Poor reception is a term used to describe a situation in which a signal is not received clearly. In this crossword, the solutions ALMS (4 letters), HISS (4 letters), and BOO (3 letters) all relate to this concept. ALMS refers to charity or giving to those in need, which can be seen as a metaphor for a weak signal. HISS is a sound made when something is not heard clearly, which is an apt description of a poor reception. Finally, BOO is an expression of disapproval, which could be used to describe a situation in which a signal is not received properly.