LPFM on 93.7 in North San Antonio

[dlf]

An LPFM (Spanish Religious) station has been on here in South Comal/North Bexar on 93.7 FM for the past few months. The signal obliterates KLBJ FM (Austin) from Schertz. That seems awful close for an LPFM as KLBJ FM from Austin (prior to the sign on of the LPFM) put a relatively listenable signal into San Antonio. I could see open frequencies such as 94.5, 96.9, or 99.9 where the nearest signals are considerably more distant. Will we see more examples of fringe (but still good) signals being fair game for LPFM?

dlf

 

[Kent]

Technically, it's not an LPFM. It's a translator for KTNR 92.1 in Kenedy, and it's licensed to Hollywood Park. The reason I point out that it's a translator is because translators don't have to follow the same rules LPFM's do; the rules are much stricter for LPFM's. Acceptable spacing for a translator is based on signal contours rather than distance from other stations. As KLBJ-FM doesn't technically put a usable signal into San Antonio, it's probably legal. To answer your other question, we're definitely likely to see more translators close to licensed stations as the "Great Translator Invasion" still hasn't been completely sorted out. I'm not sure what the legislation on LPFM's is or how it will turn out.

I remember a translator in the Knoxville, TN area that had too strong of a signal inside WIVK's primary signal contour but was permitted anyway since it established that no one lived in the area of interference. I believe it also argued that it was a secondary service and could be forced off-air or relocated if it did cause unacceptable interference to WIVK. As far as I know, it's still on-air.

 

[jras20]

I fought this one for a year now, but dont really think there is much we can do about this one. As what I learned LP's have diffrent rules over commercial stations. I dont see how 98.5 in Austin can be either with KBBT. I don't think thats right,

 

[Kent]

I fought this one for a year now, but dont really think there is much we can do about this one. As what I learned LP's have diffrent rules over commercial stations. I dont see how 98.5 in Austin can be either with KBBT. I don't think thats right,

Again, you may have LPFM's and translators confused. LPFM's must follow specific spacing rules based on distance. Translators use signal contours to determine proper spacing. It's much easier to license a translator, and 98.5 in Austin is a translator. KBBT doesn't even put a 40 dBu signal contour over half of Austin. It's not a usable signal to anyone but a DX'er, and it doesn't show up in the Austin ratings.

 

[saradio1]

Posted by: Kent- KBBT doesn't even put a 40 dBu signal contour over half of Austin.

Actually, KBBT has shown up in the Austin ratings in the past. But who really cares about that. Austin has two Hip Hop stations already. I seriously doubt they would want another one.

With 92.1, 93.3, 93.7, 98.9, and 106.3, how many Religious stations do we need? Soon 102.3 will also be on the air with more Religious preaching.

 

[Willis1000]

Actually, KBBT has shown up in the Austin ratings in the past. But who really cares about that.

KBBT may show up in the Austin ratings due to viewers in southern Hays County ( south of San Marcos and a long way from Austin.)

 

[Kent]

KBBT may show up in the Austin ratings due to viewers in southern Hays County ( south of San Marcos and a long way from Austin.)

That would make the most sense. Even then, listening would be at DX conditions, but KDHT 93.3 and the old KQBT 104.3 would have been at DX conditions for those in Hays County, too. A station can extend its usable signal somewhat by offering programming that's not available anywhere else, and urban does get DX or near DX listening in some areas where it's an unserved niche. A classic example of this is KVSP 103.5 in Oklahoma City, which has gotten as high as a mid-3 share almost entirely outside of its 64 dBu signal contour. In fact, it gets almost all its listening outside of its 60 dBu signal contour!

By the way, listeners in Comal County likely explain much of KBPA showing up in the San Antonio book time and again. Comal County is within Bob's 64 dBu contour, and those who live in New Braufels and work in north San Antonio can hear the station in their cars all the way to and from work, though most of them will have too much trouble hearing it at work.