I noticed last night that WQIK-FM 99.1 , WJGH-FM 107.3, and WFKS-FM (which was WAY weaker than normal near Orange Park) were not utilizing either RDS, or their HD signals at all. I guessed that the intense storm we had in Jax on Monday afternoon was the culprit, so I called an engineer who would know. Apparently, the Clear Channel master antenna on the Southside took a direct hit during the storm and was damaged, so all three are on auxillary transmitters from at least two different sites. Seems like WFKS is suffering the most in the metro from their backup site, which I believe is their former main site near Bayard (when they were still licensed to St. Augustine). They used to have 50,000 erp at 500 feet then, but I'm not sure if they can still use that same juice since their COL change. The two other Clear Channel signals, WJBT 93.3 and WSOL 101.5, are on different sticks and are OK and are still on HD (I'm guessing 93.3 hasn't made the move to the Southside yet). I've also noticed during the past few weeks, with the exception of WFKS, CC has disabled the HD-2 sub channels. And they recently turned off the HD altogether on Magic 107.3. With the still lagging penetration of HD receivers, is Clear Channel Jax abandoning the HD Radio ship? I heard HD Radio promo spots on air in both Orlando and Tampa a couple of weeks ago, but that was probably on the CBS stations. (And, while I'm aware of the HD proponents and opponents and their various viewpoints, especially concerning AM HD, it, sadly, kind of reminds me of how AM stereo was left to die). But with, internet, cell phone and satellite options, it may be too little, too late for HD. But in any case, 'FKS, 'QIK, and Magic are on aux, awaiting repairs.
