FLjack2 said:Putting an all news, very expensive format to operate, on 100.5 would be a waste of time. If you plan to compete with WSB, the heritage station in the market, you need a BIG signal. It is the ONLY way you have any chance of winning. And no one goes into a new format/station not hoping to win.
The all news station will be on 106.7. guaranteed.
Using 100.5 might force Cox to move WSB to a stronger, in town signal - one which actually has building penetration. 106.7 can be heard in most cars in most of the 15 counties but building penetration is not very good - same for 95.5.
100.5 is 12,500 watts at almost 1000 feet folks! In terms of power, that is not dramatically less than most other Atlanta stations. The null to the northeast is not that much and is, in theory, not that noticeable.
Take a look at the 60 dbu contour map yourself and then tell me WYAY is a "better" signal!
http://maps.google.com/?q=http://tr...0.5&contour=60&city=COLLEGE_PARK&state=GA.kml
this is WYAY's 60 dbu:
http://maps.google.com/?q=http://tr...06.7&contour=60&city=GAINESVILLE&state=GA.kml
and here is WSBB 95.5:
http://maps.google.com/?q=http://tr...q=95.5&contour=60&city=DORAVILLE&state=GA.kml
So you tell me.....which one will technically give Cox more to worry about? And if you look at the 70 dbu contour, commonly called the "city grade" contour it becomes more apparent that 100.5 is the better signal for this purpose.
Someone else remarked that the quality of the product will trump signal differences and I agree with that statement.
But take away Kirk Mellish, Herb Emory, and Scott Slade and you have a very beatable radio station. WSB is NOT the news powerhouse it was in years past because they have fired lot's of folks since WGST threw in the "news towel."
It all depends on how well Cumulus executes. I, for one, can't wait to listen. All (mostly)news would be something I would listen to if done well.