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Reception of more local radio stations in areas around larger cities
-- Local radios and their coverage area
Local radio stations in larger cities are broadcasting programs that are different from the programs of the national broadcasting stations as the local stations have different objectives and work on other conditions. The stations can have specialized in sending local news and information, or their broadcasts may relate to specific topics. Some stations transmit programs in foreign languages, and others send almost entirely music.
The broadcasting conditions of local radio stations are regulated in national laws and rules. The transmitting power in my country, Denmark is normally limited to 160 W, but individual stations may transmit with up to 500 W, if conditions permit it. Antenna height above the ground must not exceed 40 m.
The coverage area of the transmitters is rather limited with this transmitting power and antenna height. In the local area (municipality) the signal strength is high. All radio receivers can receive the broadcasts without any problems. Outside the local area reception may be difficult or impossible.
-- Reception outside the coverage area
Radio listener living in areas near a larger city may be interested in receiving the programs that are broadcasted from local radio stations in the city. However, a modern receiver and a good antenna must be used to increase the chances of receiving the stations in acceptable quality.
In Copenhagen are around 20 different ("unique") local radio stations. Add to this local radio stations in the nearby provincial cities. In all 30 stations are broadcasting local radio within a distance of 50 km from the centre of Copenhagen. Many of these stations could be received outside Copenhagen using a good receiving system.
I live in Roskilde 30 km west of Copenhagen. I can receive fifteen of the local stations with my system. Using an ”average" equipment, it is only possible to receive six local radios from the nearby areas.
-- Conditions having influence on the reception of local radios
On the following pages is shown the options to receive local radio outside of the normal coverage area. The options are illustrated in a listening test and a measuring test regarding reception of weak local radios 30 km west of Copenhagen.
Essential conditions for listening to local radio stations outside of their normal coverage area are:
-- Sufficient signal strength at the reception locality,
-- Absence of interference from other FM transmitters,
-- A proper antenna with a good position of reception, and
-- Usage of a quality receiver that is selective and has a proper signal processing.
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