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WATO Sold!!
- Thread starter knoxbob
- Start date
My goodness, I hope it's not another religious station on the AM band.
I'm not against religious AM stations, but every station on the AM band can't be religious.
Great Caesar's Ghost..
East Tennessee needs another religious AM station like they need yet one more Wal-Mart and yet one more soccer field.
Let us hear something different, something new.
Variety, people..
VARIETY.
I'm not against religious AM stations, but every station on the AM band can't be religious.
Great Caesar's Ghost..
East Tennessee needs another religious AM station like they need yet one more Wal-Mart and yet one more soccer field.
Let us hear something different, something new.
Variety, people..
VARIETY.
csneed5 said:
But, if it's "religious" (a term I hate, because one can be "religious" about anything) is that not better than the station going dark forever? At least this will keep the station alive, and the potential for keeping a local high school sports voice which was echoed in an older thread about this station. What REALLY has a shot as a working format at this station? Oldies, standards, a somewhat mix of both standards and oldies such as ABC's Timeless Favorites format, bluegrass, maybe classic country although WYSH (Clinton) is doing this -- just trying to mention formats NOT heard in the Oak Ridge area from nearby Knoxville.
I guess I'm still upset about losing WAWL-FM (The Wall) 91.5 at Chattanooga State..
A great mix of contemporary, jazz, new age, oldies, new wave, classical, just a combination of everything.. and the music was always easy to get to.
If it was music not on a playlist, you'd hear it there, and with no commercials, every move to a new song was seamless.
It's religious now, along with 4 or 5 other non-comms below 92.1 and a few above it, too.
FM, AM.. seems like radio is still trying to re-invent itself.
A great mix of contemporary, jazz, new age, oldies, new wave, classical, just a combination of everything.. and the music was always easy to get to.
If it was music not on a playlist, you'd hear it there, and with no commercials, every move to a new song was seamless.
It's religious now, along with 4 or 5 other non-comms below 92.1 and a few above it, too.
FM, AM.. seems like radio is still trying to re-invent itself.
I was told the station sold for $25,000 so some misinformation somewhere but then who knows what all is in the deal. Perhaps LMA til they come up with the 25. Anyone know if they will use the same studios. From what I hear just getting the transmitting part up and running will be expensive. All in all glad a NEW broadcaster got it. New ideas will be nice. Best of luck to Ann Walden and Sheepdog Broadcasting.
Good luck and best wishes to Sheepdog. I have met Mrs. Walden and her husband before, and she's a real nice lady. I have no idea how and when they plan to get back on the air but I know it's gonna cost 'em. I'd bet the financials will be there to back it for starters though. Sustaining it, and the possibility of turning a profit will be a totally different animal. It could be that they wouldn't be opposed to selling some blocks out on Sundays to some local ministers. They'd have to work the few local businesses in the county hard to generate any sustainable revenues. Maybe Obama will pony up some cash!!...LOL!
A
ARDONAVINDA
Guest
I really feel for these smaller AM stations because a home town AM especially if it's heritage, has so much more to deal with. Nobody wants to advertise on them. It's ashame that AM never was able to match up sound wise to FM. Could you imagine if it did? There would be more room for different formats, more chances for out of work jocks to go somewhere, mind you if we weren't in this slump economy of course.
Myself and a handful of old radio dogs, we have said it before that it's kind of cool to hear an oldies song on AM because it takes us back to when AM was Top 40. And when I'd hear Magic Carpet Ride or Everyday People or Joy To The World on AM it transports me back to 1971 all over again. There is something about the bassier sound and going under an over pass and it fades for a moment, it reminds me of riding in my mom and dad's 1972 Buick Station wagon listening to our local Top 40 AM station.
I have a GE Super Radio the one when they added the extra frequency on AM 1700. When you put the switch on wide range WOW what a difference it makes on AM. It keeps the bass but widens the high end better, of course you can adjust the treble to your liking as well. It's got that 200 mm ferrite rod antenna that makes the AM sound as good as FM when you switch to wide range. If those radios would've been mass produced a little more and the consumer was told how it can make AM sound better maybe more AM stations would do better. It really does sound good when you flick the switch.
I always said If I was programing an AM station I would do an Oldies format like re creating WABC or WLS jingle packages, reverb and all. Then budget permitting I would give away several of those Super Radios to the loyal at work network people so they could enjoy the signal in their work place. The format would grab attention because not even FM oldies are that exciting anymore. It would be purely nostalgic. Couldn't you just hear a vintage shotgun jingle singing... WATO
Myself and a handful of old radio dogs, we have said it before that it's kind of cool to hear an oldies song on AM because it takes us back to when AM was Top 40. And when I'd hear Magic Carpet Ride or Everyday People or Joy To The World on AM it transports me back to 1971 all over again. There is something about the bassier sound and going under an over pass and it fades for a moment, it reminds me of riding in my mom and dad's 1972 Buick Station wagon listening to our local Top 40 AM station.
