Morehead State Public Radio’s WMKY 90.3 FM has completed a major modernization of its broadcast infrastructure, improving the strength, clarity and reliability of the station’s signal for listeners across eastern Kentucky and beyond.
The multi-year project included the installation of new Nautel transmitters, an Omnia 9 audio processor, LAB4 dehydrator, upgraded switches, sensors, cables, line tubes and numerous other hardware and software components. Nearly everything at WMKY’s transmitter site has been replaced or updated except for the station antenna on the Kentucky Educational Television tower.
The project represents the first major renovation of the transmitter site and overhaul of WMKY’s primary transmitter equipment in approximately 30 years. It also served as a centerpiece of Morehead State Public Radio’s 60th Anniversary celebration, positioning the station with modern equipment designed to serve listeners for years to come.
“WMKY had two Harris Gates transmitters with a combined age of more than 50 years. The oldest unit was installed in 1996. Both worked well and served us well, but it was time to move in a different direction,” said Paul Hitchcock (Class of 1988), director of Morehead State Public Radio.
The station selected Nautel’s NVLT series for the project, beginning with the decision to purchase the Nautel NV20LT transmitter and building the remainder of the new system around it.
“We took our time to research, plan, and implement this project. Not just to be sure we had the funds, but more importantly, to ensure we had the right people and the most complete and dependable transmitter equipment available. Nautel checked all the boxes, and once we decided on the NVLT series, there was nothing else to be considered for this project,” Hitchcock said.
Funding was one of the largest challenges for a project of this scope. WMKY combined several grants and funding sources to enable comprehensive modernization. Support came from the Public Media Company through the Public Media Bridge Fund; the Corporation for Public Broadcasting through the American Rescue Plan Stabilization Grant, Community Service Grant and Radio Interconnection Grant; and Morehead State University.
“Our main hurdle was funding, and since WMKY decided to basically upgrade everything (except the antenna) at the transmitter site, this took a vast amount of coordination to ensure we had the right equipment, service, and funding to complete the job,” Hitchcock said.
WMKY is now fully operational on the new system. While a few final adjustments remain, the new equipment is already providing listeners with a cleaner, brighter, more powerful and efficient signal on 90.3 FM.
For Hitchcock, the difference was immediately noticeable.
“Nautel is the gold standard, and we knew we were getting many years of reliable, efficient, and quality service. I honestly can't believe how clear and crisp our signal now sounds. It just pops and sings beautifully,” he said.
Modernization marks another milestone in Morehead State Public Radio’s six decades of service. WMKY began broadcasting in 1965 and provides news, information, music and public affairs programming to Morehead State University and communities throughout its listening area. The new broadcast system gives the station an updated technical foundation to continue that service well into the future.
Listen to WMKY on 90.3 FM, online, via a phone app or on a smart speaker. For additional information, email Hitchcock at p.hitchc@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2334.