Broadcast relay station

Small, fenced building with antennas on a wooded hillside
NHK digital television, KRY, TYS and YAB transmitter in Iwakuni

A broadcast relay station, also known as a satellite station, relay transmitter, broadcast translator (U.S.), re-broadcaster (Canada), repeater (two-way radio) or complementary station (Mexico), is a broadcast transmitter which repeats (or transponds) the signal of a radio or television station to an area not covered by the originating station.

These expand the broadcast range of a television or radio station beyond the primary signal's original coverage or improves service in the original coverage area. The stations may be (but are not usually) used to create a single-frequency network. They may also be used by an AM or FM radio station to establish a presence on the other band.

Relay stations are most commonly established and operated by the same organisations responsible for the originating stations they repeat. Depending on technical and regulatory restrictions, relays may also be set up by unrelated organisations.


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