Cumulus Media’s news/talk station in north Texas, 820 WBAP(AM), has found a second home on the FM dial, simulcasting on an translator at 93.3 MHz.
This is yet another case of a broadcast company choosing to put an AM news/talk format on the FM band.
KLIF(FM) was formerly programmed as Hot 93.3, an adult contemporary station.
“With this new simulcast, WBAP will now be heard by FM listeners that normally do not listen to AM radio, but who consume the news/talk format [in the Dallas and Fort Worth markets],” WBAP said in a press release.
Dan Bennett, regional vice president of Cumulus Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, said in a press release: “We will carry our stations on a variety of signals and streaming to improve accessibility of this outstanding news and talk content to our listeners. 2024 will be a great year for news/talk.”
The change, made on Jan. 3, also includes several personnel changes and hires to support the additional signal. Learn more about those changes here.
“As we move into a critical election year, these talent moves and an FM frequency for WBAP speak to our commitment to spoken-word radio,” said Bennett.
The AM is a Class A, clear-channel signal with 50 kW from a transmitter site in Mansfield, Texas. Cumulus notes that the station has “one of the largest radio signals in the U.S.” It went on the air in 1922.
WBAP joins the growing list of news/talk AMs that have added an FM signal to expand their reach. In recent years, WINS in New York, KMOX in St. Louis, KDKA in Pittsburgh and KYW in Philly have done the same.
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