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Why simulcast on both AM & FM in the same market?

R

radiome

I am wondering the wisdom behind Blueberry's decision to broadcast WEEI Sports on both 97.1 and AM 910 in Bangor. I understand that AM 910 probably hasn't done well in the recent past, however simulcasting with 97.1 seems such a waste of its signal. If AM 910 had seperate programming, (whatever it might be) it could appeal to a different audience, which in turn could result in additional advertising. What are your thoughts ?
 
Saves on the bottom line. Pure and simple. They don't have to worry about the expenses of another format, wether it be local voicetracked talent or a contract with one of the satellight services to carry an adult standards format off the bird. 910 was adult standards, then they tried talk (as an alternative to co-owned WVOM it was less politics and more Dave Ramsey/Dr. Laura) before going back to the standards format before switching to sports.

Right now Blueberry is just trying to cut back on the spending so they don't have to fire everybody, hence the simulcasts (102.1/101.7, 97.1/910). If the rumors about WKCG 101.3 going talk are true, I wouldn't be surprised if it's a full simulcast of 96.7 WCME or 103.9 WVOM.
 
We simulcast on both an AM and an FM. We have a "flagship" station and many of our listeners, just plain refuse to listen to FM. Weird right? But the signals have strengths in different areas as well
 
The FM signal will do better for listeners in high-RF-noise environments, like factories.
The AM will be better for those in fringe areas, or driving in cars.

When WLS used to simulcast AM/FM, many listeners couldn't get the FM signal more than 60-70 miles out, but the AM
was good for 200-250 miles. I usually listened to the AM myself, so I didn't hear the FM multipath flutter.
I didn't miss the stereo at all.
 
I was in the Berkshires last weekend and found WUPE simulcasting. The AM was far better to listen to as the FM suffers from vicious multipath in that very hilly area.
 
WUPE and WSBS both simulcast. But the AM signals are sunrise to sunset whereas the FM is 24 hrs.


Many listeners in the area are used to the AM stations and listen to the AM only. And sometimes the signal is better! Depends where the transmitters are!
 
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