Several TV stations in San Diego have applied to the FCC to raise their Effective Radiated Power (ERP) above either their traditional power or the power assigned to them for replacement channels in the coming spectrum repacking. The FCC opened an application window this fall for stations to modify their facilities to meet local propagation conditions.

KFMB-TV channel 8 applied to increase power from 19.8 kW to 87.4 kW ERP. That figure was chosen based on capabilities of their primary transmitter and does not involve a change of antenna.

KGTV channel 10 applied to increase power from 20.7 kW to 160 kW ERP. The application includes using the present Dielectric H-pol standing wave antenna. Presumably, the older Larcan transmitter will be replaced to make full power.

VHF stations are having trouble remaining competitive with over-the-air viewers who increasingly prefer inexpensive indoor antennas with UHF-sized small apertures. San Diego’s stucco construction with metal reinforced outer walls doesn’t help reception, either. The power boosts are expected to help with a new generation of viewers who are choosing to save money by sacrificing a big selection of cable or satellite TV channels.

KNSD channel 40 applied to increase power from 200 kW to 385 kW as it moves to post-repack channel 17. This returns KNSD to an ERP that compares with its neighbors KPBS, KSWB, and KUSI, as well as Tijuana DTV stations.

Edit 1/4/18 – KGTV old transmitter is a Larcan, not Comark. Duh.