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Orders $1,000 forfeiture for late filing

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WorldCast Systems, the supplier of advanced broadcast products, is pleased to announce “the further evolution” of its APTmpX product, a “non-destructive” MPX/composite compression algorithm.

Despite the advent of the internet and digital broadcasting standards, FM remains the world’s most popular transmission format and a central technology in radio broadcasters’ efforts to maximize their reach and audience. As a result, new technologies have had to be created to enable an FM-centric workflow to also work for internet delivery.

The initial version of APTmpX, launched in October 2020, offered FM broadcasters access to high quality signal compression for the resulting centralized FM MPX/Composite transmission, solving the difficulty of maintaining both a high quality and a cost-effective transmission.

This provided a solution in the <900kbps region. The latest release of APTmpX takes this even further. Following optimization by Worldcast engineers, three new versions are available that offer new levels of compression at 600, 400 or 300kbps network bandwidth. This means the composite signal can now directly be transported with non-destructive compression from 600kbps down to 300kbps.

The use of APTmpX confers several advantages. Since the majority of composite equipment at transmitter sites is eliminated with a centrally generated MPX/composite signal, besides the obvious network savings, several broadcasters have already managed to save hardware costs with APTmpX. Furthermore, the company says, APTmpX combines signal fidelity with the best latency performance and makes it easier than ever to guarantee a consistent sonic signature across the transmitter network.

“Thanks to its low complexity and easy integration, APTmpX has already proven itself as the ultimate solution to enable a 100% digital transmission chain, bridging the transition from digital studios to digital transmitters,” said Gregory Mercier, Director of Product Marketing at WorldCast Systems. “With these new versions, we bring its power to a whole new section of the market, allowing broadcasters in areas of poor bandwidth penetration to deliver stunning audio quality to their audiences no matter what they are listening on.”

It’s known worldwide as a cloud-based multi-tenant platform provider.

At the end of this month, it will demonstrate how, in its view, “easy it is” to implement feature-rich OTT content delivery using the MwareTV platform to mobile operators, telcos and ISPs.

MwareTV will be getting a spotlight at Mobile World Congress, which begins February 28 in Barcelona and concludes March 3.

Mware TV can be found in Hall 5, stand 5J66. “Showcasing the platforms versatility, each visitor will be able to leave with a fully branded proof of concept service,” the company says.

“As an established, cloud-based content platform, MwareTV is able to add services very quickly, anywhere in the world. Users are presented with powerful functionality from content acquisition through delivery to white label Android and Apple apps, all simply customised and branded. Highly tailored and fully branded services can typically be online within four weeks.”

New at MWC2022 will be the latest version of the mobile apps, designed to provide a more enriched user-experience. “MwareTV handles all aspects of delivery, meaning ISPs and telcos do not need to delve into the technology of streaming: simply set quality of service expectations. In many markets, MwareTV can also supply licensed content for multiple channels and services, speeding still further the time to revenue.”

The cloud hosted MwareTV service is based on a “pay as you grow” concept, which means there are no high up-front costs. “As part of the proof of concept, MwareTV will supply a full costing calculator that provides a comprehensive forecast of the launch and running costs of any new service, leading to full investment transparency and profitability predictions. For telcos and ISPs, the ease of operation, ready to launch apps and financial transparency removes the significant barriers to entry and makes new services instantly competitive.”

From left: Ash Levitt, Bob Heil, and Steve Warford

Microphone manufacturer Heil Sound has new top leadership for the first time in its 56-year history.

The Illinois-based company said Bob and Sarah Heil have transferred ownership to current President/CEO Ash Levitt and Director of Operations Steve Warford.

“Sarah Heil has retired, but Bob will continue to do outreach work and product design within the amateur radio space under the title Founder and CEO Emeritus,” it stated.

The company said Levitt and Warford each began working with Heil Sound as teenagers, building and packaging products. “Levitt took a different career path in academia for a number of years, but continued to regularly consult with Heil Sound during that time. He returned to the company full-time in 2017 and assumed the role of president in 2020. Warford worked his way up in the company during his tenure and has been responsible for daily operations for the past several years.”

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An Early Photo of Bob Heil

Bob Heil began his audio career as a teenager performing concerts as the house player on the Wurlitzer theater organ at the Fox Theater in St. Louis. According to a company bio he was also deeply involved in ham radio and began tinkering with electronics and electronic design.

He opened “Ye Olde Music Shoppe” in Marissa, Ill., in the early 1960s and found success catering to professional touring bands. Heil Sound was formed in 1966 to provide pro touring gear and systems, and system design and equipment for music festivals.

Among his innovations is the famous Talk Box used by Joe Walsh and Peter Frampton, the quadrophonic mixer for the Who, and modular mixing consoles. The company entered mic manufacturing in the 1990s based in part on the prompting of Bob Heil’s friend the musician Joe Walsh.

In its announcement of the transition, the company quoted Bob Heil saying, “My life has been about achieving great sound, whether on the concert stage or in the amateur radio world. … This company has been my passion but it is time for me to step aside.”

