Well, a simulcast of the AM trifecta. The signals were spotty at best.
http://www.mydesert.com/article/200...26/news12/FM-switch-helps-AM-radio-in-the-p.m.
FM switch helps AM radio in the p.m.
Debra Gruszecki
The Desert Sun
KNews Radio, already operating three popular news-talk radio stations on the AM dial in the desert, on Thursday gained FM broadcast power.
Radio personalities Mark Christopher and Bill “Bulldog” Feingold, along with station programmer John McMullen, told listeners tuning into their AM stations at 970 in the east valley, 1140 in the west valley and 1250 in Yucca Valley that KNews FM 94.3 was launched at 3:06 p.m. Thursday.
The addition was made to make it possible to offer KNews FM listeners programming in “crystal clear” stereo 24 hours a day, McMullen said. To McMullen, the move by Morris Communications to simulcast its radio programs through the three AM band stations and the new 94.3 FM dial is tantamount to a time decades ago when TV viewers saw their favorite television shows switch from black-and-white to color.
McMullen said two of the most important offshoots of the move will be KNews Radio's ability to deliver higher quality sound, and better reception regardless of the time of day. “Our AM stations have to reduce power at sundown to prevent interference with other stations at the same dial location” because of atmospheric conditions at night. On the FM band, power reductions are not required, so the “static” that nighttime listeners on the AM band once endured will be a thing of the past.
The addition was made possible because of a Federal Communications Commission rule that takes effect today and allows KNews to use one of its FM translators. The translator is connected to the KNWQ license, which is 1140 on the AM dial.
With the added FM band, none of the stations will be turned off.
McMullen said KNews recognizes there is an audience out there that will listen only to AM-band stations. “It's a generational thing.” Now, though, all of the KNews listeners will no longer have to tolerate weak nighttime signals because of FCC regulations. If they choose, listeners can turn to the FM dial to hear the same program. “The news-talk format is no stranger to the FM dial,” said station manager Norman Feuer. “There have been, and continue to be, many successful stations that have either gone to AM/FM simulcasts, or where a talk station has completely transitioned from the AM to the FM band. This will be good for KNews listeners and advertisers alike.”
The cost to make the switchover was not divulged. “Most of the costs associated with it involved engineering, McMullen said.
http://www.mydesert.com/article/200...26/news12/FM-switch-helps-AM-radio-in-the-p.m.
FM switch helps AM radio in the p.m.
Debra Gruszecki
The Desert Sun
KNews Radio, already operating three popular news-talk radio stations on the AM dial in the desert, on Thursday gained FM broadcast power.
Radio personalities Mark Christopher and Bill “Bulldog” Feingold, along with station programmer John McMullen, told listeners tuning into their AM stations at 970 in the east valley, 1140 in the west valley and 1250 in Yucca Valley that KNews FM 94.3 was launched at 3:06 p.m. Thursday.
The addition was made to make it possible to offer KNews FM listeners programming in “crystal clear” stereo 24 hours a day, McMullen said. To McMullen, the move by Morris Communications to simulcast its radio programs through the three AM band stations and the new 94.3 FM dial is tantamount to a time decades ago when TV viewers saw their favorite television shows switch from black-and-white to color.
McMullen said two of the most important offshoots of the move will be KNews Radio's ability to deliver higher quality sound, and better reception regardless of the time of day. “Our AM stations have to reduce power at sundown to prevent interference with other stations at the same dial location” because of atmospheric conditions at night. On the FM band, power reductions are not required, so the “static” that nighttime listeners on the AM band once endured will be a thing of the past.
The addition was made possible because of a Federal Communications Commission rule that takes effect today and allows KNews to use one of its FM translators. The translator is connected to the KNWQ license, which is 1140 on the AM dial.
With the added FM band, none of the stations will be turned off.
McMullen said KNews recognizes there is an audience out there that will listen only to AM-band stations. “It's a generational thing.” Now, though, all of the KNews listeners will no longer have to tolerate weak nighttime signals because of FCC regulations. If they choose, listeners can turn to the FM dial to hear the same program. “The news-talk format is no stranger to the FM dial,” said station manager Norman Feuer. “There have been, and continue to be, many successful stations that have either gone to AM/FM simulcasts, or where a talk station has completely transitioned from the AM to the FM band. This will be good for KNews listeners and advertisers alike.”
The cost to make the switchover was not divulged. “Most of the costs associated with it involved engineering, McMullen said.
