Re: AM/FM (was WSRO)

[Dib9@aol.com]

In some cases, the AM and FM frequencies have different coverage areas.  
WLAM-FM has a pretty weak signal that gets into both Portland and 
Lewiston/Auburn but does not cover the market well.  By simulcasting on 870 
and 1470 they greatly increase the coverage area.  Plus, since they run a 
Standards format their target audience actually knows that the AM band exists.

Some simulcasts only exist because the owners don't think they can make any 
money with separate AM programming but they do not want to give up the 
license.  This was the case with the long time simulcast of WPOR AM & FM.  
The 1000 watt 1490 signal did not get them anything that they 50,000 watt FM 
signal didn't already cover.  After many years of simulcasting, 1490 now has 
separate programming with a satellite standards format as WBAE.

-- Dan Billings, Bowdoinham, Maine

In a message dated 10/15/99 8:37:47 AM EST, sven@lily.org writes:

<< In other cases, such as a station that is popular listening
 not only in office buildings (where you can't get am radio) but also
 outside of work, it makes perfect sense to have both bands with one
 station - as a station owner you get the iron-clad building penetration of
 FM and the long range of AM (for distant communities, especially at
 night).  More listeners, I guess. >>