AM Revitalization Debate Steps Forward at NAB

3-21-13

(by David Webster)<./b> FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai is staying focused on AM revitalization with his moderation of a panel dedicated to the subject at this year's NAB Show.  This is encouraging news to AM broadcasters, many of whom have seen their technological, competitive and economic vitality sapped over the years.

Radio has advantage in its localism and accessibility; however this advantage, especially in the case of AM, is hampered through the poor reception experience suffered by many listeners.  Noisy signals with limited fidelity, combined with a night coverage that causes many stations to "effectively disappear" after sunset, puts AM in an intractable situation.  To remain relevant and thrive in the coming years AM radio clearly needs a "reboot".

I continue to applaud Commissioner Pai for taking, and sustaining, the initiative on this issue. There are various ideas on the table to be addressed by the panel, with many in the industry eagerly anticipating the discussion.  I have reached out to professionals in the industry in effort to gather their thoughts on creating a "wish list" of suggestions they would like to see addressed by the panel.  I have collected and summarized the most prevalent suggestions into 7 possible discussion points.

1.  There have been proposals for "across the board" power increases for AM broadcasters to combat interference and overcome reception issues encountered by poorly designed, yet commonplace, receivers entrenched in the marketplace.  This single change, while potentially costly for broadcasters to implement, offers the single most immediate benefit regarding improving AM reception issues outside of being on FM translators.  Yes, the ideas of regulating and cleaning up the "noise causing" devices that are creating the interference should and must be addressed, but the sheer quantity of these emitters makes the quest extremely daunting if not impossible.  What are the panel's thoughts regarding these two critical issues relating to AM revitalization?

2.  The use of FM translators by AMs to better serve their service area has been a boon to the broadcasters that can acquire them.  However, there have been many cases in which an AM could acquire a translator but current rules will not allow the translator to be moved within a station's service area.  There is proposal to relax these rules and better help accommodate these moves that is awaiting decision.  As it is generally not the policy to comment on policy changes that are currently under review, it would still be good to hear panel discussion on the subject along with other issues related to FM translator use by AMs.

3.  There has been much discussion about transitioning current AM stations to a new "all-digital" band.  The majority of broadcasters that I corresponded with ultimately believe this to be the most likely long-term solution.  Proposals include those by the Broadcast Maximization Committee for repurposing the spectrum of television channels 5 and 6 along with the DRM Consortium's utilization of the 26Mhz space for local broadcasting.  Converting to a new band scheme will certainly take time to occur, so it is imperative to begin as soon as feasible.  It would be great to hear discussion amongst the panelists along with those that may have taken place within the Commission regarding these issues.

4.  There has been much discussion, and recently testing of, utilizing the HD Radio or DRM systems in their "all digital" modes with a possible goal of dropping "hybrid digital" and "analog only" broadcasting.  I have found almost unanimous opinion by broadcasters and others in the industry that this is a total non-starter without some sort of timeline and receiver mandate by the Commission such as occurred with the DTV transition.  In taking this issue as a serious consideration, would the Commission consider "mandating" a digital radio transition to accelerate uptake and what is the industry's opinion?

5.  An AM improvement idea which is gaining traction is that of "Single Frequency Networks" or SFNs.   In SFNs a synchronous transmission is simultaneously broadcast on multiple lower-powered transmitters covering smaller "cells" throughout a station's service area.  These more numerous lower-power localized nodes could overcome issues including noise and coverage limitations, especially at night.  Many stations have to reduce their power to a fraction of their daytime levels at night, so if this lower-power level could be simultaneously broadcast from multiple locations, a station could cover its service area without contributing significant skywave interference at night.  SFNs make even more sense with digital transmission since these systems have been purposefully designed for these broadcast environments.  It would be nice to hear the panel's perspective regarding such "synchronous" broadcasting topologies on AM as well as FM.

6.  Many barriers to AM improvement are due to the physics of the band itself, at this lower frequency AM radiators are much larger than those of FM, often hundreds of feet in height.  Many AM transmission facilities are ageing and in need of replacement or repair which can be an expensive, if not impossible proposition for an operator, especially in cases of directional antenna systems.  For the current broadcast environment and for future consideration of synchronous transmission systems with a multitude of  "cells", the need for less costly lower profile, yet efficient, antennas is at hand.  Since most AM antenna technology, designs and principles have not changed much since the 1920's, what could industry and the FCC do from a regulatory perspective to foster, test  and ultimately approve new "lower profile" antenna systems for AM?

7.  Continuing along the lines of "transmission improvements", the concept of "anti-skywave" antennas has taken on an almost "cult like" status as the Holy Grail for AM.  It would be great to hear the panel's insights on this issue, especially in regards to what private industry along with the Commission and other governmental entities could do to computer model, test, construct and proof these designs.

