• Get involved.
    We want your input!
    Apply for Membership and join the conversations about everything related to broadcasting.

    After we receive your registration, a moderator will review it. After your registration is approved, you will be permitted to post.
    If you use a disposable or false email address, your registration will be rejected.

    After your membership is approved, please take a minute to tell us a little bit about yourself.
    https://www.radiodiscussions.com/forums/introduce-yourself.1088/

    Thanks in advance and have fun!
    RadioDiscussions Administrators

WRVO Geneva Translator Turned On

J

JakeLongwell

While bandscanning today, I ran across NPR in the middle of the FM band. Apparently, WRVO has finally switched on its Geneva translator. It's at 95.7, which is different from the frequency originally requested which was 96.1. Was it too close to WCMF, perhaps?
I havne't had a chance to see how far the signal gets out, but I would imagine it gets blasted by co-channel WAQX, and first-adjacent WFLR-FM.
 
What a slap in the face to WEOS, a public station already operating in Geneva. Shame on WRVO for stepping on the toes of a fellow public broadcaster. In this era of tight budgets, such duplication is uncalled for. Granted, WEOS does little local programming. But I doubt the metropolis of Geneva needs two public stations. I'd like to know more from informed sources about the thinking behind WRVO's move. Moreover, Geneva is very close to WXXI territory. If I were WXXI management, I wouldn't like a station from the Syracuse market infringing in my area. Bob1370, will you weigh in here?
 
WRVO is trying to expand its coverage area just like a number of other public stations across the country have. Look at WAMC in Albany and how that non-com operation has purchased a number of AM stations across northern and eastern New York to expand their audience base. Smart move on their part.

Personally I think competition is a good thing and that two public radio stations in one market is a win-win situation for listeners. Look at Buffalo as an example. You have two fine public radio stations with dedicated staffs featuring different local and national programs.

As for Geneva being in the WXXI market, you have to remember that the 1370-AM signal does not reach that community after sunset and visa-versa when it comes to WEOS. Yet I can hear WRVO on my car radio with no problem.
 
The translator cuts a huge hole in the WAQX signal. It starts chopping into it from the west somewhere south of Phelps and continues to do damage to the east of Geneva. If I were 95X, I would be pretty steamed.
 
The protected contour for 95X doesn't extend even to Auburn.
Remember, translators are coordinated by the Funny Cookie
Commission (FCC).
 
W2JUV_AL said:
The protected contour for 95X doesn't extend even to Auburn.
Remember, translators are coordinated by the Funny Cookie
Commission (FCC).
Click to expand...
And that maybe true, but one listener complaint, and the translator will lose.
 
What a slap in the face to WEOS, a public station already operating in Geneva. Shame on WRVO for stepping on the toes of a fellow public broadcaster. In this era of tight budgets, such duplication is uncalled for.
Click to expand...
I'm not thrilled about it myself. But considering that this isn't much different than what WEOS did in Ithaca with W201CD 88.1FM, I don't think I have much right to gripe. :)

Granted, WEOS does little local programming. But I doubt the metropolis of Geneva needs two public stations.
Click to expand...
Ahem! "Little local programming"?!?! We do well over 30 hours a week, plus sports, thank you very much!
 
I did some checking on 47CFR-74.1203 and Audio4tv is absolutely right! A translator must shut
down if it interferes with another licensee (95X) even if the interference occurs outside of 95X' protected contour.

Signal contour lines are a factor only to the extent the FCC will not ACCEPT a translator application if their predicted interference contour overlaps the protected contour of another licensee. The translator may or may not meet that criteria but Syracuse and Geneva seem to close to both have signals on 95.7
 
I'm assuming interference to WFLR-FM doesn't factor into all of this. Mianly because of their move to a new tower in Odessa, and a change in frequency to 95.5. Since they will be targeting Ithaca with the new facility, my guess is they are not too concerned about reception in Geneva.

Once this move is made, could WRVO move their translator up to 95.9 thereby eliminating the co-channel interference with WAQX?

I have mixed feelings about this. While I understand the concerns raised by some on the board about program duplication, I do rather enjoy some of WRVO's offerings, especially the playhouse. So I am rather pleased that I can now get a clean over-the-air signal from this station.
 
I'm assuming interference to WFLR-FM doesn't factor into all of this. Mianly because of their move to a new tower in Odessa, and a change in frequency to 95.5. Since they will be targeting Ithaca with the new facility, my guess is they are not too concerned about reception in Geneva.
Click to expand...

No, it could factor in. WFLR hasn't moved yet. And I have heard reports of 1st adjacent interference from the WRVO translator to WFLR even here in Geneva. (shrugs)
 
Status
This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.


Back
Top Bottom