I have a GE Super Radio the one when they added the extra frequency on AM 1700. When you put the switch on wide range WOW what a difference it makes on AM. It keeps the bass but widens the high end better, of course you can adjust the treble to your liking as well. It's got that 200 mm ferrite rod antenna that makes the AM sound as good as FM when you switch to wide range. If those radios would've been mass produced a little more and the consumer was told how it can make AM sound better maybe more AM stations would do better. It really does sound good when you flick the switch.
I always said If I was programing an AM station I would do an Oldies format like re creating WABC or WLS jingle packages, reverb and all. Then budget permitting I would give away several of those Super Radios to the loyal at work network people so they could enjoy the signal in their work place. The format would grab attention because not even FM oldies are that exciting anymore. It would be purely nostalgic. Couldn't you just hear a vintage shotgun jingle singing... WATO
ARDONAVINDA said:
Add C-Quam Stereo to your AM and give away AM stereo radios and/or tuners. I always thought the AM stereo radios made even the monaural stations sound better. Ahhh...wishful thinking...basking in nostalgia.
Eric
It may be off-topic, but you're right....there ARE just certain tunes that sound "made for AM"
A lot of the disco tunage....I know "Disco's Dead"...right...lol
Tie a Yellow Ribbon - Tony Orlando and Dawn.....sounds great on an AM radio.
You may not like the song...but I'll never forget the days on my aunts front porch in the summer watching the traffic go by and listening to the super jocks on the AM battery transistor...super-targeted oldies would be THE format for AM music today.
A lot of the disco tunage....I know "Disco's Dead"...right...lol
Tie a Yellow Ribbon - Tony Orlando and Dawn.....sounds great on an AM radio.
You may not like the song...but I'll never forget the days on my aunts front porch in the summer watching the traffic go by and listening to the super jocks on the AM battery transistor...super-targeted oldies would be THE format for AM music today.
What's the latest? Have they found a new location yet? Any news on a format?
J
jimking
Guest
spacetrucker said:
Bump. They definitely have an STA to transmit from the old WORI tower on Tulsa Road with up to 1.25kw daytime, 125w at night. Can anyone in the area confirm, and is Sheepdog programming WATO and with what format? Does anyone know what they are using for a transmitter? Did they haul the old Gates BC5P from East Eastburn LN? How's the signal for a short tower with no remaining ground wire?
Hi all. For the last few days this week i've noticed that WATO has been on the air from the Tulsa Road Tower apparently equipment / signal testing. They have had on the air what sounds like a simple cd player tracking through oldies music and an occaisional id.
They appear to have a really good signal for such a short tower. I live over in the Marlowe Area (just over the hill From Oak Ridge down Key Springs Rd) and I have not noticed any power line noise or fade out at all on my truck radio. Modulation is a bit low however, lower than WYSH anyway.
Does anyone out there have any info on perhaps a target date for getting on the air for real? Will they be operating studios and offices there in Pirkles Building as well? Any contact info for owners?
As far as answering the question of if they are using the old Gates from Eastburn Lane,the answer to that would be no. I got curious last weekend and drove by Eastburn and it is a shame what I saw. The windows are broken out of that building and BOTH the front door and back door (where the old transmitter is) were standing WIDE OPEN. Inside the window between the studio and production room was broken out,the ceilings were molded and falling down. The old Transmitter and phasor remain,as of last week, it looks like they would still operate there were power. Neither looked like they had been disturbed. Two real classic pieces of equipment. It's a shame they will sit in there and probably be vandalized or junked if and when the property is sold. Studio equipment was still there but it looks as if some of the audio chain equipment was missing from the racks in back. Either taken out by Horne or looted. Such a bad end to a historic property. No station deserves to die a death as that. I closed both doors shaking my head in disbelief before leaving. Yeah, I really loved my buisness of radio before getting out / retiring nearly 4 years ago now.
Perhaps WATO will be successful and fair better under it's new owners. Certainly hope so.
They appear to have a really good signal for such a short tower. I live over in the Marlowe Area (just over the hill From Oak Ridge down Key Springs Rd) and I have not noticed any power line noise or fade out at all on my truck radio. Modulation is a bit low however, lower than WYSH anyway.
Does anyone out there have any info on perhaps a target date for getting on the air for real? Will they be operating studios and offices there in Pirkles Building as well? Any contact info for owners?