In summary, these are just few AM revitalization topics that will hopefully be joined with many more to be discussed by the panel.  Again, my appreciation to Commissioner Pai, along with this esteemed group of panelists for their consideration and commitment to help AM broadcasting "Reload" as it transitions towards its second century.

Dave Webster is the CEO at VSI|HD Media Services in Southington, CT and can be reached at David Webster DWebster@vsimedia.com

(3/21/2013 6:43:17 AM)
WIBG salutes the FCC commissioner for looking at rebooting AM . FCC should require all utility companies to replace and renew their infrastructure. AM radio competes with the local electric companies because of their RFI noise generated by junk equipment As importantly, insist that radio manufacturers re install new digital IF circuits in receivers, as their removal
40 years ago denegrated AM quality, forcing listeners to FM. Third, eliminate IBOC from AM. Pure noise..pure buzz

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AM Revitalization Looks to Take Step Forward

1-16-13

(by David Webster) As an advocate for the revitalization and advancement of the interests of AM broadcasters, I recently penned a letter to Matthew Berry, chief of staff for Ajit Pai, supporting WTCJ's request for FCC relaxation of FM translator moves by AM's. I have not heard back from the commission at this point and have asked Radio Ink editor Ed Ryan to share the letter WITH his readers to get additional feedback from broadcasters. Here is the letter I sent to Mr. Berry.

Mr. Berry,

Please let me extend my appreciation and gratitude to Commissioner Pai regarding his emphasis and attention towards revitalization of the AM broadcast band. To many broadcasters this was the "shot of adrenaline" they needed to renew hope and determination for the future of their broadcast livelihoods.

As most are aware, AM radio, especially smaller operators and "AM only" facilities, are more often struggling in today's environment. Levels of interference have increased dramatically, alternative entertainment choices have proliferated and audiences have become much more quality conscious in what is today a 24-hour media marketplace. AM broadcasters, faced with interference challenges, low-quality receivers, a crowded band and relegation to being mostly available during daylight hours has created a negative perception in listeners.

Commissioner Pai has proficiently made the case in investigating various new avenues to technically help those on America's first broadcast band improve their service to the public. AM power increases, going digital, AM on FM translators, creating a new service within the TV Channels 5 & 6 space or using DRM at 26 MHz (my favorite) along with new antenna designs are some of many great ideas that should seriously be considered.

These new ideas and others on the table all have merits to their advantage; however, they must be looked at and implemented from the perspective that they are "medium" to "long-term" solutions for relieving AM broadcasters current challenges.

In this regard, beyond perhaps "power increases" and "negotiated interference," the one idea that will immediately benefit AM broadcasters is their use of FM translators. FM is already compatible with current receivers in the marketplace and its propagation and technical characteristics are well known.

The steps taken by the Commission to allow AMs to broadcast on FM translators was a fantastic move and has allowed some AMs to better serve their market and quite possibly avoid going dark. FM also allows AMs to have full service at night, although many stations can and do run reduced power at night, the power levels are often so low that their signals only cover a fraction of their daytime service area. This reduced service is obviously a detriment to the operator, but I also believe it is a detriment to public service as many local stations are the last resource of information available in emergency situations. Severe storms over the last few years, including the recent SuperStorm Sandy, have revealed once again the critical role that these local broadcasters can play in times of emergency.

While the FCC steps to date in allowing AMs to rebroadcast their signals on FM translators have been a terrific boon to those broadcasters that can acquire them, there are still issues at hand. Many stations that can successfully acquire a translator often times will need to move the translator to within their primary contour, however the limitations on the distance those translators can be moved often render the move impossible. In response to the distance issue, and with the best intentions in the spirit of revitalizing the AM band, a request to the FCC Audio Division for changes has been made. As filed by Attorney John Garziglia and representing WTCJ(AM), FCC File No. BPFT-20121116ALE, provides mechanisms to relax current regulation and make the relocation of FM translators to an AM broadcasters coverage area more often possible. I fully support this filing, believe it to be in the public interest and appreciate in advance its consideration by the Commission.

Recently there has been a groundswell of interest and support in addressing the woes of AM broadcasters. AM radio has served our public well through wars, recessions, elections, tragedy and triumph. The suggestions that have been made recently show that interest in this subject has grown in interest and urgency. As commercial broadcasting is quickly approaching its "Centennial in America," it is clear that AM radio is ready for a reboot.

Again, my appreciation to Commissioner Pai and the Commission for the serious time, commitment and consideration that is being put forth on this issue; I look forward to working with all interested parties to help move this cause forward and thank you for your time.

