WNAV Seeks Major FM Translator Upgrade And Frequency Change

WNAV, which recently lost its transmitter site, is seeking to significantly expand the reach of its FM signal. In a new FCC application they are requesting to move their FM translator to the Maryland Public Television tower in Crownsville, and also change their frequency from 92.7 to 99.9 FM.

The proposal follows the station’s recent move of its 92.7 FM translator across the Chesapeake Bay. If approved, the translator would relocate to the MPT tower, with the antenna mounted at 640 feet, and operate with 170 watts. While the power level is modest, the higher elevation is expected to greatly improve coverage throughout the Annapolis area and portions of Anne Arundel County.

According to the engineering filing, the translator would use a specially designed directional antenna that concentrates most of its signal toward the Annapolis area while reducing it in the direction of WFRE in Frederick, which also operates on 99.9 FM. That allows the station to improve local coverage while protecting WFRE from interference. The application is currently pending. DCRTV will continue to follow this as the story develops.