WTAE files to get repeater signal

Scott Fybush reports that WTAE-DT (4/RF 51) has applied for a special temporary authortiy to run a “replacement service” translater on RF 22 – the signal vacated by analog WPMY-TV. These services are authorized to fill the gaps which could receive the station in analog but have fallen outside of the DTV range for the same station.

Because of WTAE’s transmitter location in Buena Vista PA (AKA – Elizabeth Township), the loss for digital includes densely populated areas of Northern Allegheny County, Southern Butler County, Southern Armstrong County and Northwest Westmoreland County. This transmitter location has often been a problem – even for analog.

Therefore WTAE has requested authorization from the FCC for a 9.25 kW digital translator on channel 22. The translator would be placed on the WQED tower in Oakland.