WZFL(FM) in Miami Broadens Coverage Map, Audience Share with MaxxCasting™ System from GeoBroadcast Solutions
CHICAGO, April 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Zoo Communications-owned WZFL(FM), a Class C2 station licensed to Islamorada, Florida just south of Miami, is now broadcasting a stronger FM signal – and attracting new listeners and advertiser interest – as the latest MaxxCasting licensee. The patented MaxxCasting technology, created and owned by GeoBroadcast Solutions (GBS), uses unique predictive modeling software to maximize network topology, enabling broadcasters to increase coverage and revenue potential by reaching more PPMs and attracting new advertisers.
MaxxCasting deployments to date comprise a main transmitter with strategically positioned nodes within a broadcaster's contour, all synchronized on a common frequency for the purpose of increasing contour-to-coverage ratio. The WZFL deployment is unusual in that the station had recently purchased two translators to boost the main transmitter's signal, which grew weaker the further north and west listeners tuned in. With all three systems tuned to 93.5, WZFL in essence had the makings of a single-frequency architecture, but without the clean integration, network-wide synchronization, and seamless transitions between coverage areas that MaxxCasting provides.
"We attempted to cover these gaps by tuning two translators to the same frequency as our main GatesAir transmitter, and positioning them in our weaker coverage areas," said Marco Mazzoli, owner of Zoo Entertainment and a popular on-air radio personality in Italy. "While we improved our coverage, there were interference issues with overlapping signals, and it simply wasn't a great experience for mobile listeners. The negative effects cancelled the positives. There is no question we needed a different approach."
Upon entering into a partnership, the GBS team immediately went to work managing FCC spacing requirements and power restrictions for three separate licenses, as the two translators were positioned outside the contour.
"With the traditional MaxxCasting approach, we have the benefit of working within one large contour and determining the appropriate spots to fill in with a stronger signal," said Bill Hieatt, CTO, GeoBroadcast Solutions. "With WZFL, we are not just filling in a large continuous contour; we are in fact creating one. It's a testament to the flexibility of our propriety modeling software and MaxxCasting technology."
Since launching on March 30, listeners now enjoy a seamless transition as they move between the three regions (Islamorada, downtown Miami, North Hollywood). Meanwhile, WZFL is attracting accolades from new and existing listeners – and attention from a new pool of advertising candidates.
"There's simply no interference of any kind, and we hear from listeners that say 'I can finally hear you,' which is as clear of evidence there can be that we're reaching a bigger audience," said Mazzoli. "We also heard from a vice president of a national advertising agency who was excited he could hear the signal loud and clear. Based on early interest, the MaxxCasting upgrade is going to mean more sponsors, bigger names and bigger brands, which ultimately translates to bigger ratings and more revenue."
Visit www.geobroadcastsolutions.com for more information.
SOURCE GeoBroadcast Solutions
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