WKCR Mulls Moving Transmitter Back To WTC?

[DToTheJ]

Someone from Columbia University's radio station comments that their transmitter, currently at 4 Times Square, could return to the top of the World Trade Center when construction of a new structure in that area is complete.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2...-wkcr-is-looking-at-world-trade-center-again/

 

[TimeIsTight]

When construction is finally finished on the new WTC tower, it will be interesting to see if its top is used for transmitting radio or TV.

I have heard from top engineering types that so few TV viewers now watch over the air TV, that the costs of moving the TV transmitters yet again can not be justified. Cable and satellite is where most viewers get their TV now, with increasing numbers also taking feeds off the Internet.

As far as FM radio goes, the costs of building a master antenna might not make sense if only a couple of stations will even consider using it. With three competing skyscraper transmitter sites in Manhattan the market may be too diluted. I think both Z-100 and WCBS-FM couldn't use it because of short spacing with co-channels in Philadelphia, and those two stations are the crown jewels of both the CBS and Clear Channel clusters. While not imperative, there are reasons to keep transmitters in a cluster in the same spot if you can.

Then again, there are plans for that big new skyscraper just a short distance west of the Empire State Building, that might have the potential to become a giant multipath mirror for signals coming off the top of Empire. The building will definitely be built and it will be about the same height as the Empire State but wider.

Here's the story on the planned new Mid-Town skyscraper:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/26/new-york-skyscraper-empire-state

 

[nd2023]

HD Radio is supposed to be the solution to multipath, so essentially the stations don't have to worry about that new building causing multipath interference. For the 99.99% of the population that doesn't have HD Radio, well, too bad!

 

[badjef]

HD Radio is supposed to be the solution to multipath, so essentially the stations don't have to worry about that new building causing multipath interference. For the 99.99% of the population that doesn't have HD Radio, well, too bad!

HD's solution to multipath is silence.

Be careful what you ask for, you got it!

As for TV moving, OTA is dead by the time 1WTC tops out.

Live it, love it, BELIEVE IT!

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!

 

[TheBigA]

When construction is finally finished on the new WTC tower, it will be interesting to see if its top is used for transmitting radio or TV.

I have heard from top engineering types that so few TV viewers now watch over the air TV, that the costs of moving the TV transmitters yet again can not be justified. Cable and satellite is where most viewers get their TV now, with increasing numbers also taking feeds off the Internet.

I think we've had this discussion before.

The new building was designed with a broadcast tower on it. The 1776 height is obtained with the additional footage of the tower. However, the last time this was presented to the broadcasters, they felt the huge cost (which I remember to be $1 million per station for construction, plus monthly rent) was not justified. The next thought was that the architects have already designed the building with the tower, so the tower will be built with or without antennae on it. I haven't heard any more about this in a while.

My question is how would WKCR pay for this? Rich alumni? The Armstrong Trust? I know the Major would want it to happen. Then he'd dance on it.

 

[TimeIsTight]

The 1 World Trade Center website from Silverstein Properties still claims the antenna tower will be built on top of the new building.

http://www.wtc.com/about/freedom-tower/freedom-tower-design

The question is: How many antennae will be attached to that tower? It is not likely any TV stations will be up there.

As to WKCR affording the rent for having its transmitter up there. It does seem that rent for that space could easily come close to the entire WKCR budget for everything else, which at last report was about $250,000 a year.

It has been reported many times on its own air that WBAI pays $200,000 a year to be at the top of the Empire State Building.

It was all a long time ago, but it seems to me that WKCR, either got a big break on the cost of being on the old WTC, or was up there rent free, possibly because it is student run. There were stories about it after 9-11.

WKCR is probably paying quite a bit to be at 4 Times Square, so possibly it wouldn't cost that much more to get the much better signal the new WTC would offer. No matter what, nothing is going to happen for a couple of years.

 

[badjef]

When construction is finally finished on the new WTC tower, it will be interesting to see if its top is used for transmitting radio or TV.

I have heard from top engineering types that so few TV viewers now watch over the air TV, that the costs of moving the TV transmitters yet again can not be justified. Cable and satellite is where most viewers get their TV now, with increasing numbers also taking feeds off the Internet.

I think we've had this discussion before.

We have, and will again.

The new building was designed with a broadcast tower on it. The 1776 height is obtained with the additional footage of the tower. However, the last time this was presented to the broadcasters, they felt the huge cost (which I remember to be $1 million per station for construction, plus monthly rent) was not justified. The next thought was that the architects have already designed the building with the tower, so the tower will be built with or without antennae on it. I haven't heard any more about this in a while.

My question is how would WKCR pay for this? Rich alumni? The Armstrong Trust? I know the Major would want it to happen. Then he'd dance on it.

Since, WKCR was one of the three on old 1WTC, it seems only reasonable they would want to be on the new building.

The building is designed and being built with the possibility of adding broadcast at a later date. Until then it will be mostly symbolic (1776 feet tall) and cosmetic.

Jeff in Sa-ra-so-ta!