Checking the radio dial in Phoenix after last night's thunderstorm

[ted chittenden]

At the tail end of last night's thunderstorm in Phoenix (around 9:00pm), the power went out at our house and much of the northeast central part of the city for about two hours. I used the first hour of that to pull out my portable Walkman-style receiver to make some notes on what I heard and didn't hear.

1) First, something very important I didn't hear. Despite the storm and the power outages it caused, nobody on the Phoenix radio dial was talking about the local weather, flooding, etc. KJZZ was running its usual Thursday NPR schedule (but that station hasn't really covered nighttime local flooding as it happens for a while). More importantly, KTAR-FM, where I would have expected to hear coverage about the thunderstorm (I've heard some in the past there) was running the nationally-syndicated Chad Benson as usual; ditto that for KFYI and its conservative schedule. (It was my sister, using her cell phone who finally got information about the power situation.)

2) All of the local Phoenix FM outlets remained up and running (I assume they all had generators) but that wasn't quite true for the AMs. Both the Caesar Chavez Foundation's KNAI (860) and Vic Michaels' KPHX (1480) were running only dead carriers. And 1510 KFNN wasn't even running that. (I wonder if that last one is going to be the next Phoenix outlet off the air for good.)

3) On 580 kHz, Tucson's KSAZ was coming in clear as a bell. I even heard the top-of-the-hour ID for that one which also included a separate top-of-the-hour ID from KTRP-1450, Notus, Idaho, in the Boise area. Using the information on Radio-locator (sorry but I find it difficult to read the FCC files using screenreading software), it looks like KSAZ-AM is supposed to be running a measly 390 watts at night with a four-tower directional array, presumably to protect Fresno's KMJ on the same frequency. I'm quite sure that last night it was running its full daytime 5kW.

4) Some other DX notes. With the move of KSPN-AM's transmitter southeast (and, I suspect a redirectioning of its tower(s)), I was able to hear KSPN during the evening hours vying for my attention with (I think) KNUS out of Denver. Over on 780, Sedona's KAZM could be heard, though it was sometimes overpowered by (I think) the outlet licensed to Pueblo, CO (I never did catch a top-of-the-hour ID for verification of that). ON 740 kHz, KCBS-AM was (mostly) pouncing all over local KIDR (I've never understood why the FCC granted KIDR and the Costa Mesa station (formerly Avalon) the same 24-hour operations with the dominance of KCBS-AM there). Finally, I believe I caught the station licensed to Juarez, MX, at 1470 playing English classic hits with Spanish announcers--I don't think I ever heard that one before. I also heard a Spanish outlet dominating 1130 kHZ which I believe to be the station out of Nogales, Sonora, (funny but the dominant station there at night used to be KWKH in Shreveport).

 

[KilowattKat]

At the tail end of last night's thunderstorm in Phoenix (around 9:00pm), the power went out at our house and much of the northeast central part of the city for about two hours. I used the first hour of that to pull out my portable Walkman-style receiver to make some notes on what I heard and didn't hear.

1) First, something very important I didn't hear. Despite the storm and the power outages it caused, nobody on the Phoenix radio dial was talking about the local weather, flooding, etc. KJZZ was running its usual Thursday NPR schedule (but that station hasn't really covered nighttime local flooding as it happens for a while). More importantly, KTAR-FM, where I would have expected to hear coverage about the thunderstorm (I've heard some in the past there) was running the nationally-syndicated Chad Benson as usual; ditto that for KFYI and its conservative schedule. (It was my sister, using her cell phone who finally got information about the power situation.)

2) All of the local Phoenix FM outlets remained up and running (I assume they all had generators) but that wasn't quite true for the AMs. Both the Caesar Chavez Foundation's KNAI (860) and Vic Michaels' KPHX (1480) were running only dead carriers. And 1510 KFNN wasn't even running that. (I wonder if that last one is going to be the next Phoenix outlet off the air for good.)

3) On 580 kHz, Tucson's KSAZ was coming in clear as a bell. I even heard the top-of-the-hour ID for that one which also included a separate top-of-the-hour ID from KTRP-1450, Notus, Idaho, in the Boise area. Using the information on Radio-locator (sorry but I find it difficult to read the FCC files using screenreading software), it looks like KSAZ-AM is supposed to be running a measly 390 watts at night with a four-tower directional array, presumably to protect Fresno's KMJ on the same frequency. I'm quite sure that last night it was running its full daytime 5kW.

4) Some other DX notes. With the move of KSPN-AM's transmitter southeast (and, I suspect a redirectioning of its tower(s)), I was able to hear KSPN during the evening hours vying for my attention with (I think) KNUS out of Denver. Over on 780, Sedona's KAZM could be heard, though it was sometimes overpowered by (I think) the outlet licensed to Pueblo, CO (I never did catch a top-of-the-hour ID for verification of that). ON 740 kHz, KCBS-AM was (mostly) pouncing all over local KIDR (I've never understood why the FCC granted KIDR and the Costa Mesa station (formerly Avalon) the same 24-hour operations with the dominance of KCBS-AM there). Finally, I believe I caught the station licensed to Juarez, MX, at 1470 playing English classic hits with Spanish announcers--I don't think I ever heard that one before. I also heard a Spanish outlet dominating 1130 kHZ which I believe to be the station out of Nogales, Sonora, (funny but the dominant station there at night used to be KWKH in Shreveport).

