Who would you say is the Translator with the best coverage over the Houston-Galveston market?
I would say 105.3
I would say 105.3
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Or not. Remember that K223DH is also a part of the overall deal, so Gow wouldn’t want any signal clashes. Might be a while before Gow gets its hands on that one; the original sale from Centro to SDK Franco has been tied up at the FCC for seven months, all part of the Guevara divorce and related station redistribution. If that sale was approved tomorrow it would still take several months for the flip to Gow to go through the FCC process. Only then could Gow bundle 97.5 and the two 92.5 signals into a complete sale package.
Astros2023
Banned
I believe that the top FM translators in the Houston market #1 is 104.5 fm, However, there are concerns regarding the station's management and lack of credibility. The second best is 105.3 FM, as they have demonstrated consistency. Lastly, but certainly not least, is 106.1 fm.
Definitely 105.3. Although one could argue it’s 95.1 with it having the best chance at not having interference with another signal.
At my location in Conroe I just now checked the actual exact signal strength of all translators and these are the signals from best to worst. I can’t get 106.1 due to the LPFM and 106.5 is basically nonexistent with KOVE.
1st is 95.3 which is no surprise considering it’s actually local
2nd not far behind is 105.3
3rd & 4th are tied with 104.5 & 94.1 (Willis translator same strength)
5th not far behind at all is 95.1
6th we’re getting a bit weaker here with 103.3 (most open frequency here)
7th 99.5
8th 92.3
9th and below are quite weak now with 101.7
10th 98.3
11th 99.9
12th 88.1
13th 98.7
14th easily last is 92.5
Astros2023
Banned
I would argue that 105.3fm demonstrates superior audio processing in comparison to any other translator, surpassing even 104.9fm by a significant margin. 105.3fm experiences interference in the Katy and Cypress areas from KTWL, while in Baytown, Pasadena, and south Houston, it is also affected by interference from KXXF. The station is essentially surrounded by two powerful signals while 104.5 is not. 104.5 was the first "super transalator" in the city.
When considering only signal strength, it can be argued that 104.5 excels. However, the quality of the music played is subpar, as well as the audio quality and processing. Additionally, the management of the station is lacking, with frequent changes in names, managers, and programming.
I think (personal opinion)
#1. 104.5 fm La mejor/grande
#2 105.3fm La Power
#3 106.1 FM Univeral Church
Sounds like you are a fan 0f 105.3 going as far as saying it sounds better than 104.9 can be taken as a joke.
Astros2023
Banned
I'm a fan because I highlight verifiable facts that are audible to anyone. I apologize for any perceived disrespect, but I request that you simply listen to what I am saying. Many times others have mentioned the same.
Wow it is amazing how much you guys have hated Gow Media and everything they have tried to do for heading towards 20 yrs!. What did David do to you guys? You have been rooting for his failure non stop. It's incredible to me. I'm glad it's not up to you all whether we lived or died. We would have been killed years ago! Your wishes are coming true soon enough!
Nobody “hates” Gow Media or David Gow, or roots for their failure. It is admirable that he has attempted to build a diversified media company. But as far as radio side of his efforts goes, it simply has not been a success, largely due to debilitating signal problems on both 1560 and 97.5, and the possible dynamic that there is no room for three local sportstalkers in Houston. KFNC is essentially a stand-alone operation amongst more efficient ownership clusters here, and the hard truth is the ratings have been abysmal for a long time.
We’ve had plenty of speculation about the future of KFNC based on piecing together fragmentary information, which all points to a sale. We know about the recent layoffs and staff departures, and that the station is apparently no longer subscribing to ratings services. We’ve seen the sale listing on the brokerage site, and had comments from those who have seen the sale information. Your comment about “your wishes are coming true soon enough” seems to confirm that change is coming.
It sucks that people will lose their jobs, but that’s the broadcasting business. Hopefully everyone will land on their feet.
We would love to have more information about what is going on, but realize you may not be in any position to divulge anything specific about the future of 97.5.
Astros2023
Banned
I must somewhat concur with your perspective. Many individuals tend to criticize the dominance of the corporate world in radio stations. However, when someone like David Gow, who is assertive, comes along, he is met with constant criticism and ill-wishes from the beginning. I had the pleasure of meeting David Gow in 2015 and he appears to be a very pleasant individual. Numerous individuals will face job loss, which is disheartening. I hope for the best for everyone at Gow Media.
There were comments a few years back that the 97.5 tower was in bad shape. I wonder how that my hamper a sale if true?
I think Gow has tried and made a good amount of effort to compete but most of the not-so-positive comments were more about 97.5 pretending it had an HD2 and that it was originating programming for 92.5 on that HD2
D
Deleted member 108832
Guest
I'll partially agree with that, but it was pretty apparent with the botched launch of "1560 The Game", in 2007, that David Gow was biting off more than he could chew.
It's not straight up and down vertical. Some inner radio circles have even dubbed it "The Leaning Tower of Devers".
ThatVoice22
Banned
The KFNC tower is south of Winnie which is waaay south of Devers.
that’s what left a bad taste in my mouth. I’m quite happy with how 92.5 currently is, besides the bad audio.
I’m anti illegal translators. One of my favorite stations in the area are the KHVL translators. I also liked listening to some of the translators in the Austin area before they changed formats.
Quite likely so. Driving around the metro area recently I’ve found the 92.5 translator to be weak or nonexistent in areas that previously had a good signal. Now having an actual originating station is another sign they are behaving themself.
Been four months since the application for the sale of K223CW to Gow was filed, but still no action by the FCC. Given that delay, plus the holdup in the sale of K223DH, as well as the programming commitments to Sugar Land Space Cowboys baseball and Texas A&M football, I have the suspicion we won’t see any changes on 97.5/92.5 until early 2025…but who knows. Maybe an LMA/SSA deal comes out of the blue from a prospective new owner.
Astros2023
Banned
It is intriguing how certain individuals exhibit a sense of moral righteousness when discussing 92.5. If I am not incorrect, it is the same families and relatives who own a majority of the 92.5 FM radio stations in the metropolitan area. I am uncertain as to why this is considered significant. The reason for the delay in obtaining the licenses is due to the various family conflicts that occurred in the past involving civil court cases and complaints filed with the FCC. I am of the belief that any past grievances have been resolved and both families are currently on good terms.