Welcome to the Translator Report. With all the move-ins and upgrades of translators to bring AM and HD2 formats to the FM dial, the impact of the translator has become more important for broadcasters. We’ll be bringing this report on a regular basis with a rundown of upgrades, sales, and programming changes coming to translators.
Liberty University has sold 102.5 W273BU Ashland, VA to Fifth Estate Broadcasting to simulcast News/Talk 1430 WHAN Ashland. W273BU has also been granted a Construction Permit to jump to the translator maximum of 250 watts.
World Radio Link has sold 104.3 W282AU Lewes, DE to Delmarva Broadcasting. W282AU has an application pending to upgrade from 18 watts to 145 watts.
Following on the launch of its two new translators in Detroit, Radio Power Inc. is inching 98.1 W251BO East Troy, WI closer to Milwaukee. The translator is now on the southwest corner of the market, but is a step or two away from downtown Milwaukee.
Radio Power is also inching a translator into Memphis. 103.1 W276BH Byhalia, MS is moving along the new Interstate 22 towards Memphis proper. Its current CP places the station near the Mississippi/Tennessee state line.
Clear Channel has applied to upgrade 105.1 W286CA Hawbottom, MD from 6 watts to 45 watts. The upgrade will give News/Talk 930 WFMD Frederick, MD an FM outlet.
Sea-Comm has completed its upgrade of 95.9 W240AS Wilmington, NC to 250 watts. The translator will give AM daytimer 1180 WSFM Carolina Beach, NC an FM outlet.
Virden Broadcasting has applied to upgrade 100.3 W262BY Peoria, IL from 140 watts to 200 watts. The station rebroadcasts News/Talk 1470 WMBD.
Anastos Broadcasting’s 106.1 W291BY Troy, NY brings 900 WUAM Watervliet, NY to FM in Albany, NY. With the boost from 10 watts to 250 watts, the simulcast of Time Warner Cable’s “YNN Capital Region” now airs on AM, FM, and TV.