Back in November, The Cromwell Group proposed adding an FM translator for its Tell City classic hits AM station, WTCJ-1230 AM. The translator, which is currently licensed to Mercer, Ky. (in Muhlenberg County), falls outside the permissible move-in distance currently allowed by the FCC.
As part of its proposal, the company is seeking a waiver of the rules - and that request is now gaining support from other broadcasters, both from those who own AM stations and those who do not.
On Wednesday, Radio Ink published a letter to the FCC from VSI|HD Media Services CEO Dave Webster. In his letter, Webster wrote:
"As most are aware, AM radio, especially smaller operators and 'AM only' facilities, are more often struggling in today's environment. Levels of interference have increased dramatically, alternative entertainment choices have proliferated and audiences have become much more quality conscious in what is today a 24-hour media marketplace. AM broadcasters, faced with interference challenges, low-quality receivers, a crowded band and relegation to being mostly available during daylight hours has created a negative perception in listeners."
Webster argues that the WTCJ request is "in the public interest" and writes that he fully supports it. Most of the respondents, as of Thursday morning, agreed; indeed, the supporters outnumber the dissenters by a ratio of 4-to-1.
In my opinion, WTCJ deserves the opportunity for resurgence that several other AM stations in the Tri-State have taken advantage of. At last count, nine AMs in the area now have an FM presence, with two more (for WVLN in Olney and WFMW in Madisonville) in the works. If WTCJ's request is approved, 43 percent of our area's 28 AM stations will have one.
I'm not sure how that equates to the rest of the country, but it's a sign that the need for AM revitalization is taken seriously here.
To me, that's a good sign.
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