Hubbard Broadcasting’s “45TV” (KSTC-TV/5.2 Minneapolis) not only got a new RF frequency, but a new transmitter and antenna — and possibly better coverage.
KSTC completed its move from RF channel 45 to RF channel 30 on Wednesday, Sept. 4. It continues to remap to virtual channels 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, and 5.6, in between other virtual channels from Hubbard’s KSTP-TV.
KSTP reported that the change included a new transmitter and antenna for KSTC, which transmits from the “Telefarm” towers in Shoreview used by the market’s ABC, CBS, and NBC stations. KSTC continues to transmit with 1,000kW on channel 30, which should slightly increase its coverage area because signals travel farther on lower frequencies.
The frequency change was due to the spectrum auction repack and the end of TV broadcasting above channel 36 (though some stations will continue to remap to virtual channels 38 to 69).
“45TV” is an independent station seen on 5.2. Other KSTC channels carry MeTV, Antenna TV, and This TV, while KSTP-TV carries ABC on 5.1 and a H&I on 5.7 (there is no 5.5).
The “45” is a reference to KSTC’s former analog channel. The station is still seen on satellite channel 45.
KSTP-TV will remain on RF channel 35.
The only other full-power Twin Cities signal to change frequency as a result of the spectrum auction repack was Ion’s KPXM/41.1 (St. Cloud), which moved last year. It changed from RF 40 to RF16 and relocated its transmitter from near Big Lake to Nowthen in the process.