New York City Upgrades Radio Transmitter

"The station boasts an impressive lineup of original and acquired shows that will reach an even larger audience with the new digital transmitter." DoITT Commissioner Paul Cosgrave (pictured on cover of June 2007 issue of Public CIO)

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications Commissioner (DoITT) Paul Cosgrave and NYC Media Group President Arick Wierson yesterday launched a new High Definition radio transmitter for WNYE-FM Radio New York, the official radio station of the city of New York. This upgrade will dramatically improve the signal reception and clarity for WNYE-FM, located at 91.5 FM on the radio dial, due to the increased elevation of the new transmitter, now at approximately 922 feet at the top of 4 Times Square in the heart of Manhattan. In addition to improved reception and CD quality sound, WNYE-FM's transmitter upgrade also paves the way for multiple High Definition audio streams or channels, the first of which will be a simulcast of the station's current programming.

"Radio New York has emerged as a wonderful programming complement to NYCTV, with a full spectrum of shows that both entertain and inform listeners about our great city and its wonderfully diverse communities" said Bloomberg. "With the upgraded transmitter, more listeners are able to tune in to Radio New York and enjoy the unique news, talk and music shows that call the station home."

WNYE-FM Radio New York's new primary transmitter site will allow listeners in areas of the five boroughs that were not able to receive a signal to now tune in. The upgrade also improves the reception and clarity of the full power FM station signal beyond New York City to serve the entire tri-state area. This will allow the station to reach new audiences in parts of Long Island, Upstate New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. WNYE-FM Radio New York's previous transmitter, located at Brooklyn Technical High School with an elevation of approximately 430 feet, will become the secondary transmitter site for the station. The increased elevation of the new transmitter minimizes the problem of signal interference due to blockages by tall buildings, especially those located in Midtown Manhattan. The transmitter upgrade allows the station to broadcast its signal digitally while maintaining the analog broadcast stream via its secondary site in Brooklyn.

"NYC Media Group has done a phenomenal job transforming NYCTV into one of the most innovative and decorated television stations in the country" said DoITT Commissioner Paul Cosgrave. "It's no surprise that this creativity has extended to Radio New York. The station boasts an impressive lineup of original and acquired shows that will reach an even larger audience with the new digital transmitter."

WNYE-FM Radio New York first signed on in 1938 and is one of the oldest FM radio stations in the United States. Today, WNYE-FM Radio New York is part of NYC Media Group, the division within DoITT responsible for managing and programming the media assets of the City of New York.