WTIC must switch to night pattern earlier

[Sid Schweiger]

>>So this license modification could allow a change to WTIC's pattern in
the future?<<

Chances are that the only modifications the FCC will allow WTIC involve interference reduction (what the FCC calls "ratcheting") for their nighttime (directional) facilities.  It's the FCC's attempt to lessen the generalized interference (which, of course, they allowed before) among AM stations on a band that is severely overloaded.  Any application for modified AM facilities must, where possible, specify that the applied-for operation will result in some sort of lessened interference to other stations.

>>What will the two Michigan stations gain, if anything,
from this, either now or in the future?<<

The two stations came to an agreement on a modification of their facilities, which would in the case of WOAP increase skywave interference to WTIC during daytime hours, including the extended daytime operation WTIC is permitted due to the fact that the station they're protecting (co-channel KRLD/Dallas) is one time zone west of WTIC.  The 1941 license modification for WTIC permitting such operation never stated what protection that operation is afforded, but the FCC's rules on daytime operation have historically provided only groundwave protection for daytime operations.  Both Michigan stations gain covered area and WCAR gains covered population, which is always a plus where modified facilities are concerned, and a substantial reduction in mutual interference covering a population of over 900,000, which takes care of the ratcheting requirement.


Sid Schweiger
IT Manager, Entercom New England
WAAF - WEEI - WEEI-FM - WKAF
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