CA Radio: Copper Thieves Knock KFRG, KCAL Off Air

The theft of copper wiring knocked two San Barmardino radio stations off the air this week, according to pe.com. .

Harvey Wells, vice president of CBS Radio for Southern California, said his station, KFRG 95.1 FM, was off the air for about 90 minutes. It also had to transmit at reduced power, limiting its signal’s reach, for about two hours.

The transmitters for three stations, KFRG, KCAL 96.7 FM and KSGN 89.7 FM, stand in a remote area off North Waterman Avenue north of the San Bernardino city limits. KCAL was off the air for about four hours, said its general manager, Jeff Parke. KSGN was not affected, Wells said.

Wells said someone stole wiring from the building that powers the transmitters.

Copper thieves, who steal from construction sites, building air conditioning units and street lights, among other places, recycle the metal for cash.

“These guys knew what they were doing,” Wells said. “People who don’t could die. If you cut the wrong thing, you will electrocute yourself.”

KFRG 95.1 FM (50Kw) 54dBu Coverage

KFRG is designated as a station that receives emergency alerts about severe weather, missing persons and earthquakes, among other things, and retransmits them to other stations for broadcast.