Thanks for taking the time to write. The WBFO downtown reception problem stems from radio receiver “overload” from the three strong FM stations transmitting from atop the Rand Building – WBLK, WMSX & WYRK. There is more than enough signal present downtown from WBFO for good reception (WBFO transmits from the UB North Campus in Amherst) but many car radios get overwhelmed by the very strong signals coming from the Rand building and have difficulty discerning stations that are less powerful in relation to those very close stations. The overload will vary depending on the route you take & the car radio itself – some radios are better than others at tuning in a selected station in a radio frequency “jungle”.