Jump to content

WSBS (AM)

Coordinates: 42°12′52″N 73°20′45″W / 42.21444°N 73.34583°W / 42.21444; -73.34583
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Steve1reg (talk | contribs) at 01:01, 2 May 2016 (Include info on limited nighttime power). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

WSBS
Broadcast areaBerkshire County
Frequency860 kHz
Branding860 AM/94.1 FM WSBS
Programming
FormatAdult Contemporary/Talk
AffiliationsAP Radio, Boston Red Sox Radio Network
Ownership
Owner
  • Gamma Broadcasting, LLC
  • (Berkshire Broadcasting Co., Inc.)
WBEC, WBEC-FM, WNAW, WUPE, WUPE-FM
History
First air date
December 24, 1956[1]
Call sign meaning
Southern Berkshire Station[1]
Technical information
Facility ID4820
ClassD
Power2,700 watts day
250 watts critical hours
4 watts night
(translator 250 watts)[2]
Transmitter coordinates
42°12′52″N 73°20′45″W / 42.21444°N 73.34583°W / 42.21444; -73.34583
Translator(s)W231AK 94.1 Great Barrington
Links
WebcastListen live
Websitewww.wsbs.com

WSBS (860 AM) is a radio station in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. It is owned by Gamma Broadcasting and has an Adult Contemporary music format, mixed with local news, talk, and AP news.

WSBS's programming is simulcast in stereo on the FM band via translator station W231AK, at 94.1 MHz.[3] [1] Because AM 860 is a Canadian clear channel frequency, WSBS must reduce power at night to only 4 watts to avoid interfering with Class A station CJBC in Toronto. But the translator allows listeners to tune in around the clock, even if they live outside the limited nighttime coverage range.

In August 2013, Gamma Broadcasting reached a deal to sell its Berkshire County radio stations, including WSBS, to Reed Miami Holdings;[4] the sale was canceled on December 30, 2013.[5]

Technical information

WSBS transmits 2,700 watts daytime with a Marconi 1959 Series fed 1/4 wave tower. The primary transmitter is a Harris SX2.5, and a backup Gates 250GY. The nighttime transmitter is an LPB.

References

  1. ^ a b "WSBS reception verification" (PDF). February 27, 1957. Retrieved May 17, 2014.
  2. ^ http://www.engineeringradio.us/blog/2013/03/moving-and-upgrading-a-translator/
  3. ^ https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101302646&formid=911&fac_num=87061
  4. ^ "Western Massachusetts Cluster Sold". All Access. August 23, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  5. ^ Venta, Lance (January 14, 2014). "Pittsfield Cluster Sale Withdrawn". RadioInsight. Retrieved March 30, 2014.