As far as answering the question of if they are using the old Gates from Eastburn Lane,the answer to that would be no. I got curious last weekend and drove by Eastburn and it is a shame what I saw. The windows are broken out of that building and BOTH the front door and back door (where the old transmitter is) were standing WIDE OPEN. Inside the window between the studio and production room was broken out,the ceilings were molded and falling down. The old Transmitter and phasor remain,as of last week, it looks like they would still operate there were power. Neither looked like they had been disturbed. Two real classic pieces of equipment. It's a shame they will sit in there and probably be vandalized or junked if and when the property is sold. Studio equipment was still there but it looks as if some of the audio chain equipment was missing from the racks in back. Either taken out by Horne or looted. Such a bad end to a historic property. No station deserves to die a death as that. I closed both doors shaking my head in disbelief before leaving. Yeah, I really loved my buisness of radio before getting out / retiring nearly 4 years ago now.
Perhaps WATO will be successful and fair better under it's new owners. Certainly hope so.
Thanks for the great update. Please keep us "out of market" people updated.
J
jimking
Guest
Thanks for the report, radio30. Why aren't the Oak Ridge Police interested in preventing the vandalism at the old transmiiter site? So sad. I babysitted that transmitter when it was first installed back in the early 1960's, so I hate what is happening there now.
Next time you drive to Knoxville, give us another signal report. Unfortunately, in the Marlow area, you are only 3 miles from the transmitter site, not much of a test. Are they on the air in the evenings? It would be interesting to see how well they fare against WKLB in Manchester, Kentucky, and the co-channel churn outside the city limits.
Next time you drive to Knoxville, give us another signal report. Unfortunately, in the Marlow area, you are only 3 miles from the transmitter site, not much of a test. Are they on the air in the evenings? It would be interesting to see how well they fare against WKLB in Manchester, Kentucky, and the co-channel churn outside the city limits.
Any more news on WATO? Are they up and running? I can't find any info on the net.
I have been able to pick them up occasionally, mostly on the west end of Knoxville. It sounds like an oldies based format. I haven't heard any jocks or liners.
On June 16th they applied for a minor change to a licensed facility with the FCC.
Here's the explanation:
PROPOSED & PRESENT FACILITIES
IT IS PROPOSED TO CHANGE THE ANTENNA SITE, REDUCE POWER AND DELETE THE DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA. THE SITE WAS AN ORIGINAL SITE FOR ANOTHER AM BROADCAST STATION. HOWEVER, THE TOWER HEIGHT AND GROUND SYSTEM LENGTH IS 46.7 METERS WHICH IS SHORT FOR A STATION OPERATING ON 1290 KHZ. THEREFORE, THE ONLY PHYSICAL CHANGE PROPOSED TO THE ANTENNA WILL BE TO ADD 10 ELECTRICAL DEGREES (6.4 METERS) OF TOP LOADING. THE TOP LOADING WILL CONSIST OF UTILIZING THE THREE GUY WIRES AT THE TOP OF THE TOWER. THE TOP SET OF GUYS WILL BE BONDED TO THE TOWER AND INSULATED 6.4 METERS BELOW THE BOND POINT. WITH THE TOP LOAD, THE ELECTRICAL HEIGHT OF THE RADIATOR WILL BE 80.8 DEGREES. THE THEROTICAL EFFICIENCY OF THE ANTENNA WILL BE 283.6 MV/M, THUS COMPENSATING FOR THE SHORTER TOWER AND GROUND RADIALS.
On June 16th they applied for a minor change to a licensed facility with the FCC.
Here's the explanation:
PROPOSED & PRESENT FACILITIES
IT IS PROPOSED TO CHANGE THE ANTENNA SITE, REDUCE POWER AND DELETE THE DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA. THE SITE WAS AN ORIGINAL SITE FOR ANOTHER AM BROADCAST STATION. HOWEVER, THE TOWER HEIGHT AND GROUND SYSTEM LENGTH IS 46.7 METERS WHICH IS SHORT FOR A STATION OPERATING ON 1290 KHZ. THEREFORE, THE ONLY PHYSICAL CHANGE PROPOSED TO THE ANTENNA WILL BE TO ADD 10 ELECTRICAL DEGREES (6.4 METERS) OF TOP LOADING. THE TOP LOADING WILL CONSIST OF UTILIZING THE THREE GUY WIRES AT THE TOP OF THE TOWER. THE TOP SET OF GUYS WILL BE BONDED TO THE TOWER AND INSULATED 6.4 METERS BELOW THE BOND POINT. WITH THE TOP LOAD, THE ELECTRICAL HEIGHT OF THE RADIATOR WILL BE 80.8 DEGREES. THE THEROTICAL EFFICIENCY OF THE ANTENNA WILL BE 283.6 MV/M, THUS COMPENSATING FOR THE SHORTER TOWER AND GROUND RADIALS.
The Knoxville paper reports on the return of WATO:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/aug/05/wato-radio-soon-back-on-the-air/
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/aug/05/wato-radio-soon-back-on-the-air/
B
boogiecheck
Guest
Good story on WATO. And it looks like they will be using the old WORI tower after all. I had heard that Pirkle was the broker for this deal, and with them using his tower I think that would lend some credibility to that rumor.
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