Buffalo WGR to Simulcast on 107.7

[MarkW]

Here's a random question:
Why hasn't 107.7 moved its TX site closer to Buffalo?

I realize 107.7 cannot be used in or near Buffalo proper due to CJXY from Hamilton, but why couldn't 107.7 change frequency to 107.5 and move much closer to Buffalo? They could be within ~15 miles of WGRF and still meet FCC minimum IF spacing requirements, correct?

(I presume 107.7 as a Class B facility if it were to move much closer to Buffalo would create too much interference to CJXY on Canadian soil.)

WNBL 107.3 is only a Class A and should be far enough away to permit WGR-FM to move closer & relocate to 107.5, I assume.

The Buffalo station using 107.3 is a translator and therefore has no frequency protection.

Also, while a Buffalo station on 107.1 would be short spaced to Toronto's CILQ if CILQ were an American station, I do not believe those spacing requirements are applicable when a foreign station is involved. There are B1 to B spacings and Class A to B spacings involving Windsor and Detroit stations that would not meet minimum FCC spacing standards if all involved stations were U.S. stations, for example.

I intended to say 107.5 and not 107.1 in the first sentence of the final paragraph of the above quoted post. Apologies for any confusion. The BB software no longer provides me the option to edit the earlier post.

 

[K.M. Richards]

... the on-air hosts are no longer able to mention "The Ticket" by brand name (because an obscure Cumulus-owned station in Grand Rapids that is not part of the network is known as "The Ticket") ...

If it's owned by Cumulus, it could go silent any day now and solve that problem.

 

[SirRoxalot]

I intended to say 107.5 and not 107.1 in the first sentence of the final paragraph of the above quoted post. Apologies for any confusion. The BB software no longer provides me the option to edit the earlier post.

There's an allocation for a 3 KW station on 107.5 in Welland. Even though it may not be in use, it's likely there by treaty between the US and Canada. It's possible that the allocation is set aside for CBC Radio 1. It seems to be a common frequency for local service by the CBC.

 

[MarkW]

There's an allocation for a 3 KW station on 107.5 in Welland. Even though it may not be in use, it's likely there by treaty between the US and Canada. It's possible that the allocation is set aside for CBC Radio 1. It seems to be a common frequency for local service by the CBC.

Great info; thank you!

So long as that allotment remains in place, relocation of WGR-FM from 107.7 to 107.5 + a move closer to Buffalo is not feasible.

 

[spt87]

Also similarly to what we see with WEEI in Boston & KFAN in Minneapolis. If only they'd done this before the Bills/Sabres breakup news broke, maybe Terry Pegula would've reconsidered his decision although the route they're going might be a more profitable/successful one. If Audacy had stations in Jamestown, they probably would've flipped a station there as well.

I'm thinking these changes are a move to keep the bills/sabres over the air broadcasts on audacy stations even if they aren't producing them.

When Pegula looks at where to put them on radio it's one stop shopping - they get AM and FM in probably the team's two biggest markets.

I was wondering if some this was them feeling a potential threat from a competitor (WUSW?) for the games over the air.

This is assuming the games will be over the air. Things I've read indicate they will be just production shifted in house with in-house streaming added.

 

[TheBigA]

This is assuming the games will be over the air. Things I've read indicate they will be just production shifted in house with in-house streaming added.

Read the line about hiring Good Karma Brands.

The Bills will partner with Good Karma Brands to build out a new content distribution plan and to expand their network across New York State, Southern Ontario and the rest of the country.

Good Karma does this kind of thing in several markets, and they always work with on-air broadcasters. The team doesn't want to be limited to one station or owner.

 

[RadioGuy1864]

OTA is still viable and necessary today for complete coverage. Good Karma knows this, that's why they leased 880 in NYC instead of going with only streaming.

 

[Buddy Shula]

I'm thinking these changes are a move to keep the bills/sabres over the air broadcasts on audacy stations even if they aren't producing them.

When Pegula looks at where to put them on radio it's one stop shopping - they get AM and FM in probably the team's two biggest markets.

I was wondering if some this was them feeling a potential threat from a competitor (WUSW?) for the games over the air.

This is assuming the games will be over the air. Things I've read indicate they will be just production shifted in house with in-house streaming added.

I can tell you that WUSW even with the upcoming FM’S was never a threat. I could care less about having the teams. It’s too much red tape.

However, I have changed my mind a bit on where the teams may go. My feeling is that they may stay with WGR, which they really should anyway.

My sources tell me the in-game would be Pegula sold, and pre and post would have avails for local sellers.

WGR already has the infrastructure to pull this off well, I’m sure the Rochester market is important to the teams. I think they should and will remain at GR

 

[RadioGuy1864]

WGR already has the infrastructure to pull this off well, I’m sure the Rochester market is important to the teams. I think they should and will remain at GR

That makes sense. Hockey is going to be 84 games next season. That's just too much break in format for a non-sports station. Football can go on any station and be successful for the team and the station if the deal is properly structured.