Radio Signal Expansion
Future Vision Entertainment has acquired two FM translators from Windy City Broadcasting in a $3.5 million deal, effectively expanding the signal coverage of its 'Clubsteppin'' format across Chicago's African-American neighborhoods.
The co-channel translators, W236CG and W236CF, have been redeployed as a MaxxCasting system from GeoBroadcast Solutions (GBS), allowing for geographic targeting and fencing of text advertising and messaging.
According to GBS' patented technology, the MaxxCasting system effectively extends coverage to approximately 2.5 million more potential listeners, reaching many additional Nielsen Portable People Meter (PPM) encoders than what would have otherwise been possible with a single translator.
Sales and Signal Strength
The two translators were previously owned by Windy City Broadcasting, which sold them to Future Vision Entertainment owner Lamont Watts. The signal now penetrates the entire south and southwest sides of Chicago, important target neighborhoods for 'Clubsteppin'.
Windy City Broadcasting's John Bridge noted that the company worked closely with GBS through the transaction to ensure that the careful software modeling would eliminate multipath and interference concerns using two co-channel translators. The results have quickly proved effective.
Targeted Audience
Future Vision Entertainment's 'Clubsteppin'' format, launched 12 years ago by Watts, was previously a streaming-only radio service. With the expanded signal coverage, the company can now reach more than 95% of the city's African-American population.
'This deal has established the signal coverage and geo-targeting requirements we sought for 'Clubsteppin'' in Chicago,' said Watts. 'We are now reaching our regional audience in the best and most effective manner.'