LOS ANGELES, Nov. 17, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Los Angeles International Airport's (LAX) radio station expanded its coverage area today with the nation's most powerful airport radio facility authorization.
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) officials announced the new stronger signal at a news conference prior to the upcoming heavy holiday travel period. The radio station airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day with essential information for travelers at LAX. During heavy travel times, the station's live announcers provide current parking and traffic conditions at the airport, along with airline locations and security precautions affecting passengers and motorists.
LAWA Executive Director Kim Day said, "We are pleased the Federal Communications Commission recognized LAX's unique need for a more powerful radio station for the traveling audience. The federal government approved the LAX power-increase request as part of the airport's comprehensive public safety program. LAWA has now installed a new transmitter and antenna to reach its wider audience."
LAX AiRadio 530 AM has provided traffic, parking and other airport information to travelers in the immediate vicinity of the airport since the early 1970s. In addition to the expanded over-the-air coverage area, the station will for the first time also be heard on the airport's Website. Internet users can visit www.lawa.org, click on "Airport Conditions," and then click on "AiRadio 530 AM" to learn what is happening at LAX before they leave their homes or offices.
The radio station, at 530 on the AM dial, was originally authorized by the Federal Communications Commission to broadcast at up to 10 watts, the maximum allowed for thousands of Travelers Information Service (TIS) low-power stations in the immediate vicinity of many airports, sporting-event venues, and other public areas. The FCC earlier this year waived the 10-watt power limit for LAX and authorized the airport to boost its power to a maximum of 100 watts - the most power of any TIS in the United States.
With the LAX AiRadio 530 AM coverage area expanded, LAX officials will be able to communicate directly with more travelers faster and farther from the airport in the event of any security problem or emergency situation at the airport. While commercial stations cover security and traffic issues as news events, providing many varied aspects of breaking stories, LAX AiRadio 530 AM would be the only source of official information solely for airport travelers.
The FCC noted that the airport's location adjacent to some of the nation's busiest freeways makes it extremely beneficial to provide essential safety and other airport information to more distant motorists heading for LAX. The radio station broadcasts information about security measures, traffic and parking conditions, and airline locations. LAX handles approximately 61 million passengers per year, and most of those travelers arrive at and depart the airport by car.
Airport officials have asked the state for permission to place signs indicating the availability of information on airport conditions on LAX AiRadio 530 AM along freeways at a further distance from the airport.
During the busy travel times, such as major holiday periods, the station uses live announcers, who provide real-time updates on traffic and parking conditions at the airport.