Another translator debuts in Birmingham

[tomservo]

I've been told that the translator on 105.1 has been heard on air, relaying WERC-HD2's smooth jazz subchannel. It even has RDS: "LiteJazz".

The FCC shows it as just 10 watts from Hoover but with a CP for 99 watts from the Magic 96 tower west of Red Mountain. It's definitely not going to be anything close to a full market signal, with nulls towards Helena and Mountain Brook; the primary contour only reaches downtown Birmingham.

Think they'll keep the format, or flip to something else eventually? Smooth jazz is definitely a niche format, but as far as I know the Samford University station on 91.1 is still doing the exact same format, with a much better signal over the mountain.

 

[passtheword]

I've been told that the translator on 105.1 has been heard on air, relaying WERC-HD2's smooth jazz subchannel. It even has RDS: "LiteJazz".

The FCC shows it as just 10 watts from Hoover but with a CP for 99 watts from the Magic 96 tower west of Red Mountain. It's definitely not going to be anything close to a full market signal, with nulls towards Helena and Mountain Brook; the primary contour only reaches downtown Birmingham.

Think they'll keep the format, or flip to something else eventually? Smooth jazz is definitely a niche format, but as far as I know the Samford University station on 91.1 is still doing the exact same format, with a much better signal over the mountain.

Clear Channel will probably change the format at some point. As you mentioned, WVSU already covers Birmingham and then some with a smooth jazz format...and IMO does it much better than Clear Channel's version. Smooth jazz stations are dropping like flies across the country, many of which are morphing into either "smooth AC" or urban AC. As much as I hate to say it, the smooth jazz format for all intents and purposes is dead.

 

[WBGR FM 93.1]

I heard this station while driving down I-65 around 1:30 this morning. At first, I thought it may have been a translator for WVSU, then realized it probably was relaying a clear channel hd subchannel. The signal is definately weaker than the other Birmingham translators, with the signal beginning to fade out around the Alford Ave exit.

-Travis

 

[Chad-Stevens]

It's currently in mono.
W286BK is the call letters according to fcc.gov. I'd suspect they would switch to stereo if they intend to keep a music format on it.

 

[passtheword]

I heard this station while driving down I-65 around 1:30 this morning. At first, I thought it may have been a translator for WVSU, then realized it probably was relaying a clear channel hd subchannel. The signal is definately weaker than the other Birmingham translators, with the signal beginning to fade out around the Alford Ave exit.

-Travis

I heard the translator tonight here in Calera...still broadcasting in mono. Signal wasn't all that great, but it appears it is at least getting past the Hoover area, anyway.

 

[WBGR FM 93.1]

I heard this station while driving down I-65 around 1:30 this morning. At first, I thought it may have been a translator for WVSU, then realized it probably was relaying a clear channel hd subchannel. The signal is definately weaker than the other Birmingham translators, with the signal beginning to fade out around the Alford Ave exit.

-Travis

I heard the translator tonight here in Calera...still broadcasting in mono. Signal wasn't all that great, but it appears it is at least getting past the Hoover area, anyway.

After it initally started fading out, I changed the channel. However, I did flip back to it around the 247 exit, but changed it again after a few seconds. At that point, the signal was about as "choppy" as it had been a few miles back.

So far, IMO, the Birmingham translator with the best coverage is 103.1 I usaually still hear them with varying signal strength as far south as the Clanton rest areas (MM 214).

-Travis