Send news of engineering and executive personnel changes to radioworld@futurenet.com.

The post Heil Sound Has New Leadership appeared first on Radio World.

An image from Dielectric shows a scale model of an antenna and an HFSS virtual version

The National Association of Broadcasters supports the idea of allowing computer simulations for FM antenna directional patterns — as long as certain guardrails are in place.

“NAB believes that computational simulation of FM directional antennas is already mature and can produce comparable accuracy to physical measurements, thus minimizing the potential for new interference,” it wrote in comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission.

But it cautioned that “electromagnetic modeling software is complex, can be subject to manipulation, and limited by the accuracy and completeness of the input data.”

In November the commission opened an NPRM on this issue and proposed to permit the modeling. The change was urged in a joint petition from Dielectric, Jampro, Radio Frequency Systems and Shively Labs, all of which make antennas, as well as broadcaster Educational Media Foundation.

The most common reason to use a directional antenna by a commercial full-power FM station is to allow it to “short-space” to another FM station while maintaining contour protection to that station.

[Related: “Dielectric Expects FCC to OK FM Pattern Modeling”]

NAB wrote in its filed comments that the accuracy of computer simulation is “fundamentally dependent on the accuracy of the data input to the software.” So the association urged the FCC to require that full documentation of the underlying data and its sources be available to the commission and to “interested parties upon request.”

It wants the FCC to require the following: a statement of the qualifications of the people responsible for modeling; a complete description of the antenna system; limits of 15 dB max/min in the azimuth plane and of 2 dB/10-degree rate-of-change in the azimuth plane; and certification by a licensed land surveyor or equivalent that the antenna is oriented properly and installed at the correct height.

On other aspects, the NAB said the FCC should not require “in situ” measurements beyond ensuring the proper installation of the antenna. The commission should accept results from any appropriate electromagnetic modeling software. And, NAB said, absolute accuracy is not practically achievable, so the commission shouldn’t try to attain prediction accuracies that don’t materially affect the interference environment.

Click here to read the NAB’s filing in PDF format.

The post NAB Supports Directional FM Modeling appeared first on Radio World.

Ben Palmer

Planning for the 2022 NAB Show is ramping up, and Radio World is asking exhibitors about their expectations for what will be the first in-person spring show in three years.

Ben Palmer is president of Arrakis Systems.

Radio World: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trend that radio professionals should be watching for at the show?
Ben Palmer: I think that there will be a great emphasis on flexibility and accessibility with technology. As we learned with the pandemic, it is important for your studio to be available to you at any moment.

RW: What will be your most important news or exhibit theme?
Palmer: We are excited to show off the new changes we have implemented with our APEX automation system, as well as updates to our analog and AoIP consoles. Specifically with APEX, we have added new cloud features that make it more robust and easier to manage remotely.

The Arrakis APEX Automation System

RW: How is it different from what’s available on the market?
Palmer: The cloud technology services that we are adding to APEX utilizes the latest in security protocols. I believe that this goes a step beyond what has been used by many other systems on the market.

RW: How has the lack of physical trade shows affected your clients or your own business?
Palmer: Sales have done well in spite of the lack of shows. While it has always been wonderful to meet face to face, we have still been able to maintain our relationships with our customers.

Arrakis Booth: N2338

The post Exhibitor Preview: Arrakis Systems at NAB Show appeared first on Radio World.

The fourth-quarter earnings calendar for broadcast media companies is coalescing, and the latest company to confirm when it is sharing its results is The E.W. Scripps Co.

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Some 20 miles to the northwest of downtown Atlanta is town of Powder Springs, Ga. It is home to an AM radio station that spent much of January off the air, and has been owned by a Vietnamese-American media and entertainment figure for nearly 8 years.

He’s now opting to sell the facility, and at a fraction of the price he paid for it.

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The FCC Media Bureau has finalized a filing penalty against the winning bidder of an FM construction permit for Hugo, Colo., reducing the fine to $1,000 and calling the error a “minor delinquency.”

ScarboroughRadio LLC, a winning bidder in Auction 109, failed to file a post-auction Form 2100, Schedule 301 long-form application until a couple of weeks after the deadline last September.

Applications can be dismissed outright in such circumstances, the commission pointed out; but an applicant can establish good cause if “minor, inadvertent” post-auction delinquencies don’t disrupt its auction process or undermine its goal of facilitating rapid implementation of service.

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In issuing a notice of apparent liability in December, the FCC waived the deadline, saying that Scarborough had complied with its other obligations, there was no indication of bad faith and the late filing was a minor violation. That meant Scarborough could go ahead with its plan to add FM service to Hugo.

But the FCC did propose a $3,000 fine in the NAL. Company principal Scott Scarborough then filed a response, noting that he is a first-time auction participant, and that after working with the Media Bureau staff on preparation of the long-form application, “it was his understanding that there was no more to be done, that the filing was complete and that there were no issues regarding late filing.”

