WJBO-AM signal now three times stronger

If you’re a regular listener of local talk radio station WJBO-AM, you might have noticed lately that the station is coming in more clearly. That’s because the Clear Channel Communications station has increased the strength of its signal to 15,000 watts from 5,000 watts, an upgrade that Clear Channel executives hope will enable the station to as much as double its share of the local listening audience. “We’ve spent $1 million on it and have waited almost two years for FCC approval and tower crews,” says Clear Channel Market Manager Michael Hudson. “Hopefully this will increase our reach and our penetration.” WJBO has a 2.2% share of the local listening audience aged 25-54, according to the latest Arbitron ratings. That places the station 12th in the market, among about 40 stations. Though the new transmitter—which is located in Port Allen—was powered up late last month, Clear Channel will officially turn it on in a ceremony later this month. —Stephanie Riegel