The 1470 you heard playing Classic Hits with Spanish language announcers was almost certainly XERCN Tijuana, BC. They are 5kw non directional at night.

 

[DrAkbar]

1) First, something very important I didn't hear. Despite the storm and the power outages it caused, nobody on the Phoenix radio dial was talking about the local weather, flooding, etc. KJZZ was running its usual Thursday NPR schedule (but that station hasn't really covered nighttime local flooding as it happens for a while). More importantly, KTAR-FM, where I would have expected to hear coverage about the thunderstorm (I've heard some in the past there) was running the nationally-syndicated Chad Benson as usual; ditto that for KFYI and its conservative schedule. (It was my sister, using her cell phone who finally got information about the power situation.)

Sounds like it was raining where you are (infamous Preston Westmoreland catch phrase).

Fact of the matter is, unless it's a catastrophic event, forget about the local yokels covering it after 7pm. Instant news is social media and live streams. That's the reality of today's terrestrial radio.

No wonder enrollment at the Buckeye Media Hut has tanked, in spite offering a complimentary framed 8x10 of the Old Gringo. Hmmm..lovely Gisela, AZ is sounding pretty good to the Nurse & me.

 

[kwthom]

Sounds like it was raining where you are (infamous Preston Westmoreland catch phrase).

Fact of the matter is, unless it's a catastrophic event, forget about the local yokels covering it after 7pm. Instant news is social media and live streams. That's the reality of today's terrestrial radio.

...and, not just in a top market like the Phoenix region.

No wonder enrollment at the Buckeye Media Hut has tanked, in spite offering a complimentary framed 8x10 of the Old Gringo. Hmmm..lovely Gisela, AZ is sounding pretty good to the Nurse & me.

Being the mayor of Nothing, AZ was a bit excessive for ya, Doc?

 

[ted chittenden]

The 1470 you heard playing Classic Hits with Spanish language announcers was almost certainly XERCN Tijuana, BC. They are 5kw non directional at night.

And that will be the third station I heard from the San Diego area between sunset and sunrise I've picked up in Phoenix since moving here. (KCBQ came/comes in only after sunrise for a bit and then only just before sunset.)

 

[SomeRadioGuy]

And that will be the third station I heard from the San Diego area between sunset and sunrise I've picked up in Phoenix since moving here. (KCBQ came/comes in only after sunrise for a bit and then only just before sunset.)

I've heard 1470 from Tee huh wanna up here in Alaska several times when it was running catholic programming.... but apparently theyre calling if Radio Bay/Bay Radio now. The website uses the right calls, but the facebook page calls it XEHC

 

[davideduardo]

No wonder enrollment at the Buckeye Media Hut has tanked, in spite offering a complimentary framed 8x10 of the Old Gringo.

You need a new pic of the OG. The one you have in the tiedye shirt is dated. I now have one in a great 100% polyester leisure suit that is much better. Enrollment will increase by triple digits.

If you add a free "enrollment" machine with it, you will need more staff.

Hmmm..lovely Gisela, AZ is sounding pretty good to the Nurse & me.

Salome is better than Gisela. Near the freeway, nice 120° fresh air.

 

[KilowattKat]

I've heard 1470 from Tee huh wanna up here in Alaska several times when it was running catholic programming.... but apparently theyre calling if Radio Bay/Bay Radio now. The website uses the right calls, but the facebook page calls it XEHC

On air, they have dropped all reference to the Rasa branding, and XERCN calls, including the legal ID. Now, XEHC. The Radio Bahia was at first a tribute show to the now defunct 1590 XEHC Ensenada. But has now become the main music format (Spanish AC Gold, Oldies, and latin flavored instrumentals). They still have a few specialty music shows, and the talk shows they simulcast with XEXX, and still operated by Radio Cardena Enciso.

I'm listening right now, and the 4pm hour has been all instrumentals featuring Flamenco, and Bossa Nova.

 

[exbloguero]

Finally, I believe I caught the station licensed to Juarez, MX, at 1470 playing English classic hits with Spanish announcers--I don't think I ever heard that one before. I also heard a Spanish outlet dominating 1130 kHZ which I believe to be the station out of Nogales, Sonora,

For some time now, Radiorama (the Pereda family) has been trying to silence its AM stations, both XEHN-AM 1130 AM and XECG-AM 1240 AM, but the regulator has ruled that it must operate simultaneously on its FM frequencies. Last I heard, these stations were on the air with only the active carrier, without audio, to save on electricity costs.
Now we'll see what decision the new owner makes after acquiring one of these stations in Hermosillo, Cajeme, and Nogales, which was for sale.

