(Neb.) - KBPY is back to full strength

By: John Thayer Posted at: 06/27/2012 07:32 AM

CHADRON – KBPY 107.7 FM is once again running at full power.

The station, which tabs itself as Western Nebraska’s Real Rock, has been running at reduced power for several weeks due to an issue that is figured to have started last summer.

Dennis Brown, owner of Chadrad Communications Inc., the parent company for KBPY, said the antenna was struck by lightning last summer and over time it decayed the cable and antenna system. This issue, over a period of months, created enough arching that it began to short things out.

The process took longer than Brown had hoped, but he is relieved it is over.

“It was a very difficult situation for all of us. We’re just glad to have it remedied.”

Crews from Colorado and Wyoming made several trips to work on the issue. It took some time to diagnose the problem and then a new antenna had to be built. When you add in new coaxial cable and other accessories the total cost of repair was around $15,000.

Crews were also limited on the number of days work could be done due to windy days and the antenna being 375 feet in the air. The KBPY transmitter is located just outside of Hay Springs, the city of license.

Brown appreciates the understanding of listeners and advertisers who continue to support the station during the down time and is hopeful the listeners who were frustrated with the situation will turn the FM dial back to 107.7.

“It was a very difficult situation for all of us,” said Brown. “We hope all of our listeners come back and enjoy the rock.”

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