(MediaBuyerPlanner) In what some may consider a twisted cosmic joke, radio listeners in the Baltimore area, when tuning in to listen to NPR or Christian broadcasts, are hearing Howard Stern, instead. The problem is due to poorly installed or defective satellite radio units in nearby cars, which can act as mini-FM transmitters, according to Yahoo News.
Some of the satellite units use FM signals to broadcast the satellite signal to the car, using frequencies low on the FM dial such as 88.1 (often reserved for noncommercial, religious or educational stations). The satellite broadcast signal can override broadcasts from those stations.
Program directors and general managers of local NPR affiliates have sent numerous letters to the FCC, which says it is investigating the problem.
