My previous observation/complaint that Dallas lacks a radio jazz station brought forth numerous FBvian responses re KNTU, 88.1FM, broadcasting at a mighty 100,000 watts. To which I further noted that I have trouble with reception. To which another FBvian emailed last week that the station is down to about 10,000 or so watts due to various repair problems.
So I wrote to the station, whose reply to the whole power thing is in the jump.
But let me note again that unless Denton is Dallas and grits ain’t groceries, Dallas still doesn’t have a jazz station of its own.
KNTU is at full power (100,000 watts). In fact, we haven’t had any significant issues with our transmitter since we completed repairs following major damage to our transmission lines back in February 2003.
Reports of reception problems are likely related to a number of factors. Our transmitter is located approximately 8 miles north of Denton. The terms of our FCC license require KNTU to limit its antenna height to approx. 500 feet and to send out a directional signal to the south which limits coverage in some areas. Mainly, this is to ensure we do not interfere with the signals of other radio stations that are adjacent to our frequency on the FM band and to avoid interference with TV channel 6 in Wichita Falls (the frequency used for channel 6 is adjacent to the low end of the FM band).
Couple this to atmospheric conditions that change rapidly here in Texas and it means some folks, particularly to the south of us, may have problems getting a crystal clear signal from time to time.
