Talk station WPTT-AM (1360) is laying the groundwork to switch to a new frequency, which would give it a better signal and more coverage of the Pittsburgh radio market.

The FCC has approved the station's application to switch frequencies with Christian music station WAVL-AM (910) in Apollo, which is owned by Evangel Heights Church of God.

The switch would move WPTT's license to Mt. Lebanon. It's currently licensed to McKeesport.

WPTT has long been plagued by a weak signal. It fades even more after sundown, when the station is required to cut power. Because of its current position on the dial, the station has to operate at lower power so it won't interfere with neighboring frequencies, including sister station WJAS-AM (1320). The move to 910 on the AM dial would enable WPTT to better compete with other talk stations in the market.

Anthony Renda Jr., general manager of Renda Broadcasting, which owns WPTT, WSHH-FM (99.7) and WJAS-AM (1320), calls the proposed move "truly a win-win-win" for all parties involved. "WPTT gets to increase its power. WAVL is going to have better coverage. It's also a win for the community. WPTT has provided an alternative local programming source to this market for a long time. Now, our signal will match our programming."

Listeners don't need to switch their preset buttons just yet. If everything works out, the change would happen in around a year's time. There are still more regulatory hurdles before it's a done deal. Construction permits are being filed, which will also need FCC approval. And a new transmitter will have to be built.

But the change is one that Renda has been working on for a long time. "We have great talent -- Lynn [Cullen], Jerry [Bowyer], Doug [Hoerth]. We have this great product," Renda said. "I've always felt we could do so much more with it if we had a true market signal, both day and night.

"WPTT will be a much bigger player in this market. Lynn, Doug and Jerry will be able to reach a lot more people. We see turning that signal into ratings, and better exposure for our clients."

Renda said the proposed change would give the station the second most powerful AM signal in the market -- next to competitor KDKA-AM (1020).

With its mix of liberal and conservative viewpoints, WPTT provides some counterpoint to the conservative viewpoints that dominate much of talk radio, both locally and nationally. The signal increase "will provide this market with an alternative to what they've been listening to in terms of talk radio," Renda said.

Renda also said the plans demonstrate his company's commitment both to the talk format and to the Pittsburgh radio market. "Our family has committed to Pittsburgh. We're bullish on Pittsburgh. We made the change because we see the long-term potential in the city of Pittsburgh, and we're here to stay."