Newsradio 1450 KONP has expanded its service to the FM band.
KONP recently acquired an FM translator and obtained Federal Communications Commission approval to rebroadcast the stations format at 102.1 on the FM dial.
Nationally, the FCC has allowed only a few dozen AM radio stations to rebroadcast on FM translators. This is the first in Washington state.
The FCC is beginning to allow this in areas where increased interference has hampered AM radio reception.
Generally, FM translators are limited to rebroadcasting other FM stations.
Under the FCC agreement with KONP, the FM signal is not allowed to reach farther than KONPs current AM signal, but the nature of FM will allow many people to receive the broadcasts who either cant get the AM signal or dont normally turn to the AM band, said KONP general manager Todd Ortloff.
AM signals often fade at night due to changes in the atmosphere.
Fluorescent lights and building materials also hamper AM reception.
FM signals are not susceptible to that fading.
KONP keeps the Port Angeles and Sequim communities informed with immediate access to news at 1450 AM, 102.1 FM and streaming live on the Internet at www.konp.com.
The Sequim Gazette is located at 147 W. Washington Street in Sequim.
Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone 360-683-3311, or toll free at 800-829-5810. FAX 360-683-6670.
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