A translator in Manhattan at 106.3 has been simulcasting Clear Channel’s 106.7 Lite FM WLTW-HD2 signal (which was various iHeartRadio streams) for over a week now with the expectation that it would debut a new format for the city. However, Clear Channel has suspended operations of the translator (which it actually doesn’t own), after interference complaints from co-channel Press Communications’ “Thunder Country” WKMK-FM Eatontown, NJ, which has also been asking listeners to join in complaining about the interference.
The new format was expected 5/13.
Said WKMK’s website: “Thank you Thunder 106 Nation! We are pleased to announce that the radio station that has been causing interference since last Thursday to our Thunder 106 signal in NJ, Manhattan, Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens has suspended operations…We will be meeting with the NYC radio broadcaster in an attempt to help them resolve their interference issues, but in no way will we accept any interference to our Thunder 106 signal pattern and your right to receive and enjoy our rockin’ country programming.”
RBR-TVBR observation: There is a good chance this “suspension” is just to re-engineer a bit before the station’s launch. Most NYC stations are transmitting from atop high buildings with lower relative power output and still cover the market. This translator’s antenna, if placed high enough above the city, may cause interference all the way south to Eatontown, but perhaps not enough to break any FCC contour rules. We’ll see.
