GBS MaxxCasting Expands KYLA-KYRA/L.A. Audience Reach

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, January 10, 2022 | 12:06pm CT

Geo Broadcast Solutions

In a broadcast radio industry first, GeoBroadcast Solutions' MaxxCasting system has expanded the signal quality and audience reach of two Los Angeles-area Educational Media Foundation radio outlets through the installation of a broadcast translator in downtown L.A., increasing the potential listenership by as much as four million.

KYRA-FM, broadcasting to the north of the city in Ventura and L.A. Counties, and KYLA-FM broadcasting from Orange County in the south, had been simulcasting the Air1 signal on the 92.7 frequency but weren't reaching the densely populated downtown and neighborhoods of the city. Through the installation of a co-channel translator on the AON Center building, GBS engineers were able to bridge the gap between the two coverage areas and built a continuous signal that now stretches across 110 miles.

"Since we've owned the stations, our challenge has been connecting the two signals and providing continuous coverage between our co-channel signals, which conventional boosters and repeaters were not able to provide," said EMF Senior Broadcast Engineer Shane Toven. "The GBS team was able to creatively use its MaxxCasting technology differently than they had done for us in other cities. The result has helped to achieve our goal of expanded, seamless coverage and introducing a new audience to our programming."

KYLA and KYRA operate as part of the Air1 Radio Network, featuring modern Christian Worship music. Educational Media Foundation operates both Air1 and K-LOVE (contemporary Christian music) and is the second-largest broadcaster in the U.S. by station count.

"Our team of MaxxCasting engineers were able to solve the unique issues faced by EMF through our technology," said GeoBroadcast Solutions Director of Spectrum Design Paul Littleton. "Our solution for EMF showcases the flexibility of MaxxCasting to enable broadcasters to improve their signals, increase their listeners and drive ratings and revenue growth."

MaxxCasting combines radio and cellular technology and enables FM Broadcasters to enhance their signals by reducing interference between the main and booster transmissions through the use of a cluster of low-to-the-ground, high power, highly directionalized, synchronized node sites. The technology also allows for innovation in spectrum allocation, coverage problems and frequency acquisition.