WTKG-AM Radio Interference Watch - 15 Sept 2024 (Serious Interference)

This recording is a small portion of Speed Freaks. As you listen and also watch the audio waveform you can actually see the interference and monitor its severity.

WTKG-AM is an iHeartMedia talk radio affiliate operating in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Its sister station is WOOD-AM. WTKG broadcasts on 1230 kHz and WOOD broadcasts on 1300 kHz. WTKG has been plagued with serious nighttime interference since 25 August 2024 while WOOD, not far away on the AM dial, has been unaffected.

The interference manifests as a buzzing sound that occurs intermittently and is sometimes severe. All recordings in this series are made using a high-quality AM-FM radio located 5 miles north of downtown Grand Rapids. This is not an electric line interference problem. If the radio is operated on battery power the interference is still present.

Who or what is jamming WTKG at night? Is the interference on the satellite feed or does it originate locally?