Making (radio) Waves

[amateriat]

Well, at least as long as i've been alive, it's never been exactly easy to be a devotee of classical-music radio in New York City (strange as that might sound to outsiders). Stations changing formats (WNCN changing from classical to rock...twice. Raise your hand if you remember either or both events), a dumbing-down of the playlist and presentation...one runs the risk of being accused of elitism when carping about this stuff. (Of course, at this moment in time, it could be argued that commercial music radio in this town pretty much sucks across formats/genres.)

Tonight, my Fair City's last commercial, 24/7 classical-music station "went public" (they were bought by public radio station WNYC in a station-frequency swap with Univision that's too tortuous to go into here). The good news is that the station lives on, and with no commercial interruption (albeit with the public-broadcasting equivalent, just less frequently), meaning more music, more of the time. The bad news: to make the deal more-or-less affordable, WQXR had to give up its spot on the FM dial (96.3, transmitting at 6000 watts) to Univision, and take over their spot on the dial (105.9, operating at a relatively hamster-powered 600 watts). Ouch.

As I write this, the "new" QXR has kicked off with a live broadcast
of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. (They're performing Beethoven's Violin Concerto right now.)

I can deal for now. But, as far as that transmitter goes, I want more power, Mister Scott!


- Barrett

 

[robklurfield]

changing formats is disconcerting enough; I was rather shocked to see these two stations were swapping frequencies. glad to see QXR going public though and to have the WNYC classic crew regaining a 24-hour spot. nice to have a choice between the 93.9 offerings and the old NYC mostly music format. hard to believe that New York Public Radio had enough money to buy QXR from the NY Times Co.

 

[Jim Edmond]

I'm listening to WQXR right now via Minnesota Public Radio internet stream!

 

[robklurfield]

Barrett,
I haven't tried to tuning in yet. I'm curious: how's your reception in Brooklyn with the lower power?
Rob

 

[robklurfield]

Jim, with the lower power, that's probably the way to go for many of us almost locals.

 

[amateriat]

Rob: I'm getting a bit more "hiss" in the background than I'm used to. Fidelity seems to be okay, but I'll be inquiring with the station as to their future transmission plans; they'd have to apply to the FCC if they want to up their transmitter power, as they have to deal with adjacent stations (which wasn't a problem at 96.3, and is the reason why certain frequencies on the dial are considered "plum", and worth a lot of money).

(Looks like my neglected plans for a directional roof antenna are getting dusted off! Online access is okay, but I like tuning in to my fave stations old-school, and that includes WFUV and WBGO.)

I'm hoping they can get back to, say, 3000 watts, with a few repeaters in place, which is what they did on the old frequency to boost range. When they come by with the tin cup in a few weeks, I'll be pressing them with that big question, and I encourage others to do the same before cracking open the checkbook.


- Barrett