9 paired with 99.3 if/when they make these changes.

More to Come ... I Guess

 

[K.M. Richards]

Clarification: The distinction you cite does not exist.

They have filed for a minor modification, and when the application is approved the FCC will issue a construction permit for the change in facilities.

Stations do not perform minor modifications on their own. There is always a CP, and what you found is the application for same.

 

[CLTRadio]

Anyone know how long these signal modifications typically take? The 92.7 CP has been active for over a year.

 

[KyleSmith1988]

If the 100.9 Upgrade is Successful, then interference from W266DC 101.1 would be a bit too much, and within WLNK's Protected Zone, so WGNC would have to move to a different channel. The Coverage/Signals for both stations would be way too close together.

One of my favorite Overlap Examples is in Alabama, near Anniston, where 95.1 WDNG (W236CQ) is right next to 95.3 WHMA. Both Stations' transmitters are a mile apart, and both are serving the same exact area! Somehow it's a very interesting setup for both stations.

 

[Deano]

Anyone know how long these signal modifications typically take? The 92.7 CP has been active for over a year.

Most CPs are good for three years.

 

[KyleSmith1988]

Anyone know how long these signal modifications typically take? The 92.7 CP has been active for over a year.

As long as it takes to Build Out (or complete the move to) The New Site, Install Equipment & Hopefully it won't be Long til they can Finally Activate the Transmitter.

I Think After Completing Some Transmitter Power Adjustments (TPO) and Field Testing for Signal Strength, they can file it as a L2C after that. I think That's right, but Maybe not all in that order tho.

Hopefully they'll Work Quickly, Although They Don't Have to. I think that a Construction Permit, Once Granted, Allows For Up to 3 Years (Legally) For a Project to be Fully Completed.

 

[fybush]

As long as it takes to Build Out (or complete the move to) The New Site, Install Equipment & Hopefully it won't be Long til they can Finally Activate the Transmitter.

I Think After Completing Some Transmitter Power Adjustments (TPO) and Field Testing for Signal Strength, they can file it as a L2C after that. I think That's right, but Maybe not all in that order tho.

Hopefully they'll Work Quickly, Although They Don't Have to. I think that a Construction Permit, Once Granted, Allows For Up to 3 Years (Legally) For a Project to be Fully Completed.

I'm not sure why you're capitalizing all your words here - it's really not necessary.

In any event, every CP for a minor change has a three-year expiration date on it. That recognizes that it often takes a while to go through all of the work required to build out an upgrade, especially at a new site. If it's a leased site, the tower owner will require a structural study to make sure the tower can handle the load, and that's done by specialized firm and takes time.

Antennas and transmitters aren't just off-the-shelf item. They usually have to be ordered from manufacturers and built to spec, which can take weeks or months. You have to have a tower crew to hang the antenna and transmission line. They're often booked out months in advance for big projects. Then there's electrical service to the new transmitter and setting up a STL path, which may require another set of applications and licenses. If it's a directional antenna, you need a surveyor's report certifying it was installed correctly.

Most CPs come with automatic program test authority. Once the equipment is all in place, you can usually just turn it on and start operating. Then you file for a license to cover.

Some projects are built out very quickly. Some take time, for a variety of reasons. Without being part of the project team for this one, I have no way of saying whether it will be a two-month job or a three-year job. And some CPs never even get built out - they're either filed to block someone else from moving, or to provide a plan B in case a rent dispute at an existing site doesn't get resolved.

 

[davideduardo]

I'm not sure why you're capitalizing all your words here - it's really not necessary.

In any event, every CP for a minor change has a three-year expiration date on it. That recognizes that it often takes a while to go through all of the work required to build out an upgrade, especially at a new site. If it's a leased site, the tower owner will require a structural study to make sure the tower can handle the load, and that's done by specialized firm and takes time.

Antennas and transmitters aren't just off-the-shelf item. They usually have to be ordered from manufacturers and built to spec, which can take weeks or months. You have to have a tower crew to hang the antenna and transmission line. They're often booked out months in advance for big projects. Then there's electrical service to the new transmitter and setting up a STL path, which may require another set of applications and licenses. If it's a directional antenna, you need a surveyor's report certifying it was installed correctly.

Most CPs come with automatic program test authority. Once the equipment is all in place, you can usually just turn it on and start operating. Then you file for a license to cover.

Some projects are built out very quickly. Some take time, for a variety of reasons. Without being part of the project team for this one, I have no way of saying whether it will be a two-month job or a three-year job. And some CPs never even get built out - they're either filed to block someone else from moving, or to provide a plan B in case a rent dispute at an existing site doesn't get resolved.

And, of course, zoning and permits.

