The Federal Communications Commission allows a low-powered signal for this type of station which can be heard for several miles on roads and freeways surrounding the airport. Caltrans placed signs along freeways approaching the airport to inform drivers about the station. The station's studio is located in the airport's Administration Building and a newly constructed transmitter site is on the airport perimeter near the main access road.
"The new airport radio station at 770 on the AM dial, which will operate 24 hours a day, will enable us to communicate immediately with drivers headed to the airport in the event of a security emergency," said Alan Hyde, ONT's police department commander. "We will now be able to inform drivers of security issues as they are developing and advise them directly about specific courses of action. The new radio station is an important part of Ontario International's overall security program to ensure that the airport is as safe and secure as possible."
The station will be on air in time for Calif.'s busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period. Airport officials expect 200,000 passengers to travel through ONT from Friday, Nov. 17 through Monday, Nov. 27.
"Thanksgiving week is possibly the busiest time of the year at the airport," said Jess Romo, ONT's airport manager. "The winter holiday travel period is also approaching and the radio station, a highly effective medium, will help us communicate with the traveling public in a timely manner. Ontario International now handles more than seven million passengers annually and many of them are here for the first time. Information provided on the station will make their trips much easier."
