Wind – TV Radio Baseline Survey

Why assess Television and Radio impacts?

Wind farms can adversely affect television and radio broadcasts in their vicinity. This can cause disruption to surrounding residents – this can be an issue in the context of legal/planning requirements but also risks ‘bad press’ which is problematic in its own right.

The potential impacts are well understood, and solutions are generally available. Assessment of the potential impacts and preparation of the protocols to be followed if they occur can effectively prevent issues at a later stage. The most reliable way to do this is to ascertain the potentially affected areas and record the pre-existing signal quality.

What are the benefits of a Pager Power Television / Radio Baseline Survey?

Completing a baseline survey provides an understanding of whether issues are likely and, if so, the extent of the potential issues. Strategies for resolving concerns can be informed by the results of the assessment itself.

Completion of the survey also allows developers to demonstrate to the planning authority that this potential issue has been considered and will be addressed appropriately.

What does a Pager Power Television / Radio Baseline Survey cover?

Pager Power surveys are undertaken using a custom survey vehicle, utilising a wideband receiving aerial elevated to 10 meters using a telescopic mast and connected to a digital signal analyser. 

Pager Power’s baseline survey and report will identify the transmitters serving the area surrounding the development.

Subsequently, the potential interference areas will be identified in accordance with associated guidelines – notably from Ofcom in the United Kingdom and the International Telecommunication Union – industry best practice and previous experience.

The baseline survey provides a quantified record of the current reception quality in areas where potential adverse impacts could occur. This facilitates more accurate predictions of potential interference and also allows for a ‘before and after’ comparison in the event problems are subsequently reported.