About MPB Radio
Since 1985 MPB has been Mississippi’s source for news and entertainment on the radio. MPB Think Radio features thought provoking news and analysis programs as well as shows that entertain and inspire. MPB’s HD channel, MPB Music Radio, features music from an array of musical genres. Our diverse lineups on both MPB Think and Music radio offer something for every listener.
Severe Weather Outage
Due to the current weather conditions at many of our tower sites, transmission of our signal has been disrupted. Listeners across the state may be unable to access a clear signal from MPB as long as temperatures at our sites remain at or below freezing. We apologize for this inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this problem occurring on MPB but not on other stations in the area?
- A combination of several variables including wind speed, sunlight, temperature and height of the tower could cause problems to occur at any station. MPB is fortunate to have towers that extend to 1500 feet at some of our sites. The height of our towers enables us to extend our broadcasts to a wider population in Mississippi and even to areas in surrounding states. Though temperatures on the ground may not always be at or below freezing, the temperature is lower at 1500 feet. Excessive precipitation further increases the likelihood that ice will accumulate on our antennae.
How do stations in more northern states prevent such problems?
- Most stations that experience consistent freezing and precipitation during the winter months have de-icing devices on their antennae. In Mississippi, we have such equipment at our tower in Booneville. We are exploring the possibility of investing in de-icing equipment at some of our other sites. The purchase and installation of such equipment has previously been cost prohibitive.
Are any steps being taken to remedy this problem?
- Ice on towers and antennae is cause for concern for many reasons. When an antenna on a tower freezes there is a risk of further, long term damage to the site. We are currently taking steps to ensure that the equipment at our sites is protected from long-term damage. This includes operating with the lowest possible signal to ensure that the equipment does not overheat as it tries to broadcast through ice at full capacity. As temperatures at our highest towers increase, we will bring power up to normal levels when it is safe to do so.
How long can we expect to encounter problems accessing your signal?
- Listeners and viewers in our area may notice problems as long as current weather conditions in Mississippi persist. As the current front moves through, we hope to be able to return to full broadcast capacity.
Coverage Map / Stations
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Location
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Frequency
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Biloxi
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WMAH 90.3
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Booneville
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WMAE 89.5
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Bude
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WMAU 88.9
|
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Greenwood
|
WMAO 90.9
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Jackson
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WMPN 91.3
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Meridian
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WMAW 88.1
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MS State
|
WMAB 89.9
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Oxford
|
WMAV 90.3
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HD Radio
You can also listen to MPB Music Radio from anywhere in Mississippi on MPB Online by using the links provided below.
MPB Music Radio is available on HD Radio on the following MPB Stations:
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Location
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Frequency
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Biloxi
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WMAH 90.3-2
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Booneville
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WMAE 89.5-2
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Bude
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WMAU 88.9-2
|
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Greenwood
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WMAO 90.9-2
|
|
Jackson
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WMPN 91.3-2
|
|
Meridian
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WMAW 88.1-2
|
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MS State
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WMAB 89.9-2
|
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Oxford
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WMAV 90.3-2
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How Does it work?
Basically, digital radio works the same as conventional radio. There’s a signal on one end and a receiver on the other. But there are a few key differences.
- Instead of sending out one analog signal, stations send out a bundled signal – both analog and digital. Because it is digital, textual data such as traffic, stock info and song titles can be sent out, as well.
- The digital signal layer is compressed.
- The combined analog and digital signals are transmitted.
- Inevitably, radio signals bounce off objects, causing what is called multipath distortions. This is what causes the static in conventional radio receivers. HD Digital radio receivers are designed to sort through reflected signals, reducing static, hiss, pops and fades.
- Finally, the signals reach their destination. Both broadcasts are free, with no subscription fee. To hear the digital broadcast, all you need is an HD Radio receiver.
Want to Know More?
Ever wonder how technology can split the radio signal into analog and digital channels and then transmit it over the existing AM/FM bands? It’s a process known as In-Band On-Channel (IBOC) Broadcasting. It’s DIGITAL, and it’s FREE.
Digital Broadcasting
HD Digital Radio supports CD-quality sound as well as song titles and artist names. And because the digital signal piggybacks onto a conventional broadcast signal, it is free to the listener.
The Power of Free
With HD Radio, broadcasters can use the current radio spectrum to transmit free analog simultaneously with new higher quality digital signals. This eliminates the static, hiss, pops and fades associated with today’s radio caused by conditions known as multipath, noise and interference.
Transitioning Out of Analog
With IBOC-based HD Radio technology, radio receivers and other consumer electronics will receive traditional analog broadcasts from stations that have yet to convert and digital broadcasts from stations that have converted.
Current analog radios will continue to receive the analog portion of the IBOC-based broadcast, allowing for a smooth transition to a digital world. In fact, specific features have been designed into HD Radio-supported receivers to improve the existing analog reception during the "Hybrid Mode." As the market reaches maturity, broadcasters will transition out of analog broadcasts and offer "all-digital mode". As a result of our digital architecture, enhanced services such as increased data capacity, surround sound or other multicasting solutions can be made available across this unused bandwidth.
Source: HDRadio.com
More Information
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