The commission now has issued a forfeiture order. It said auction bidders were informed through various means of the rules for the post-auction long-form application; but, it continued, Scarborough replied to its NAL promptly, made its final payment and met the other relevant obligations.

“These facts, combined with the fact that Mr. Scarborough proactively reached out to bureau staff to complete the late-filed application, support Scarborough’s assertion that its late application filing was wholly inadvertent.” For this “minor post-auction delinquency,” the FCC settled on a reduced forfeiture of $1,000.

The post FCC Reduces Fine on Successful Bidder appeared first on Radio World.

Connected TV advertising and measurement platform Innovid has struck a deal to acquire television measurement company TVSquared.

The acquisition creates what Innovid calls “an end-to-end, independent TV measurement alternative that brings together streaming and linear television.”

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Until its merger with Meredith Corporation, Atlanta-headquartered Gray Television didn’t own a broadcast TV station in its home market.

With the FCC‘s blessing, it will be adding a third over-the-air station to its collection in The A.

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It is designed “to elevate the visibility of diverse-owned media companies with advertisers and agencies.”

Introducing the Diverse Media Equity program, courtesy of the nation’s dominant audience measurement and consumer psychographics data provider.

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MIAMI — Just days after the closing of a transaction that effectively melds Televisa’s media content and production assets with those of Univision, the combined company now known as TelevisaUnivision Inc. has appointed a pair of sales leaders who are each taking Senior Vice President roles under EVP/Multimedia Sales John Kozack.

Joining the company are Rob McGovern, as SVP of Multimedia Sales, and Richard Bertodatti, as SVP of Multimedia and Audience Sales.

McGovern will be based in Los Angeles and will lead the West Coast National Sales efforts. McGovern was previously SVP/National Sales & Client Partnerships at Outfront Media, where he led West Coast national ad sales and the development of revenue growth strategies to drive new OOH business. McGovern has also served as SVP of Sales & Client Partnerships at WarnerMedia and spent nine years at Discovery Networks as VP/National Sales Manager.

Bertodatti will lead the company’s business with Publicis, IPG, Havas, the Boston territory, and at other agencies and work with Univision’s multimedia sales teams “to help optimize and accelerate the advanced advertising sales capabilities.”

Bertodatti joins TelevisaUnivision from Facebook, where he was Director of Global Investment Programs, focused on video and sponsorship opportunities. He previously spent six years at ViacomCBS, where he was active in the data advertising sales and strategy team.

Bertodatti started his career at Telemundo parent NBCU, where he held various sales roles during his 12-year tenure, across various network, digital and cable properties.

In the Public Relations trade, it has become standard practice to release headline-making breaking business news late in the day on a Friday. By doing so, the impact will be lessened, while consumers affected by the now-resolved dispute are happy and going on with their lives.

This is what occurred just before 6pm Eastern on February 4 between DISH and TEGNA. A new carriage agreement was reached — with its timing expressly tied to the start of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

But, is the second reason for an end to a particularly bitter battle tied to the institutional investment firm led by Soohyung Kim, which is reportedly close to a per-share buyout of the company he unsuccessfully sought to lead via two failed shareholder proposals?

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The year 2021 was a quiet one for U.S. broadcast transactions, according to a new report, and radio station deal values were at their lowest point in at least 40 years.

According to a market deal recap, S&P Global Market Intelligence found that while broadcast station advertising revenue rebounded from the hit it took in 2020 due to the COVID outbreak, the station transaction market is sitting at near-historical lows.

Total TV and radio deal volume for 2021 was $4.72 billion. Radio represented only 4% of that; $190.2 million is the lowest value for radio transactions in the company’s records, spanning four decades.

The four largest radio station deals were driven by three of the country’s top-10 TV station owners.

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In June, Sinclair Broadcast Group announced the sale of its only radio stations to Lotus Communications for $18.06 million.

And late in the year, The Walt Disney Co. received $24.25 million for its remaining radio stations: VCY America will pay $9.25 million for KESN(FM) in the Dallas–Ft. Worth market, while Good Karma Broadcasting will pay $15 million for Disney’s AM stations in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, along with an LMA for Emmis Communications station WEPN(FM).

Of the TV/radio broadcast total, about $4.2 billion or almost 93% came from the top two deals and their spinoffs.

In February 2021, Gray paid $925 million to Quincy Media for two TV stations and two radio stations. In April, Gray then sold 10 full-power and three low-power stations from the Quincy acquisition to Allen Media Group for $380 million. In May, Gray then announced the acquisition of Meredith Corp. and its 16 full-power and 30 low-power TV stations for $2.82 billion.

For the third year in a row, the average cash flow multiple for radio transactions remained stable at 6.6-times forward buyers broadcast cash flow. “In our estimates, only 25 full-power radio stations were sold based on their cash flow. That is, however, five stations more than in 2020.”

The post Radio Transactions Are at Near-Historical Lows appeared first on Radio World.