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Media Bureau issues a Notice of Apparent Liability in the amount of $7,000 to Ward Broadcasting Corporation for failure to timely file a license renewal application and for unauthorized operation of Station WTOY(AM), Salem, Virginia

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Modern building techniques can affect wireless propagation, and Commissioner Michael O’Rielly would like the Federal Communications Commission to work with the Energy Department to explore ways to take more advantage of that situation.

O’Rielly wrote a letter to Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette saying explosive growth in wireless communications has resulted in “increasing interplay involving building codes, construction techniques and materials, and wireless communications coverage.”

[Read: 70-Year-Old Antenna Site Rules Up for Debate by FCC]

He’d like to see the FCC and DOE work together to “produce thoughtful building codes that will not only allow the department to fulfill its mission, but also expand wireless spectrum opportunities, and thus facilitate more consumer uses. Further, the commission would benefit from the department’s expertise regarding building materials when formulating our technical rules.”

The commissioner said higher energy efficiency requirements, construction techniques and the use of metal-coated windows, double-pane windows and metal foil barriers have increased “building entry and exit loss,” or BEL, according to the International Telecommunication Union.

Broadcasters have been affected for years by reception challenges in buildings. Whether this effort would explore how to improve broadcast reception is unclear; RW has requested comment from the commissioner’s office and will share any reply. But in his letter O’Rielly focused not on improved reception but on new opportunities.

“Better understanding the department’s efforts can allow the commission to authorize and introduce increased wireless functionality in spectrum bands without causing harm to other services, including those of incumbent users,” he wrote. “Higher BEL means that there is less risk of harmful interference from competing signals from inside and outside modern structures, which means there may be opportunities for more flexibility in certain wireless operations.”

O’Rielly would like to see an interagency working group exploring modifications to building codes. He said Chairman Ajit Pai supports the idea.

“Specifically, our respective agencies could further explore the effects of model building codes on BEL; whether the building code-setting process should take into account the potential impact of various energy-saving techniques on BEL; and how this information can better inform architectural and building construction considerations in the future.”

 

The post O’Rielly: Improve Building Codes With Wireless Spectrum in Mind appeared first on Radio World.

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Denial of Petition for Reconsideration which argued that LPFM governing board change addressed as a rule violation in a consent decree should have instead resulted in license expiration under section 312(g) of the Communications Act

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Caroline Mwelu Munee presents on Koch FM.

As the world continues to fight COVID-19, community radio stations have played a critical role in tackling the spread of the disease in Africa. Community radio stations in the continent are spreading life-saving COVID-19 information to vulnerable communities in urban and rural areas — their mission at this moment is focused on disseminating information to prevent the pandemic.

Getting information on ways to stop the spread of coronavirus in vulnerable communities can be challenging and difficult. But the radio stations have built up trust within communities and listeners appreciate and act on the information that has been broadcast.

Koch FM, Kenya’s first licensed community radio station — established in 2006 by the youth of Korogocho slum, the fourth-largest informal settlement in the country’s capital Nairobi — is leading the way in the fight against COVID-19. The community radio station has developed efforts to create awareness on COVID-19, and to reach women, the elderly, adolescent, youth, children, persons with disability and other marginalized and vulnerable groups.

Over the years, community radio has played a critical role in informing people about matters that affect their lives and has been useful during disasters and emergencies. In this time of crisis, Koch FM is broadcasting COVID-19-related programs daily. They are broadcasting public health advice and songs that advise people on preventive measures to reduce infections within the community.

[Read: How Community Radio Is Helping India]

The idea of community media is to empower marginalized people with no access to mainstream media. Community radios like Koch FM are run by and serve the interest of the community — they amplify voices of marginalized communities, serve as a mouthpiece to the marginalized and provide essential information.

In the Mukuru slum in Nairobi, Kenya, Ruben FM (99.9 MHz), a community radio station, is sensitizing the community on the need to stay at home, and stay safe, and that COVID-19 can affect them too. They are encouraging community members to ensure proper sanitation. The radio station has been broadcasting news and programs on the COVID-19 pandemic.

In keeping with the mission of community radio, Ruben FM is providing information, education and knowledge that cater to the needs of the vulnerable community. It is evident that the station has been able to function as part of the community, and more effectively because it is physically situated there. This makes it easy for community members to access and contact the facility — it is accessible in terms of ownership, decision-making and program output.

