What is Co-Channel Interference? Why is it bad?

Western New York is one of the worst, or arguably the worst, when it comes to CCI (Co-Channel Interference) in the nation.

What is CCI?

CCI exists when there are multiple stations in a given region broadcasting on the same RF Channel (frequency). CCI also occurs during atmospheric anomalies known as “tropo”; when a station’s signal travels for many miles (even hundreds of miles) beyond its normal broadcast area.

Why is there CCI?

The FCC shrunk down the available “real-estate” to broadcast TV channels on in the United States. While there used to be RF channels 2-83 at one point, there are now only RF channels 2-36 remaining. Although this transition was suitable for most of the country, in many areas, including in WNY, it wasn’t.

Western New York is the perfect storm: Being right next to the largest city in Canada, while being located in the Northeast where there are many TV markets close together (Buffalo, Rochester, Elmira/Corning, Erie, etc.).

In simple terms, there just simply aren’t enough available frequencies to broadcast TV on in Western New York.

Why doesn’t the government prevent CCI?

The government does have CCI rules in place. Most CCI in Western New York is right at the rule threshold (any more interference and a station wouldn’t be able to operate).

Just because something is legal doesn’t mean it’s necessarily good.

Some examples of CCI in WNY:

Severe CCI:

CHCH and WBNF (RF15)

CITY and WDTB (soon) (RF18)

CBLT and WWHC (RF20)

Moderate CCI:

WVTT and WNIB (RF 11)

CIII-6 and WBXZ (RF23)

CKVP and CHEX-2 and WBGT (RF29)