Rimshot (broadcasting)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rimshot is a radio and television broadcasting term for a signal that attempts to reach a larger market from a distant suburban, or even rural, location.

Rimshot stations are often at a disadvantage compared to full-power signals in a market. Many rimshot operators attempt to serve the larger market with a signal that has deficiencies in the intended listening area.

[edit] Rimshot examples

In the Washington, DC radio market, classical music outlet WGMS (FM) 104.1 now resides on a signal licensed to Waldorf, Maryland, which aims at the Washington market from the southeast. It also has another signal, WGYS (FM) 103.9, which covers parts of the market from the northwest.

In the Columbus, Ohio radio market, rock music station WAZU (FM) 107.1 aims at the Columbus audience from a transmitter northeast of its city of license, Circleville, Ohio.

In the Minneapolis/St. Paul radio market, three small suburban stations, WGVX 105.1 in Lakeville to the south, WGVY 105.3 in Cambridge to the north and WGVZ 105.7 in southwest Eden Prarie make up one alternative rock station called "Drive 105", which covers most of the metropolitan area.

[edit] Television rimshots

The term rimshot is more widely used in radio, but also exists in the world of television. KCWX 2 in Fredericksburg, Texas has served as the UPN affiliate for both the San Antonio and Austin television markets. Though its signal will still be seen in Austin, the station will focus on San Antonio when it becomes a CW Network affiliate.