What’s going on with the KTBB 97.5 FM Signal?? It’s terrible in the mornings!

What you are experiencing is an atmospheric phenomenon called “tropospheric propagation.” It happens when warm air aloft overruns cooler air on the surface. The result will be to set up conditions wherein VHF radio signals, such as those in the FM radio band, are able to travel well beyond their normal coverage limits. The phenomenon is referred to colloquially as “ducting,” because what in effect happens is that an atmospheric “duct” opens which then carries a VHF signal past the horizon and allows it to follow the curve of the Earth.

What you are hearing is not a weak signal from us. What you are hearing is a strong interfering signal from a distant FM station. Where you are, you are likely hearing KLAK 97.5 FM from Sherman, Texas. Move around the area and depending on where you are, just about any FM station on the dial could be receiving interference. It’s positively maddening and it is, at this time, about the worst I’ve ever seen it and I’ve been around a long time.

The bad news is that it’s really bad right now. The good news is that it’s temporary. Generally, the effect lessens as the day goes on.

It will abate when the enormous high pressure ridge that Dr. Bob Peters keeps telling us about either dissipates or moves off.

Until then, we regret the inconvenience.

Thank you for listening.
Paul Gleiser