We have an explanation for the lack of originating signal for what will be W240CX. Sandblast has filed an STA application with the FCC that WTOH’s unable to broadcast its HD4 due to a mismatch in Ibiquity codes between the HD importer and exporter. Stating that it would create a financial hardship to turn the translator off until the HD is fixed, it has requested to stay on the air until it is fixed within approximately 3-5 days.
Original Report 1/22: Percy Squire’s Sandblast LP has launched Urban Inspiration/Talk “95.9 The Drum” W240CX Columbus, OH.
Formerly 106.7 W294AH the translator completed its move to 95.9 with an upgrade to 99 watts at 218 meters. The new station is launching with the syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show and an afternoon show hosted by former Ohio State University football player Maurice Clarett. Other programs include Keep Hope Alive with Reverend Jesse Jackson and Grace Place, a daily talk show hosted by Reverend Dr. Carole H. Squire.
“Wild Bill” Jenkins is serving as Program Director. Sandblast acquired the translator in July 2014 for $50,000. W240CX is ID’ing as rebroadcasting Salem’s 98.9 WTOH-HD4, however it has been noted on the RadioInsight Community that the station is currently not broadcasting any HD subchannels.
FM 95.9 The Drum, the voice of the city, announced today the addition of the top-rated Steve Harvey Morning Show to the lineup at the newly-launched station. Effective immediately, FM 95.9 The Drum now broadcasts The Steve Harvey Morning Show from 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. ET, Monday through Saturday.
Each day on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Steve Harvey and co-hosts Shirley Strawberry, Nephew Tommy, Carla Ferrell and Junior bring listeners inspirational advice, laughs, celebrity interviews, news, rousing music, the “Strawberry Letter,” listener segments and more. Nationally syndicated by Premiere Networks, the program broadcasts on more than 70 stations and reaches approximately six million weekly listeners. For additional information, please visit http://www.SteveHarvey.com.
“FM 95.9 The Drum is honored and excited to introduce The Steve Harvey Morning Show to the great city of Columbus, Ohio – home of the National Football Champion Buckeyes,” stated Program Director “Wild Bill” Jenkins.
Joining Harvey on “The Drum” will be former Buckeye great Maurice Clarett, Keep Hope Alive with Reverend Jesse Jackson, and The Reverend Dr. Carole H. Squire, host of Grace Place, a daily talk program focused on family healing and nurturing our youth.
It’s a little tricky to pull in 95.9 FM in my apartment on the NW side of Columbus, but it’s doable.
I’m curious as to what Salem has in mind for the HD sub-channels on WTOH.
For what it’s worth, the subchannels are up and going: WTOH-HD2 simulcasts 880 WRFD while WTOH-HD3 feeds the W294AH translator on 95.9.