Squirrel-Induced Power Outage Hits WJIB’s Memories Station
In a bizarre turn of events for Boston-area radio, a small squirrel managed to take down a significant broadcast signal. The AM version of the Memories Station recently experienced a power failure after a squirrel caused a short circuit at the station’s transmitter site in Medford.
Station owner John Garabedian reported the incident via the JIB Facebook page, explaining that the outage occurred when a squirrel scampered across a 13,000-volt line. The resulting electrical short blew a fuse on the pole, instantly cutting power to the transmitter.
Quick Recovery and a Bit of Humor
The outage didn’t last long, with power being restored shortly before 4:30 p.m. Despite the technical headache, Garabedian maintained a sense of humor regarding the animal culprit, writing, “Condolences to the family of the squirrel who got fried.”
Who is Behind the Memories Station?
The station is owned by John Garabedian, a veteran American radio personality and disc jockey with over 50 years of experience in Massachusetts broadcasting. Garabedian is most widely recognized as the creator and former long-time host of Open House Party. He has a deep history in the region, having worked with Worcester station WORC and served as a program director at WMEX.
Currently, Garabedian serves as the President of Jamchannel, a syndication company. His recent ventures include the acquisition of WJIB Boston, an AM/FM translator combination. Under his leadership, the station has transitioned toward the “Memories Channel” format, focusing on soft rock from the 1960s and beyond to preserve a specific version of Easy Listening and Adult Standards alive on the airwaves.
Key Takeaways: The WJIB Transmitter Incident
- The Cause: A squirrel contacted a 13,000-volt power line.
- The Result: A blown fuse at the Medford transmitter site caused an outage for the AM signal.
- The Resolution: Power was fully restored by 4:30 p.m.
- The Owner: Veteran broadcaster John Garabedian, known for Open House Party and Jamchannel.
The Challenge of Radio Infrastructure
While it may seem comical, wildlife interference is a recurring challenge for broadcast infrastructure. High-voltage lines are critical for maintaining the powerful signals required for AM broadcasting, but they are also vulnerable to environmental factors and animals. For a station like WJIB, which aims to provide a consistent “Memories” experience for its listeners, even a brief outage can disrupt the curated atmosphere of its soft rock and standards programming.
As Garabedian continues to revitalize specific niches of the radio landscape, the Medford transmitter remains a vital link in bringing these classic sounds to the Boston area.
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