The Southern Ontario/WNY Radio-TV Forum / New York City Area AM Station Decides To Go All Digital

**Posted by RadioActive** April 21, 2021 4:22 pm

The station, WFAS in White Plains, plans to flip the digital switch on May 24th. Interesting to note it's the first one owned by one of the majors - in this case, Cumulus - to make the move.

A Cumulus AM Near NYC Will Go All-Digital

**Posted by RadioActive** May 21, 2021 4:47 pm

This move officially happens Monday, although I'm not sure I buy that they've increased their range by turning off the AM signal.

Anyway, in case you're wondering why any station would take a route that would effectively cut itself off from 99% of the audience, I have to admit I laughed out loud when they explained it:

"WFAS was chosen since it “wasn’t getting any ratings and not generating much revenue.” "

I expect that will continue!

New York Cumulus AM to Go All-Digital

**Posted by RadioAaron** May 21, 2021 7:03 pm

It seems to me that it pretty much amounts to an advertising scam. Their claim that going all-digital expands their range allows them to pose as a NYC station and clear the market for advertisers for their all-syndicated lineup. Nobody will hear the ads, but the advertisers don't know that.

**Posted by In Phase** May 21, 2021 10:21 pm

WFAS is a 1kW omni-directional. Not exactly a big signal.

They do have the future in sight however. They have a mobile app and stream on-line.

**Posted by RadioActive** October 7, 2024 3:00 pm

Well that was fast. Or should that be WFAS-t? Another one bites the dust. For a low power station no one could really hear on a terrible frequency, it lasted longer than some thought.

Cumulus surrenders suburban New York Digital AM