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Channel X Radio

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from W276AY)
Channel X Radio
Frequencies97.7, 98.1, 102.3, 103.1 MHz
Programming
FormatFull-service adult contemporary
AffiliationsCBS Radio News
AP News
Ownership
Owner
  • Bennett Radio Group
  • (Bennett Radio Group, LLC)
WOXO-FM, WPNO, WIGY-FM, WIGY, WEZR
History
First air date
November 15, 1986 (1986-11-15)
Links
Webcast
Websitechannelxradio.com

Channel X Radio is a network of radio stations in Aroostook County, Maine, United States. With studios in Caribou, the stations are heard through various transmitters throughout Aroostook County and broadcast a full-service adult contemporary format.

History

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The CanXus Broadcasting Corporation was founded in Maine in May 1986. Shortly after that, CanXus submitted an application to put a 3,000–watt transmitter on the Green Ridge Road, or on the Caribou/Fort Fairfield town line. On November 15, 1986 at 6:00 p.m., WCXU Caribou began operation on 97.7 MHz. The studios and offices were in a single-wide trailer while the transmitter was 400 feet away.

With a 3 kW signal and a small transmitter, people north of Caribou couldn't get the signal. Madawaska was the first place to get a satellite station. On January 30, 1988 WCXX 102.3 Madawaska began atop 11th Avenue Extension in a tiny studio, rebroadcasting WCXU. The signal reached all the way to Caribou.

Because of the valley-like nature, and the small power that WCXX transmits, the signal is degraded in most of Fort Kent. In late 1994, CanXus applied for W276AY on 103.1 MHz. This very small signal is located near the Northern Maine Medical Center and reaches only Fort Kent and surrounding towns. At the same time WCXU doubled its power to 6 kW, then later increased the output to 20 kW. Now the signal can go all the way to Houlton and Fort Kent in a 45 miles (70 km) radius. Since then, the transmitter building has doubled in size, the transmitter has become a little bigger (now Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT) of 90 m) and in 1998, Channel X moved to its new studio-office with state-of-the-art computerized broadcasting equipment.

Logo used between 1986 and 2023, while owned by the CanXus Broadcasting Corporation

In late 2006 WCXV in Van Buren began to simulcast Channel X Radio. It broadcast at a lower power until December 27, 2007, when WCXV began broadcasting at the full 6 kW. Later, CanXus changed their construction permit to decrease its HAAT to 1 m.

Bennett Radio Group acquired Channel X Radio from CanXus in 2023 for $400,000.[1]

Programing

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Channel X Radio plays a mix of adult contemporary, oldies, and local music. It is home to one of the longest running oldies and retro music programs in the region. Furthermore, Channel X Radio covers local events and broadcasts live interviews from around the region. The station broadcasts local sports updates and news stories on a daily basis.

Transmitters

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Channel X Radio transmitters
Call sign Frequency City of license Facility ID ERP (W) HAAT Class Transmitter coordinates Founded
WCXU 97.7 FM Caribou 65497 20,000 97 m (318 ft) B 46°47′26.1″N 67°55′5″W / 46.790583°N 67.91806°W / 46.790583; -67.91806 (WCXU) November 15, 1986
WCXX 102.3 FM Madawaska 65498 1,200 129 m (423 ft) B 47°19′51.1″N 68°20′24.2″W / 47.330861°N 68.340056°W / 47.330861; -68.340056 (WCXX) January 30, 1988
W276AY 103.1 FM Fort Kent 8555 25,000 −90 m (−295 ft) D 47°15′55.1″N 68°35′32.1″W / 47.265306°N 68.592250°W / 47.265306; -68.592250 (W276AY)
WCXV 101.1 FM Van Buren 76041 6,000 1 m (3 ft) B 47°10′4.2″N 67°57′41.1″W / 47.167833°N 67.961417°W / 47.167833; -67.961417 (WCXV) 2006

References

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  1. ^ Venta, Lance (December 13, 2023). "Bennett Radio Group Acquires Channel X Radio In Northern Maine". RadioInsight.
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