In Mozambique, community stations have been taking on the coronavirus and continue to broadcast and provide essential information to keep COVID-19 at bay. Broadcasters at Radio Gorongosa and Radio Dondo, for instance, are sending out prevention messages about COVID-19 to communities in the form of advertising spots, radio debates, interviews, reports and programs.

In Ethiopia, Argoba Community Radio 98.6 FM, located on the border of Amhara and Afar regional states and broadcasting 56 hours per week in Amharic, Argoba and Afar languages, is contributing to the fight against an “infodemic” that is prevalent in social media channels. At a time when there is a mass spread of wrong information, the station has done a fantastic job to break the chain of the virus and fake news.

Community radio provides marginalized communities with access to a voice — to express their concerns, interests and needs, promote and protect their cultures, traditions and heritages and determine their own development.

At this point, and during the COVID-19 crisis, the role of community radio stations is important in providing vulnerable sections of the population with credible information on how they can protect themselves against coronavirus. It is important to embrace community radios to check and halt the deadly virus and fight COVID-19.

The author is a public policy analyst and writer who has served as a consultant with the United Nations and the World Bank. An alumnus of Duke University, he has authored and co-authored numerous books, including “Conversations About the Youth in Kenya.” Obonyo is a TEDx fellow and has won various awards.

 

The post In Africa Stations Spread Lifesaving Information appeared first on Radio World.

Booths at a past Radio Show. Photo: Jim Peck.

There will be no Radio Show convention in Nashville in September, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The National Association of Broadcasters and the Radio Advertising Bureau said they’ll produce a digital event instead.

Looking ahead, the organizations also announced locations and dates for their fall show for the next two years: Sept. 21–24, 2021, in New Orleans and Oct. 5–7, 2022, back in Nashville.

RAB President/CEO Erica Farber and NAB President/CEO Gordon Smith made the announcement in a letter to the industry.

“Just as you put your listeners’ interests first, your well-being is our top priority. With that in mind and considering the circumstances of the ongoing pandemic, we have decided not to move forward with the 2020 Radio Show in Nashville as previously scheduled for September 13–16. Instead, we will produce a digital event incorporating the best of what the Radio Show has to offer,” they wrote.

“Together with the Radio Show Steering Committee, we are committed to providing an alternative solution that will provide meaningful engagement, thought leadership, networking opportunities and insights to drive our industry forward.” Details are to be announced later.

 

The post Fall Radio Show in Nashville Is Cancelled; Online Event Set Instead appeared first on Radio World.

John Poray

The SBE Executive Director Search Committee has announced that it has placed open position notices in several job boards that cater to those who work in the association and nonprofit career field. The committee was formed to find a replacement for current Executive Director John Poray who, earlier this year, announced his plans for retirement at the end of the year.

According to a press release, “the committee will accept candidates’ resumes through the month of June and that initial interviews will begin in July.”

[Read: SBE’s Poray to Retire in 2020]

Some of the duties of the executive director include managing the organization’s administration, services, financial resources, staff and property along with serving as the primary contact with industry partners, promoting the society and carrying out board instructions.

The executive director also serves as the treasurer of the society’s 501(c)3 foundation, the Ennes Educational Foundation Trust.

Those feeling lucky can check out the job description here. Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by sending a cover letter and resume to: Search Committee Chair at Executivedirectorsearch@sbe.org by June 30.

 

The post SBE Begins Search for New Executive Director appeared first on Radio World.

Click on the image above to access the guide.

While we might have missed walking the aisles of the exhibit floor at the NAB Show, innovations in media technology still made industry news this spring. Hot off the digital presses, this Future Best of Show Special Program Guide is a great way to learn about new products introduced for the TV, film, video, streaming, radio and pro AV business sectors.

[Read: Radio World Announces Winners of “Best of Show Special Edition”]

This digital guide features all of the nominees that participated in this year’s special version of the Best of Show Awards program, held online in the absence of the 2020 NAB Show. It allows companies to tell you in their own words why they believe a certain product is noteworthy. An award logo at the top of a page indicates a winning product. View the guide here.

The post Best of Show 2020 Program Guide eBook Is Now Available appeared first on Radio World.

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