What now for 103.9?

[Macker]

I can't believe there are even this many responses. Cumulus is horrible at programming rock. They may take the wrxp brand and copycat it, but don't expect that alone will get good numbers or bill well. Cumulus = clueless

 

[ebownedcc]

I don't know why people think they would put the FM on the AM...What makes the most sense is putting the current FM format on 103.9 HD2 and using the translator to rebroadcast the HD2. Thus keeping in the current FM format (in a smaller but still usable scale) in tact while adding the rock format to the city

 

[fybush]

The relocated 94.3 translator will actually extend beyond the 60 dBu contour of the relocated 103.9, so it wouldn't be able to relay 103.9-HD2.

 

[Barry]

I believe protected contours are irrelevant if even a small amount of listeners of a station complain that a translator is interfering with it.

The real issue, though, is that so far from the protected contours of WWSK it is unlikely that there are any listeners passionate enough to complain themselves. And WWSK, focused on that area of central LI between Nassau and Suffolk county lines, is not counting on listenership in Westchester for sales or ratings.

Also if things go as thought and RXP returns via 103.9 in general terms, those trying to catch the Shark would have a much clearer, local option further reducing the odds of complaints.

As things stand now, The Shark is the only mainstream rock station audible in southern Westchester. It is not just one of many A/C, classic rock or CHR's.
And even if Cumulus flips 103.9 to rock, it could carry a completely different format, such as alternative, or AAA.
So I believe it is possible that the Shark may have some "passionate" listeners that tune it in while driving through Westchester, or even from their homes. And if a few send in objections to the F.C.C., the proposed translator may not be viable (unless its directional signal will not reach the part of Westchester County where The Shark can be received reasonably well).

 

[MoldaMania182]

As things stand now, The Shark is the only mainstream rock station audible in southern Westchester. It is not just one of many A/C, classic rock or CHR's.
And even if Cumulus flips 103.9 to rock, it could carry a completely different format, such as alternative, or AAA.
So I believe it is possible that the Shark may have some "passionate" listeners that tune it in while driving through Westchester, or even from their homes. And if a few send in objections to the F.C.C., the proposed translator may not be viable (unless its directional signal will not reach the part of Westchester County where The Shark can be received reasonably well).

There are so many ifs/probables in your point the odds of that being a realistic issue are slim to none. Sorry. Especially since it would be outside WWSK's protected contour. I've been part of a similar situation, it's just not that simple.

I can't believe there are even this many responses. Cumulus is horrible at programming rock. They may take the wrxp brand and copycat it, but don't expect that alone will get good numbers or bill well. Cumulus = clueless

Then care to explain why WRRV and WPDH have done so well in timeframes counted in decades just a few train stops away? I'll wait.

 

[davideduardo]

There are so many ifs/probables in your point the odds of that being a realistic issue are slim to none. Sorry. Especially since it would be outside WWSK's protected contour. I've been part of a similar situation, it's just not that simple.

The real issue is whether a station can find listeners... few listeners know they can complain about a translator and cause it to relocate or disappear. So the station would have to find real listeners who might be interested and willing to sign a document of some kind.

I was involved in protecting some used and usable fringe coverage of one of LA's grandfathered B's. In that case, the usable coverage was much greater than the FCC protection, which is the conforming Class B contour. The fact that there was indeed actual listening, and a good deal of it, made finding listeners via things like contest participation quite easy; many of them were more than happy to make their desire to continue hearing the station known.

But that was a case of having a very good signal outside the protected contour... finding listeners outside the protected contour of a conforming FM is harder as generally there is very little if any listening in such areas due to issues like the usual fact that while a station can be "heard" by avid radio devotees, the average person does not listen because the signal does not come in on the usual gamut of consumer radios and devices.

I'd be curious as to how Thunder got its protest letters. Did they seek out listeners? Mention it on air? Or were they spontaneous manifestations of love and devotion by listeners familiar with the FCC rules on translators? Hmmm.

 

[FightingIrish]

This probably has nothing to do with WFAS 103.9, but it is Cumulus, and it is the current WRXP in Cambridge, MN (Twin Cities market). Apparenty, they slapped a new monochrome "Radio 105" logo on Love 105's website, and now they're speculating if it means a new format. RI thinks it will be CBS Sports, but I can't really see it.

http://radioinsight.com/blog/headlines/netgnomes/81421/love-105-becomes-radio-105/

 

[Barry]

I'd be curious as to how Thunder got its protest letters. Did they seek out listeners? Mention it on air? Or were they spontaneous manifestations of love and devotion by listeners familiar with the FCC rules on translators? Hmmm.

Thunder did encourage listeners affected by interference to fill out a complaint form via their website and on Facebook.
My understanding is that it is legal for a station to do this.
My guess is that the owners of The Shark will follow the lead of their audience. They may not initiate any legal action against the translator. But if there are a few listeners that tell the station they are upset they can no longer hear them in Westchester County, they may be asked to write letters of complaint for forwarding to the FCC.
If this sounds improbable, I once again reference the situation that happened in Detroit. Listeners of Toledo Ohio rock station WIOT that drove through Detroit complained about interference from a translator there. Even though this was about 50 miles away from Toledo, the Detroit translator had to end its broadcast of smooth jazz.

 

[d21ofnj]

Wonder what the big announcement will be at noon today....

 

[ansky212]

Wonder what the big announcement will be at noon today....

Was there an announcement? Did anyone listen?

 

[FLjack2]

Looks like it's a contest. From their website: "WIN a trip to LAS VEGAS to see the BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS!! Listen all week to qualify!"