Ever notice how AM radio stations cut out when you go through a tunnel or underpass, while FM stations are far less affected?
I'd never thought about it much, but David Ropeik of The Boston Globe did some research and found out why for his science questions column:The basic difference is because AM radio waves are too large (some 1,000 feet in size) and won't fit into tunnels, like FM radio waves (10 feet in size) do. FM waves will bounce off the walls inside a tunnel.
The AM and FM size difference also explains why FM radio stations are received better inside steel frame buildings. AM waves are just too big to fit inside.
KENZ (alias "The End," FM-107.5) -- Last week, I failed to mention that this station is also one of the few around that is not automated at night. Renee Sieck is the live weeknight DJ at KENZ during the overnight hours.
She believes there are lots of people working graveyard shifts who listen to her, as well as students doing papers or cramming for tests. She says it is her job to help keep these nocturnal people awake.
KSOP (FM-104.3 and AM-1370) is also another station not mentioned last week as having live DJs during the midnight hours.
COUNTY MUSIC IS DOWN -- According to statistics from the nation's radio stations, as printed in Airplay Monitor Magazine, county music is at its lowest point since the summer of 1990. Mid-day is the only time the radio format has not experienced a decline.
Along the Wasatch Front, country music has also experienced a drop in three stations -- KUBL, KKAT and KSOP. However, a new country music station in Salt Lake City has started up: AM-700 (KWLW) recently began airing the traditional country music format.
In contrast, last fall news and talk stations nationally had their best numbers in three years, and the top 40 format is also attracting more teens and young adults.
The adult contemporary format held steady, but album rock, classic rock and oldies all went down slightly in the past Arbitron trends.
POLYGAMY ON THE RADIO -- Radio buff Steven Mayfield of Layton tried to keep track of how many times the polygamy controversy was addressed in detail by specific radio shows last year.
He compiled a log of some 110 programs during 1998 and believes it represents only about half of what was actually out there.
TEN YEARS AGO -- KSFI is No. 1 in the Arbitron radio ratings, but No. 11 in the Birch ratings . . . Andy Barber, Shiela Balistreri and Mick Mackay comprise the "Breakfast Bunch," mornings on KCPX, FM-98.7.
RADIO HAPPENINGS -- Frankie, Danger Boy and Kellie of the "Z-Morning Zoo" on KZHT had more cabin-fever prizes this week. The DJs also talked to the executive producer of "The Simpsons" and let listeners talk about meeting celebrities. On Monday, March 1, Danger Boy plans on dressing up as Monica Lewinski and going to Park City . . . It was Scott Fisher only earlier this week on KISN as "Todd and Erin" were on vacation . . . Wednesday was KXRK night with the Utah Grizzlies . . .
KURR had another "Mad Monday" this week with Mick Martin . . . "Johnson and Johnson" on KUBL have another new regular feature airing. This plays the recording of a Pledge of Allegiance by various elementary school classes. On Monday, a kindergarten at Mill Creek Elementary School had their turn. The DJs also started a contest to name the new polar bear cubs at Hogle Zoo . . . Kevin Stanfield's show on KSL Friday night, Feb. 26, will feature "Psychic Diana," predicting listeners' futures . . .
"Abby and Wren" on KUMT continue to have a strong lineup of special guests. On Monday, they interviewed actress Renee Faia of ABC's "And the Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story," that aired this week. The station also sponsored "Ski for a Smile" at Snowbird this week.
Deseret News radio editor Lynn Arave can be reached by e-mail at lynn@desnews.com or by phone at 237-2168.