Dave Webster
CEO
VSI|HD Media Services
Southington, CT

(1/16/2013 9:13:13 PM)
There is a great deal of affection for AM, our original form of broadcasting, but it's over. The technology is obsolete. The only AM stations with listeners are the ones that have remained relevant over the years. Once they bottom out they never come back. The only answer is an FM license be it a translator, an HD channel, or a spot on an expanded FM band. Even web streaming is preferable to AM. It's a dead horse.
(1/16/2013 2:43:15 PM)
Below is a portion of the letter I sent to the Commissioners...

I write to tell you of a minor miracle that WMRC has pulled off here in our small market of Milford, Massachusetts. WMRC is a stand-alone 1KW station under the Boston, Worcester, and Providence umbrella’s. Each day we face more and more competition from Satellite Radio, Internet Radio, and Digital Media throughout the market. If that’s not enough, our signal is increasingly under attack from new technologies which make it ever harder to serve our communities with the local news, weather, sports, and public affairs programming they’ve come to rely on.

In the face of all of these obstacles, WMRC has just been selected as the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association Station of the Year for the fourth time!!! Our dedication to LOCALISM is what makes us great, but it’s getting tougher and tougher to keep up the fight.

I’m aware of the effort at the FCC to “Revitalize the AM Broadcast Stations of the County”, and this is welcome news to broadcasters like myself. I truly love what I do, and I’d like to keep doing it for the next 50 years, but without your help, that may not be the case.

There is presently a waiver request (the Tell City Waiver request) pending at the FCC (File No. BPFT-20121116ALE), which will most likely be acted upon the third week of January. The waiver requests the abolishment of decades old rules that unreasonably prohibit an AM broadcaster from moving an FM Translator significant distances to be located within the AM stations community and rebroadcast the programming of the AM station on the FM Tanslator station, which, when implemented, provides the community with the 24/7 quality programming service it has historically enjoyed.

I hope you will consider supporting the crucial Tell City Waiver Request. I believe it’s the only future for AM stations like WMRC-First Class Radio. Sadly, without this assistance I fear we’ll simply fade away and become a thing of the past.

(1/16/2013 1:02:43 PM)
I am in support of a waiver request filed with the Federal Communications Commission, FCC File No. BPFT-20121116ALE, to move an existing FM translator in order for it to simulcast WTCJ, an AM radio station in Tell City, Indiana.

WTCJ, along with AM radio stations across the country, continue to be challenged with man-made interference that challenges their ability to retain and grow audiences.

The FCC has wisely granted the ability for AM radio stations to simulcast on FM translators when they're available.

This waiver request would allow the FM translator to be moved a distance, in order to help WTCJ provide local radio service to Tell City, Indiana and surrounding area.

As a licensee of 3 AM radio stations, all of which are simulcast on FM translators we've been blessed to acquire and use, I can personally attest to the importance of continuing to provide local radio service that's been heard for decades on my AM stations, by having the same programming simulcast on FM translators that are not as suspectible to man-made interference as the AM signal.

I hope that the Commission grants the waiver request of WTCJ so that it can continue to provide local radio service in Tell City, Indiana, on the FM dial as well as the AM dial, as well as give other AM owners the opportunity to continue to serve their local communities by simulcasting on FM translators.

- Randal J. Miller, President, Miller Media Group(1/16/2013 12:02:39 PM)
Although I own an FM and no AM it's my belief AM's need immediate help to continue serving their communities. I fully support Bud Walter's waiver.

John Kennedy owner
WGEL FM
Greenville, Illinois

(1/16/2013 10:55:59 AM)
AM Radio has long been an important community resource in our small towns. Commissioner Pai's revitalization effort is a great step towards reinforcing broadcasting in the public interest.

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Digital Geniuses Please Step Forward

Radio Ink has created some of the most prestigious awards in our industry: The 40 Most Powerful, the Most Influential Women in Radio, The Radio Wayne Awards, to name a few. And now it's time to recognize and reward our industry's forward thinkers. We are now accepting nominations for the 2013 Radio Ink Digital Awards which will be handed out at Convergence in Silicon Valley being held March 4th and 5th. 

The digital world is coming at radio from many different angles. Yesteryear's "nerds" in the corner are now at the head of the class, and we're all learning from them how to travel at Internet speed. And each year we reward that brilliance -- with the Radio Ink Digital Awards. Our digital awards are sponsored by Presslaff Interactive. CEO Ruth Presslaff says, ""We think it?s important to continue to sponsor these digital awards as a way of recognizing the critical importance digital programs play in radio?s ratings and revenue development." The Radio Ink Digital Awards will be handed out at Convergence in Silicon Valley being held March 4th and 5th.