I recall the WQBA move to the corner of The Trail and Krome Avenue... there were something like 11 different permits including those required by Native American lands, the Everglades protected area and even wildlife endangerment studies. It took something like 7 years from start to finish. And, of course, the site is right under the main course into the MIA airport.

 

[KyleSmith1988]

Antennas and transmitters aren't just off-the-shelf item. They usually have to be ordered from manufacturers and built to spec, which can take weeks or months.

Are you referring to an antenna that is designed/tuned to function on a specific frequency only? I've heard of that, but I know there's some transmitters and antennas that are designed to operate within a specific range of frequencies as well.

The Cobalt C-300 FM Transmitter is a pretty cool unit (portable and pricey). It has an adjustable power setting (0-300w) & tuning range (88.0 to 108.0 MHz). Local LP Station WRTH-LP recently upgraded to it, and they shared a nice video of their install and some field tests as well.

...and some of the antennas that connect to it are also desigined to work within that entire range of frequencies and power levels as well.

What is the benefit to a unit that is tuned-specific/for one channel or setting, vs a variable/adjustable one?

Most CPs come with automatic program test authority. Once the equipment is all in place, you can usually just turn it on and start operating. Then you file for a license to cover.

That's pretty much what I was thinking, was just not sure of the timeframe, but I'm sure the process can be expedited or halted depending on the situation.

 

[Josh Owens]

Just thinking out loud at this point since we’re all out of guesses—but has anyone considered whether Urban One has picked up the phone and called the Bible Broadcasting Network yet?

It'd be good for BBN, but they already have the old 'SOC AM and (what is that) 93.5 in Wadesboro. Speaking of BBN, I was in (I believe) Georgetown, KY conducting some business a few years ago and found a translator for 'YFQ there. WHAT?

Romans 11:33-36 KJB

Josh

Church Podcast: Pleasant View Baptist Church | SermonAudio
Personal Podcast: Back To The Old Paths
TIBPF Podcast: https://www.tibpf.sermon.net

 

[Josh Owens]

That's not a fair question to answer as the underlying motives for the whole cluster shift would've been different. The longer this goes on, the longer it is apparent that one of two things happened. 1) Whatever they were planning fell through or 2) They had no plans for 1110.

This reminds me a lot of something I inadvertently caused in Milwaukee in 2010. Saga had begun stunting on their Smooth Jazz 106.9 with a Charlie Sheen "Tiger blood" themed stunt to give you an idea of how long ago it was and I reported that they were planning to flip it to CHR "Now 106.9" on the Friday before Memorial Day. People at iHeart used that to beat them to the punch (where I later learned from a friend programming in another market that he was summoned to run into his studio overnight to get them his music library) so they could launch "Radio Now 97.3" an hour before Saga was set to launch.

With 97.3 on a much larger signal, and Entercom already owning a CHR in the market, Saga aborted the flip and kept stunting for multiple weeks until flipping to Classic Country in mid-June. They would later become a third CHR anyway in 2012.

Similarly in October 2020, SummitMedia dropped Classic Hits on "Star 100.9" WJSR Richmond VA and began stunting with Christmas music. That Christmas music would remain until MARCH 2021, when it flipped to Classic Hits "Awesome 100.9". I later learned they intended to flip it immediately after Christmas to Hip Hop, but got cold feet. That flip ended up taking place in January 2025.

Sorry, missed some posts. Thanks Lance, for the commentary/stories. Reckon I'd say one, surely not two. I hate either option for them, but something is definitely wrong here, this has gone on too long.

Romans 11:33-36 KJB

Josh

Church Podcast: Pleasant View Baptist Church | SermonAudio
Personal Podcast: Back To The Old Paths
TIBPF Podcast: https://www.tibpf.sermon.net

 

[Josh Owens]

I believe they had a plan, but it changed.

99.3 is still in mono, and they might pair it with 1110 again. If you look at the construction permits for 92.7 and 100.9, 92.7 gains coverage to the north and 100.9 gains coverage to the south and west, but loses northern coverage. If you combine those two signals, they cover all of the high density areas except for parts of Gaston County west.

I wouldn't be surprised if they dropped Mix. They're spending a lot of money on a product that is severely underperforming. They definitely need to trim some fat off that station. WFNZ is performing well and would benefit from stronger coverage.

Another thought is they're waiting on engineers to get some of the tech issues fixed before they go all in.

Re: plan falling through, that is entirely possible. Sometimes things unfortunately change. I hope, for their sake, that they come up with something else, if they haven't already. Surely they have, I'm just thinking out loud, as we all are at this point.

Romans 11:33-36 KJB

Josh

Church Podcast: Pleasant View Baptist Church | SermonAudio
Personal Podcast: Back To The Old Paths
TIBPF Podcast: https://www.tibpf.sermon.net