PROPOSAL REQUESTS RECLASSIFICATION OF KLTN

[Mike O]

By this application it is sought to modify the facility of KVJM (FM) to specify a non-directional antenna at the presently licensed location, height and power, and the licensing of the facility in accordance with Section 73.207, by removing the current 73.215 classification. This is a "triggering application" toward KLTN (FM) Houston, Texas.

This proposal requests reclassification of KLTN (FM) from Class C to Class C0 using the provisions of Section 73.3573 Note 4. Presently KLTN (FM) operates with an antenna 300 meters in Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT), and is subject to reclassification. A copy of this application is to be served upon the the licensee of KLTN (FM).

KLTN a C to a C0. Unless they move to an antenna in a different location than where they are now.

Will Univision once again build an antenna of 600 meters to stay a Class C, actually all they need is an antenna 451 meters tall. KLTN has been near or at the top in ratings for years now as a Class C1 station (one meter over), will they bother to build another antenna to retain the Class C status?

Mike O

 

[jd]

KLTN a C to a C0. Unless they move to an antenna in a different location than where they are now.

It's worth noting that this application pits two corporate powers at odds: Clear Channel and Univision, and it should be interesting. Looks like the present service contour of KVJM (suppressed toward the southeast) runs parallel to Villa Maria Road, with College Station just outside the 60dBu. By changing from a "contour protection station" to non-directional the 60dBu contour for KVJM would include virtually all of College Station and slip Bryan into solid city grade, so that's a notable improvement.

Should KLTN go to the trouble and expense of building out to full class C? Adding more height at their present downtown location, if possible, would be really expensive. It's also likely that they'd run into some environmental issues or FAA problems. Of course, there's also the matter of the required spacing to 2nd adjacent KJOJ. The original allocation for 103.3 (and the originally proposed 102.5) at Freeport years ago was dependent upon 102.9 operating at the downtown site, and nothing has changed. So KLTN couldn't move to the Missouri City sticks. Without running the figures, I'll just say this: theoretically they'd have to move a considerable distance toward the east-southeast to clear KVJM, and spacing to KJOJ would still be an issue. That is to say, KJOJ's site might have to be shifted a few miles, which would be really complicated. Even if spacing issues could be resolved, actually finding a suitable site for a nearly 2000 foot tower for KLTN would be a lot of trouble. Environmental and aviation issues would probably come into play, and then there's the huge expense of the actual construction.

There's really not much wrong with KLTN's present coverage, and KVJM's slightly improved signal would pose no real threat. The way I see it, Univision shouldn't worry about taking the downgrade. I just don't think it's worth fighting.

 

[Mediafrog+]

If the spacing to 103.3 wasn't an issue, KLTN would simply move out to Missouri City. Plenty of sticks there now to accommodate an added signal. But I agree with JD; there is no practical incentive for Univision to fight this, or to attempt an upgrade to the current signal. It is hitting all the relevant demos just fine, and any increase would be reaching little more than cows and horses. Save the money and leave 102.9 as it is.

Wonder if this opens the door a little wider for the long-suggested upgrade of 103.3? Haven't crunched the numbers yet.