KGIR RESUMES BROADCASTING MONDAY AFTER UPGRADE WORK

A spokesman for KGIR Radio in Cape Girardeau said the radio station plans to resume broadcasting Monday. The station went off the air at midnight, Sept. 30, to begin an extensive upgrade of its transmitting and antenna facilities near East Cape Girardeau, Ill.

"We decided this was the best time of the year to get the work done," said Tom Steins, president and general manager. "The weather isn't too cold, so the outside work can be done without a lot of difficulty."

Steins said the improvements include a new feedline from the transmitter building to the antenna tower, and installation of a folded dipole system on the antenna tower. Modifications will also be made to the transmitter.

"When all of the work is completed, it should improve our signal by about 20 percent," he said. "It should also improve both the coverage and listenability of the station. It will make our signal sound better to the listeners. In addition, with digital broadcasting on the horizon, we're making the necessary changes to our antenna system so it will make it easier to convert to this new technology in about four to five years."

Stein said the station's engineering department completed extensive improvements in the station's audio chain at their studios, 106 Farrar Drive, in 1989.

"I have a lot of experience in AM radio, and it is our intention to remain in the AM radio station business in Cape Girardeau," said Stein.

KGIR operates with a signal strength of 250 watts, on a clear channel of 1220 Khz.