Emmis to fire up 93.5 translator in Indianapolis

[BostonRandy]

From the great Lance Venta at RadioInsight:

https://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/94919/emmis-launching-second-indianapolis-sports-fm/

For a DXer like me, there goes another frequency in the Indy metro.

 

[Rosebud3]

The F.C.C. needs to make some decisions about AM radio. If AM radio is no longer viable, then have the broadcasters turn in their AM license in exchange for multiple FM translators. Having programs on multiple frequencies in one community is a waste of scarce broadcast space.

 

[Rosebud3]

Of course, there's also a scarcity of viable programming for that broadcast space. Or are you suggesting that some radio stations be saddled with formats that interest few listeners and even fewer advertisers?

Sirius/XM has many formats, many that could be transferred to terrestrial radio. Except for NPR, few media companies want an over 40 age group audience. The point is how many frequencies are needed for one station? Two translators, an HD-2 signal, a 50 KW AM station and the Internet? Something has to be done to revitalize the AM band by the FCC or assign the frequencies to some other service such as aeronautical, point to point or earth to drone.

 

[Rosebud3]

POTUS, Fox new 15 minute news channel, the liberal Indiana Talks now only on the Internet, the WINS or KYW format, "Give Us 15 Minutes, We'll Give You the World", the CBS long form news format on WBBM or WCBS, Bloomberg Business Radio, Inspire Radio on Sirius/XM, Business Radio Network or anything your creative minds can come up with. How about an all talk show, like WGN with different creative hosts? The big picture is lowering interference and the noise level on AM which may mean additional rules on power companies and electronic manufacturers that only government can do. I will leave the subject of digital broadcasting to broadcasters.

I worked for Emmis when they owned television stations and called on local advertisers. The age question was never a problem with local advertisers but yes it was on regional and national. In radio, demographics seems to be more of a factor for placing a buy. In a recent article in the AARP magazine, a critique was leveled on the whole premise of concentrating on young demographics and the fallacy of young people developing buying habits in today's world.

I am not criticizing Emmis, I am commenting on the general state of the AM radio situation.

 

[Rosebud3]

I enjoyed the conversation, also, WeNeverKnew.

 

[Hoosierky]

This sale is rather interesting:
1) Kasper sold Emmis the translator on 107.5. Repeat customers are the best.

2) WTLC AM was going on that stick? Did Radio One back off or did my first question apply?

3) $512,000 for a translator? WOW!

I can almost understand a translator for 1070. But a HD-2? I think I am the only one with a HD radio,and stations sure are not promoting it, so why an analog translator?

 

[PTBoardOp94]

Setting up a translator for an HD-2 is basically a loophole to get another format into the market on regular analog FM.

 

[mbatchelor]

This sale is rather interesting:
1) Kasper sold Emmis the translator on 107.5. Repeat customers are the best.

2) WTLC AM was going on that stick? Did Radio One back off or did my first question apply?

3) $512,000 for a translator? WOW!

I can almost understand a translator for 1070. But a HD-2? I think I am the only one with a HD radio,and stations sure are not promoting it, so why an analog translator?

Old man Kaspar is making quite a killing off of his translators; he's got one in St. Louis going to Radio One, too. Hasn't been officially sold yet as its pending a move to the master antenna site, but its simulcasting the local Radio One rap station WHHL.

 

[jegrant]

Setting up a translator for an HD-2 is basically a loophole to get another format into the market on regular analog FM.

That's exactly the point - by putting an HD2 on analog, so goes the theory, you can reach a bunch of people who never heard of HD radio and probably never will. Now - a few stations do promote their "HD" channel, but many of them only promote the translator frequency.

 

[Kent]

The term "loophole" implies that the law or policy hasn't addressed the issue yet. In the case of analog translators relaying HD multicast channels, the FCC has issued a statement saying it's allowed. So, in that sense, it's not a loophole. Beyond that, however, I would have to agree that a translator relaying an HD channel is a way of getting another FM in a market.