WPVI-FM-Why couldn't channel 6 do this?

[pabsungenis]

The FCC may not even allow anything on 87.7 besides a 100% simulcast of channel 6 (WNYZ-DT's audio is Pulse 87). They would rather not operate 87.7, as there is no benefit to them. All the 87.7 listeners have removed it from their presets and found an alternative.

Let's also consider that the old 87.7 was a side-effect, if you will, of the analog broadcast, so there were no additional restrictions on it. However, if WPVI were to try and operate a separate WPVI-FM on 87.7, then it would technically fall into the non-commercial part of the band and WPVI wouldn't be able to monetize it at all. Not worth the extra equipment and effort.

 

[fybush]

Let's also consider that the old 87.7 was a side-effect, if you will, of the analog broadcast, so there were no additional restrictions on it. However, if WPVI were to try and operate a separate WPVI-FM on 87.7, then it would technically fall into the non-commercial part of the band and WPVI wouldn't be able to monetize it at all.

Well, no, not exactly. The "reserved band" on FM is defined quite specifically as extending from channel 200 (87.9 MHz, used by only two licensed stations out west) to channel 220 (91.9). There is nothing at all in FCC regs that says that an aural service operating at 87.7 MHz would be required to be noncommercial - but then, there's nothing at all in FCC regs that authorizes a radio service at 87.7 MHz.

At least for now, that spectrum is still allocated to the TV service, and the TV service is now all-digital for full-power stations (and will eventually be all-digital for LPTVs as well.)

There's a rulemaking proceeding at the FCC that would create a new radio service in the 76-88 MHz spectrum to operate either alongside or on a secondary basis to TV channels 5 and 6, but there's no indication at all that the FCC is especially inclined to act on it any time soon - or that there would be any provision for a "TV simulcast" service if they did.

 

[Dancerev889]

WPVI wants to maximize revenue first, then serve the public. Operating the 87.7 transmitter, paying the license fees to simulcast TV shows, and the loss of viewers due to worse picture and reception quality ain't cheap. 87.7 FM wouldn't generate any revenue because they can't put the TV commercials on the radio without permission, and radio advertisers wouldn't advertise on a station without proof of listeners (Arbitron ratings). They would rather operate a radio station (any format) on 87.7 than a TV simulcast, as that would generate revenue. But it will take a long time to turn a profit, if it can ever do so, with 87.7. It took Mega Media over a year to reduce its losses almost to the point of turning a profit, and its expenses are less than WPVI's potential expense. The FCC may not even allow anything on 87.7 besides a 100% simulcast of channel 6 (WNYZ-DT's audio is Pulse 87). They would rather not operate 87.7, as there is no benefit to them. All the 87.7 listeners have removed it from their presets and found an alternative.
Bottom line, I will expect to enjoy my improved Pulse 87 reception in central NJ because it's uneconomical for WPVI to operate 87.7. If you miss your Action News and Jeopardy, that's what DVRs are for. 6ABC should make podcasts of the news, that will cost almost nothing and they could sell ads on the podcast.
I have nothing against WPVI, I just never listened to WPVI on 87.7 before February 11, 2008, and after Pulse launched I hated the interference from WPVI, and now I'm enjoying driving around, windows down, blasting 87.7. The fact that I won 2 contests after June 12 on Pulse 87 during my commute also strengthens my loyalty to Pulse.

Mega has enough problems of their own right now. The LA and Chicago deal tanked and nothing has happened in DC. Nothing is going to happen with the frequency until the FCC decides what they want to do. So for now get yourself a smartphone and stream Pulse through it while your driving