WFLZ Signal

[CentralFloridaEagle]

The only other FM licensed to Polk is CBS Radio's WSJT "Smooth Jazz 94.1", licensed to Lakeland...but if it doesn't happen in Hillsborough or Pinellas, you won't hear it there.

What about the religious stations? WKES 91.1's licensed in Lakeland (with studios there), but it seems to be more geared towards Tampa Bay (as well as Orlando and, via repeaters, Ocala and Southwest Florida). There's also Joy FM's repeaters in Lakeland and Winter Haven, but how well do they cover these communities informationwise?

Sorry I didn't make myself clear in the earlier post. I was actually referring to <i>commercial</i> FM stations in Polk. I really don't pay much attention to the religious stations as they generally do little more than their intended focus. WKES is now owned/operated by Moody Bible Institute, and with their several repeaters throughout the region, Joy FM isn't able to specifically serve a particular community or area.

 

[Radio-X]

And, IMHO the Lakeland/Winter Haven market (Polk County) is actually underserved. There are only two FM stations that specifically serve Polk County, WPCV and it's sister station WWRZ 98.3 ("Max 98.3", licensed to Fort Meade...formerly known as "The Rose"). The only other FM licensed to Polk is CBS Radio's WSJT "Smooth Jazz 94.1", licensed to Lakeland...but if it doesn't happen in Hillsborough or Pinellas, you won't hear it there.

Polk County is pretty big...not counting the fact that two decent sized cities (Lakeland and Winter Haven) are there. On top of that, many people who can't afford higher rents in Orlando or Tampa (or those who work in SW Orange Co) quite often live in Polk. Add up the retirees and the farmers in the south...Polk county alone would be an excellent place to shoehorn in a class-A FM station...

Radio-X

 

[David Sharp]

What about the religious stations? WKES 91.1's licensed in Lakeland (with studios there), but it seems to be more geared towards Tampa Bay (as well as Orlando and, via repeaters, Ocala and Southwest Florida). There's also Joy FM's repeaters in Lakeland and Winter Haven, but how well do they cover these communities informationwise?

Clarification: I believe WKES' studios are still in St. Pete, the same location as when they were on, 101.5 FM. When 101.5 was granted a commercial license, Moody Bible Institute sold it for a bucket load of money and then purchased 91.1, which I believe was still owned by Carpenter's Home Church. 91.1's stick is just inside Polk County, between Plant City and Lakeland.