Is someone monkeying with KUNC's new Denver signal?

Last week, we told you about an upgrade to the metro-area broadcasts of Greeley-based public-radio station KUNC via a new translator, at 91.7 FM. But over the past few days, fans of the outlet have noticed persistent interference to the signal. When asked about this issue, KUNC general manager Neil...

By Michael Roberts

July 13, 2009

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Last week, we told you about an upgrade to the metro-area broadcasts of Greeley-based public-radio station KUNC via a new translator, at 91.7 FM. But over the past few days, fans of the outlet have noticed persistent interference to the signal. When asked about this issue, KUNC general manager Neil Best forwarded a letter he's been sending to folks who've contacted the outlet with concerns. In it, he expresses doubts that anyone is deliberately trying to cause trouble at the new frequency even as he makes it clear that his staff's working as quickly as it can to diagnose the problem. Read his explanation after the jump:

Letter to KUNC listeners from station general manager Neil Best:

Thanks for writing regarding the technical issues you are hearing in KUNC's broadcast.

Normal operating procedure for the station is to use an STL (studio to transmitter link) which sends our programming signal from the studios to the transmitter and antenna site on Buckhorn Mountain, located west of Fort Collins via a microwave path.

There is an unauthorized, local signal that has been sending out brief, spurious signals, starting on Friday, resulting in the clicks and dropouts you are hearing.

We are continuing to search for the source of the problem. In the interim we will switch our delivery service to satellite this afternoon. I apologize for the poor service you have been receiving and for our inability to make a more immediate correction.

Sincerely,

Neil

Neil Best General Manager KUNC/KRNC

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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