 

[exbloguero]

3) On 580 kHz, Tucson's KSAZ was coming in clear as a bell. I even heard the top-of-the-hour ID for that one which also included a separate top-of-the-hour ID from KTRP-1450, Notus, Idaho, in the Boise area. Using the information on Radio-locator (sorry but I find it difficult to read the FCC files using screenreading software), it looks like KSAZ-AM is supposed to be running a measly 390 watts at night with a four-tower directional array, presumably to protect Fresno's KMJ on the same frequency. I'm quite sure that last night it was running its full daytime 5kW.

When I lived in Santa Ana, Sonora, from 2020 to 2023, I had to listen to KSAZ-AM at night, so I also suspect that it operates full daytime.

 

[SomeRadioGuy]

For some time now, Radiorama (the Pereda family) has been trying to silence its AM stations, both XEHN-AM 1130 AM and XECG-AM 1240 AM, but the regulator has ruled that it must operate simultaneously on its FM frequencies. Last I heard, these stations were on the air with only the active carrier, without audio, to save on electricity costs.
Now we'll see what decision the new owner makes after acquiring one of these stations in Hermosillo, Cajeme, and Nogales, which was for sale.

a dead carrier vs modulating the carrier with programming saves no money

 

[ted chittenden]

a dead carrier vs modulating the carrier with programming saves no money

As I've indicated elsewhere, people often make decisions based on their emotional feelings about something rather than the on-the-ground facts. While I was hearing programming last night, I wonder if the idea to run just a dead carrier had more to do with trying to "spite" the authorities than saving money.

 

[Sammi Brie]

For some time now, Radiorama (the Pereda family) has been trying to silence its AM stations, both XEHN-AM 1130 AM and XECG-AM 1240 AM, but the regulator has ruled that it must operate simultaneously on its FM frequencies. Last I heard, these stations were on the air with only the active carrier, without audio, to save on electricity costs.
Now we'll see what decision the new owner makes after acquiring one of these stations in Hermosillo, Cajeme, and Nogales, which was for sale.

Neither XEHN nor XECG has a continuity obligation.

 

[KeithE4]

Sounds like it was raining where you are (infamous Preston Westmoreland catch phrase).

Fact of the matter is, unless it's a catastrophic event, forget about the local yokels covering it after 7pm. Instant news is social media and live streams. That's the reality of today's terrestrial radio.

No wonder enrollment at the Buckeye Media Hut has tanked, in spite offering a complimentary framed 8x10 of the Old Gringo. Hmmm..lovely Gisela, AZ is sounding pretty good to the Nurse & me.

How do we find out if it's raining where we are? Easy. Open the AZ Family app on your phone (which is probably closer to you than any radio), then click on "First Alert Weather. Or turn your TV to Channel 3 or 5 (depending on time of day). They'll go on and on and on and on about where and how much it's raining, complete with reporters and camera crews wasting gas in their TV trucks on the freeways. The other channels and their apps are little different.

Radio can't compete, and there's no need for them to. Those days are long over.

 

[ted chittenden]

How do we find out if it's raining where we are? Easy. Open the AZ Family app on your phone (which is probably closer to you than any radio), then click on "First Alert Weather. Or turn your TV to Channel 3 or 5 (depending on time of day). They'll go on and on and on and on about where and how much it's raining, complete with reporters and camera crews wasting gas in their TV trucks on the freeways. The other channels and their apps are little different.

Radio can't compete, and there's no need for them to. Those days are long over.

But-but-but...there aren't very many battery-operated television sets in the community when the power goes out!...Oh, never mind! I guess there's always the ubiquitous cell phone...

 

[kwthom]

"can you hear me now?"

 

[exbloguero]

Neither XEHN nor XECG has a continuity obligation.

Before 2020, attempts were made to shut down those AM stations. They weren't allowed. We'll have to wait and see what decision the new operator makes.

 

[NYAZSporty]

Noticing right now for the first time scrolling through the AM dial from Goodyear during a thunderstorm (part of the monsoon that caused the dust storm in the East Valley & Phoenix) & picking up KLAA 830 for the first time listening to the Angels game in Texas although at times mixing in with nearby KDRI in Tucson.

 

[KeithE4]

A brief mention of the storm damage plus traffic and weather together on KTAR-FM/92.3 at 8 PM, but nothing I could pick up anywhere else, AM or FM.

 

[KilowattKat]

A brief mention of the storm damage plus traffic and weather together on KTAR-FM/92.3 at 8 PM, but nothing I could pick up anywhere else, AM or FM.

When you have syndicated talk going on, and one person handling the news desk. You're not going to get very good coverage.

It's funny, a few weeks back, I was listening to the Morning News, and they aired a '#1 for monsoon coverage' promo. The usual....when the storm hits counts on us to bring you live reports from reporters, listeners, and radar weather tracking...blah, blah, blah. I guess that only applies during business hours when there's staff around to cover it. Certainly Chad Benson won't mention it.