China Grove

The general public, as well as most air personalities and the general staff of most broadcast facilities have never seen an actual broadcast transmitter. Without the transmitter, there would be nothing to hear or in the case of television…also see.

I was privileged to be able to visit the KMAC/KISS transmitter site in China Grove, just before the Doobie Brothers hit record about “a sleepy little town, down around San Anton...”

During my visit, Paul Kirby the transmitter engineer on duty, cautioned me to walk lightly about the transmitter room. The old wooden floors creaked with each step. I assumed that this had to do with the aging unfinished wood that made up the floor. To reinforce his point, Paul approached the metal desk transmitter console and thumped his fist down on top of it. The KMAC transmitter immediately went off the air.

It quickly became apparent to me that some of the early transmitters could be very temperamental and required some babying.

I am thankful that modern transmitters no longer look like something from a Frankenstein movie. Additionally, I am very thankful that they are much more reliable.

Ken Rudd

Editors Note: Ken’s visit to the KMAC/KISS transmitter site must have had an affect on him. He is currently the transmitter engineer for Channel 12 in San Antonio.

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