Telecommunication
The other meaning of the term "channel" in telecommunications is seen in the phrase communications channel, which is a subdivision of a transmission medium so that it can be used to send multiple streams of information simultaneously. For example, one radio station can broadcast radio waves into free space at frequencies in the neighborhood of 94.5 MHz (megahertz) while another radio station can simultaneously broadcast radio waves at frequencies in the neighborhood of 96.1 MHz. Each radio station would transmit radio waves over a frequency bandwidth of about 180 kHz (kilohertz), centered at frequencies such as the above, which are called the "carrier frequencies". Each station in this example is separated from its adjacent stations by 200 kHz, and the difference between 200 kHz and 180 kHz (20 kHz) is an engineering allowance for the imperfections in the communication system.
WSLQ
WSLQ has one of the largest coverage areas of all FM radio stations in the United States. Its effective radiated power (ERP) is 200,000 watts, broadcasting from a tower at 1962 feet in height above average terrain (HAAT). The Class C signal can be heard into West Virginia and North Carolina, and at times is picked up more than 200 miles away. The station was established in 1947, grandfathered at unusually high wattage before current Federal Communications Commission rules on FM power were set. Today, most FM stations are limited to 100,000 watts.