Tower move will fire up country radio ratings race

The ratings battle between country radio stations 97.3 The Eagle and WUSH-FM US 106.1 America's Country is about to intensify.

The Federal Communications Commission has approved Sinclair Communications' application to move its broadcast tower, which will send out US 106.1, from Poquoson to Portsmouth. According to owner Bob Sinclair, the increased range will allow WUSH to compete more vigorously for listeners.

The signal is going to be 12,000 watts, Sinclair said, "but because of the location of the tower it will put what they call a city grade signal virtually over the entire Hampton Roads area."

Other local broadcasting companies, including Max Media, which owns 97.3 The Eagle, filed objections with the FCC, but the federal agency decided in Sinclair's favor.

The decision also means WRDU-FM in Knightdale, N.C., and WFJA-FM in Sanford, N.C., must move their towers so as not to conflict with the signal on the 106.1 frequency once it moves to Portsmouth. Sinclair has made a deal with both stations. "I think the whole thing will take about two months."

He estimates the cost of moving all three towers at $750,000, which Sinclair Communications will pay for.

Sinclair has been satisfied with the Arbitron ratings performance of US 106 and expects them to improve once the tower move is complete. He also plans to advertise heavily on television to promote the station.

Sneak peek

A resurgent Revery has completed work on a new EP. The high-energy rock band plans to release "3 Song Demon" during its Aug. 29 gig at Gil's in Virginia Beach.

How does it sound? Where "Shine" contains a strong hook and vocal melody sure to catch on with radio programmers, "Evangeline" channels The Cult in an impressive display of power chords and its anthemlike chorus.

The Virginia Beach quintet has two upcoming high-profile shows: Aug. 30 opening for Warrant as part of the American Music Festival and a slot on the main stage during FM99's Lunatic Luau on Sept. 6 at the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater.

Late night country

Where did country mega-star Toby Keith and his entourage go for dinner following his performance last week at the Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater? Croc's 19th Street Bistro in Virginia Beach.

"Toby was very nice, very humble," said owner Laura Habr. "Our sous chef, Matt, served him one of our popular sustainable sea scallop entrees, which he said he enjoyed very much, and he told me we had a very nice place."

Are you electric?

Newport News electronica artist Stan King has released an 11-song album appropriately titled "Dark Voyage." Inspired by some of the early pioneers of electronic music, such as Juno Reactor and Gary Numan, King delves into the ambient world on a "voyage" that explores the depths of his futuristic imagination. Much of the material, including "The Dying Moon" and "Emerging From Cryosleep," could serve as a soundtrack to a twisted, sci-fi thriller. The lone dance track, "Cybertribe," features an infectiously hypnotic beat.

Jeff Maisey, (757) 222-3934, jeff.maisey@pilotonline.com