Upper Midwest broadcasters have told the FCC that more than a half-dozen new FM translator signals granted during the AM Revitalization effort have recently signed on as they neared their construction deadlines.
Des Moines: Cumulus Media signed on K267CY/101.3. The 130-Watt signal transmits from the northwest corner of the Des Moines metro. It was granted to relay KBGG/1700, which has not yet mentioned the new FM frequency on its website or Facebook page. With a sports format, the FM signal will compete with iHeartMedia’s KXNO-FM/106.3 and Saga’s “ESPN Des Moines” on K271CO/102.1, which dropped a short-lived Contemporary Christian format to return to a rebroadcast of KRNT/1350.
Quad Cities: Townsquare Media has signed on K281CJ/104.1 (Davenport), carrying “ESPN Quad Cities” from KBOB/1170. The 250-Watt signal transmits from Davenport. The sign-on marks a return of Sports radio to the FM dial in the Quad Cities after a 2019 format change that sent ESPN Radio to KBOB.
Bemidji, MN: Real Presence Radio has signed on K254DJ/98.7 relaying WBKK/820 (Wilton):
Walker, MN: De La Hunt Media told the FCC that K229DJ/93.7 (Walker) is operating pursuant to program test authority. It was granted to relay KAKK/1570, which has also been relayed on K242AY/96.3 (Walker). K242AY’s license is not directly tied to KAKK.
Oakes, ND: i3G Media signed on K262DH/100.3 (Oakes) as the new FM translator for KDDR/1220, replacing K240CJ/95.9 (Oakes). K240CJ filed a notification of suspension of operations stating that it will either switch to a new primary station or relocate away from K262DH’s coverage area. KDDR/K262DH carry a Country format as “The Tornado.”
Reedsburg, WI: Baraboo Broadcasting Corp. signed on new FM translator W279EG/103.7 (Reedsburg), relaying WRPQ/740’s “Max FM” format. WRPQ is also relayed on W259BC/99.7 (Baraboo).
Wisconsin Rapids, WI: Heart of Wisconsin Media told the FCC that W248DE/97.5 is operating pursuant to program test authority, relaying WFHR/1320. Heart of Wisconsin recently purchased WFHR and WIRI/105.5 (Nekoosa-Wisconsin Rapids) and moved them to a new studio location. The FM frequency is mentioned on the new sign outside of WFHR’s building.