why isn't anyone jumping on this new xmtr site

[hangman]

Its odd with a location and height of this new structure that no signals want to move there. They could probably only use 3kw to get more coverage then they do now with 6kw. I think a few FM's will make the move soon....

 

[TheBigA]

One word: Cost. My understanding is they're charging $1 million to locate there.

 

[davideduardo]

Its odd with a location and height of this new structure that no signals want to move there. They could probably only use 3kw to get more coverage then they do now with 6kw. I think a few FM's will make the move soon....

Here are a few of the factors involved...

Moving what seems like "just a few miles south" may result in spacing issues for co-channel and adjacent channels in a very crowded band in the tri-state area.

Moving south reduces coverage in rated ares to the north. It increases coverage in unrated (not in New York MSA) New Jersey counties and over the ocean.

Reducing power to 3 kw reduces critical building penetration in densely built New York.

Adding height does not increase coverage, as power is reduced commensurately.

The savings in electricity are insignificant for a NYC FM.

The few FMs on the World Trade tower were there out of necessity... for example, WPAT-FM had a spacing issue and could not be on the ESB (where they are now, at lower power and with a waiver).

There would also be infrastructure issues and questions. The ESB is a proven, effective site that works well.

 

[TheBigA]

The few FMs on the World Trade tower were there out of necessity...

That's an interesting point...makes me wonder about 103.5, one of the first FMs up there. They may have gone up there in the WTFM days, but were definitely there for WAPP. The frequency is licensed to Lake Success, and they had a lot of spacing issues to deal with. As a result, the signal was always a bit more challenged that the other NYC FMs.

 

[hangman]

So if a signal decided to move there, with the exception of WKTU and WPAT, which one would it be??

 

[TheBigA]

I think this article points out the issues for any radio station to move there. Unless the rent is cheaper or at least competitive with ESB, they'll stay where they are.

http://www.radioworld.com/article/developer-plans-broadcast-spire-for--wtc-in-new-york/213795

 

[davideduardo]

That's an interesting point...makes me wonder about 103.5, one of the first FMs up there. They may have gone up there in the WTFM days, but were definitely there for WAPP. The frequency is licensed to Lake Success, and they had a lot of spacing issues to deal with. As a result, the signal was always a bit more challenged that the other NYC FMs.

I did due diligence on WTFM when I had an option signed to buy the facility from Friendly Frost. The station was at that location because it had to be directional. In fact, it had a separate antenna for that purpose. A later series of moves and negotiations allowed it to move from there.

 

[ansky212]

That's an interesting point...makes me wonder about 103.5, one of the first FMs up there. They may have gone up there in the WTFM days, but were definitely there for WAPP. The frequency is licensed to Lake Success, and they had a lot of spacing issues to deal with. As a result, the signal was always a bit more challenged that the other NYC FMs.

Really? I always thought, and heard, that KTU had one of the best signals of all the NYC FM's. Back in the late 90's I used to live up in central CT and 103.5 was always the easiest NYC FM to pull in way up there.

 

[TheBigA]

Really? I always thought, and heard, that KTU had one of the best signals of all the NYC FM's. Back in the late 90's I used to live up in central CT and 103.5 was always the easiest NYC FM to pull in way up there.

Maybe to the east, but there are two adjacent NJ FMs that hem the signal to the west.