These awards recognize excellence in seven categories in the exciting and ever-more-critical digital arena:

Best Brand Extension Through Streaming
Most Original Database/Digital Marketing Campaign
Best Use of Social Media
Best Client-Focused Digital Solution
Best Radio App
Best Radio Station Website (Markets 1-50)
Best Radio Station Website (Markets 51+)

Do you have a potentially award-winning digital initiative or know of a station or group that does? Then make your nomination now; just provide contact information and a brief description of why an individual, station, or platform deserves a Radio Ink Digital Award on the nomination form . You may nominate your own station or group in any category so if you're proud of the work you've been doing, don't hesitate to nominate your own team. NOMINATIONS CLOSE January 21.

You may also nominate for the Luminary Award, recognizing an individual with a strong track record of leadership and innovation in radio digital platforms for at least a decade. Those nominations should be emailed separately to edryantheeditor@gmail.com

Register for Convergence HERE

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Driving The Industry Forward

6-20-2012

WBEB Philadelphia owner Jerry Lee says Erica Farber is going to make a great RAB President. "I see Erica methodically putting together a step-by-step plan to drive the industry forward. She has the leadership qualities to grow the industry by at least 25 percent over the next five years." That is a very bold statement from a highly respected and successful independent operator. So how does Farber see the industry transforming? She says we have to think about more than just transmitters. It's about doing a better job of branding our product.

In the latest issue of Radio Ink, RAB CEO Erica Farber is featured on the cover. In the interview we asked her how she sees the radio business transforming over the next five years. "That?s a big question. From the broadcasters? standpoint, it?s gotten bigger than just thinking about your transmitter. The transmitter is critical, but for the first time in my career, we are able to compete with other mediums for budget in a different way. Whether it?s through your computer, handheld, or whatever device, that?s where our consumers are going to be. That is what radio is focusing on. It is becoming more critical than ever."

Farber also says how we brand radio is key because of the number of ways consumers can now access audio products. "We always talk about how important product is, and how important branding is. But more important than ever is what our product is and what our branding is, because the competition is fierce. Getting our products on every device possible, and I know there are many people working to make this happen, is critical. The change that?s occurring is, when you talk to the consumer about radio, their definition of radio is changing. They might be listening to a stream on their computer, but they call it radio. They might be listening to an audio service on a handheld, but they call it radio. When we look to the future, that?s going to be a big issue ? what?s going to be the definition of radio and audio services. It?s important that broadcasters focus on their brands."

And, how important is local? "There is huge importance in local, but local has a broader definition. It?s being the very best you can in your local marketplace. Sometimes that means taking a national brand and including it in your local station. Our challenge is, how do we stay up? How do we communicate? How do we learn? How do we stay ahead of all the new technology?"

We'll have more from our cover story with Erica Farber tomorrow.
You can subscribe to our digital edition RIGHT NOW and read the rest of it immediately on your mobile device or tablet. Call 561-655-8778 to subscribe to our print edition.

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Driving The Industry Forward

6-20-2012

WBEB Philadelphia owner Jerry Lee says Erica Farber is going to make a great RAB President. "I see Erica methodically putting together a step-by-step plan to drive the industry forward. She has the leadership qualities to grow the industry by at least 25 percent over the next five years." That is a very bold statement from a highly respected and successful independent operator. So how does Farber see the industry transforming? She says we have to think about more than just transmitters. It's about doing a better job of branding our product.

In the latest issue of Radio Ink, RAB CEO Erica Farber is featured on the cover. In the interview we asked her how she sees the radio business transforming over the next five years. "That?s a big question. From the broadcasters? standpoint, it?s gotten bigger than just thinking about your transmitter. The transmitter is critical, but for the first time in my career, we are able to compete with other mediums for budget in a different way. Whether it?s through your computer, handheld, or whatever device, that?s where our consumers are going to be. That is what radio is focusing on. It is becoming more critical than ever."

Farber also says how we brand radio is key because of the number of ways consumers can now access audio products. "We always talk about how important product is, and how important branding is. But more important than ever is what our product is and what our branding is, because the competition is fierce. Getting our products on every device possible, and I know there are many people working to make this happen, is critical. The change that?s occurring is, when you talk to the consumer about radio, their definition of radio is changing. They might be listening to a stream on their computer, but they call it radio. They might be listening to an audio service on a handheld, but they call it radio. When we look to the future, that?s going to be a big issue ? what?s going to be the definition of radio and audio services. It?s important that broadcasters focus on their brands."

And, how important is local? "There is huge importance in local, but local has a broader definition. It?s being the very best you can in your local marketplace. Sometimes that means taking a national brand and including it in your local station. Our challenge is, how do we stay up? How do we communicate? How do we learn? How do we stay ahead of all the new technology?"

We'll have more from our cover story with Erica Farber tomorrow.
You can subscribe to our digital edition RIGHT NOW and read the rest of it immediately on your mobile device or tablet. Call 561-655-8778 to subscribe to our print edition.

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View the original article here