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WWFD “The Gamut” is displayed on the HD Radio receiver of a 2019 Toyota Highlander. 

Hubbard Radio is asking the Federal Communications Commission to let it operate its experimental all-digital AM band station for another year. HD Radio parent Xperi supports this and has given the FCC some insight into the kinds of additional testing it wants to do there.

The station, WWFD in Frederick, Md., not far from Washington, has been a test bed for all-digital HD Radio transmission on an AM station since 2018, as we’ve reported. Its FM translator continues providing service to analog Listeners. (A second STA for all-digital was recently approved for Urban One station WTLC(AM) in Indianapolis.)

Chief Engineer and Program Director Dave Kolesar has said he hopes WWFD will never return to analog; and the FCC recently took comments on a proposal that would allow all U.S. AM band stations to use all-digital transmission if they wish.

[Read “Broadcasters Get Behind All-Digital AM Option”]

“WWFD’s all-digital experiments over the past two years have sparked widespread positive interest in the radio industry,” Hubbard’s local arm writes in the application to extend Special Temporary Authority. It characterized industry support for the FCC proposal as overwhelming.

Meanwhile HD Radio parent Xperi Corp. says in a supporting statement that it plans to expand its testing of an HD2 multicast audio service, which would create a second audio service in addition to the main program services. “We would like to experiment with different audio bitrate sizes used, and audio formats (Parametric Stereo),” it wrote.

Xperi also wants to try different data services alongside those now deployed. It wants to test Emergency Alerts services and new advanced alerting services; test the performance of MA3 vs. analog in various all‐electric vehicles; and test changes to the MA3 all-digital waveform by reducing the power level of the unmodulated pilot carrier level. It also wants to compare building penetration for all-digital, hybrid digital and analog modes.

Hubbard and Xperi have been supported in this project by the National Association of Broadcasters Pilot program, Kintronic Labs and Cavell Mertz & Associates.

[Read our profile of Dave Kolesar from December 2019.]

The post Xperi Describes More Planned Tests at All-Digital AM appeared first on Radio World.

Rick Greenhut

Veteran marketer Rick Greenhut will leave Xperi at the end of this week.

Greenhut is known to many in the radio industry for his work promoting HD Radio for 12 years as director of U.S. broadcast sales at iBiquity Digital and then at Xperi. He told colleagues in an email that his position has been cut “due to the dual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the merger with TiVo.”

Before crossing into the technology sector in 2008 Greenhut was VP of new media for Premiere Radio Networks, and before that held business roles with Westwood One, NBC Radio and Arbitron.

[Read: “Is AM Digital Right for Your Station,” by Rick Greenhut]

He hopes to consult broadcast groups on how to better market their stations to local and national advertisers.

“After years of making presentations to groups large and small, I often see people missing the opportunity to connect with the group they are speaking to by ‘winging it,’ as opposed to presenting a polished, professional presentation that shows they thought enough of the group they are speaking to, to actually prepare.”

 

The post Rick Greenhut Leaves Xperi appeared first on Radio World.

Getty Images/Cavan Images

I always look forward to the latest FCC totals of licensed U.S. radio stations; I guess I’m a radio geek. (I don’t run down the street yelling “The new license data are here,” at least not yet.) But whenever the latest numbers come, I like to dive back into the historical record to see how they’ve changed over time.

The fresh report from the Federal Communications Commission reveals that as of June 30, there were 4,570 licensed AM stations, 6,706 commercial FMs and 4,197 educational FMs, for a total of 15,473 full-power U.S. radio stations.

But of course the FM band is much more crowded than that because there are also 2,146 low-power FMs and 8,303 translators and boosters.

So how does that compare to the past?

For kicks I took historical FCC data from several points over several decades and put them into a table below. I thought you’d be interested in this. Note that the first two rows are from 1970 and 1990; and then starting in 2000 I took five-year increments. Totally arbitrary on my part … I could for instance have used 1996 as a year of particular note in radio regulation. Maybe next time.

A sampling of how the number of licenses have changed by category, based on FCC historical data

Among the trends you can spot here are the growth and then dips in the AM numbers; the boom of the FM band of the late 20th century; the near-doubling in the number of NCE FMs over the past two decades; the launch and then growth of low-power FMs (though observers sometimes wonder how many of these licensees are active); and the explosion in the translator/booster category, up 30% just in five years (helped, though not solely driven by, the AM revitalization program).

And those who believe that the U.S. has an FM congestion problem will no doubt find it interesting that in 1990 the United States had 7,639 FM licensed signals (a number reached by adding 1990’s totals for FM commercial, FM NCE and translators/boosters).

But in 2020, thanks to significant growth of all three categories plus the addition of LPFMs, there are 21,352 licensed signals on the FM band. Wow.

All of this is just raw data and doesn’t reflect, for instance, the impact of the almost infinite variety in coverage footprint, power levels and so forth.

But maybe the current debates over synchronized boosters for geo-targeting and whether to allow translators to originate content will cause those numbers to spike further. Check back with me in 10 or 20 years.

[Related: “GBS Gathers Support for Geo-Targeting”]

[Related: “Should Translators Originate Content? FCC Is Taking Comments”]

The post Latest U.S. Station Totals Reveal Boom in Translators appeared first on Radio World.

There’s a technical change happening Monday (July 6), and if your equipment isn’t current, it could affect your station’s ability to receive EAS messages from IPAWS, the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System.

We’ve reported on this over the past year and a half but now a practical deadline is here. Radio World checked in with Deputy Press Secretary Janet Montesi of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Radio World: We understand that an older version of the Transport Layer Security protocol will be turned off next week and that some EAS devices in the field could be affected. Why is that?

Janet Montesi: Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a protocol that enables privacy and integrity for communications with web servers. In order to maintain compliance with DHS security requirements, IPAWS has updated the EAS feed servers to use the current and approved Transport Layer Security version (TLS 1.2). IPAWS will discontinue the use of older, less secure versions. Older versions of TLS have vulnerabilities that could compromise the integrity of EAS communications.

[Read more about the background of this story: “Broadcasters Need to Keep an Eye on Latest Updates”]

RW: What will happen if a device is not up to date?

Montesi: There may be some broadcasters who may not have updated their EAS receivers by July 6, 2020. These broadcasters would be out of compliance with FCC rules and will not receive EAS messages via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System. It is their responsibility to ensure compliance and keep their EAS receivers updated. FEMA, the FCC and the EAS vendor community have provided ample time to make these updates.

RW: How many devices in the field might be affected?

Montesi: Each EAS participant is required to have at least one device. FEMA does not maintain information on the number of devices installed in broadcast facilities.

RW: How would a user know whether their device is current?

Montesi: This has been in the works for over 18 months, allowing device manufacturers to make the necessary updates to their devices. This has been communicated to broadcasters via EAS participant listservs as well. Broadcasters should work check with their device manufacturer to ensure their device(s) contain the most up to date versions of software.

RW: Anything else we should know?

Montesi: IPAWS has worked with the EAS vendor community for 18 months to ensure EAS receivers can support the current and approved TLS version. The 18-month timeframe was necessary for EAS vendors to create software updates and to give broadcasters enough time to update their EAS devices. IPAWS will implement the change on July 6, 2020.

More information can be found in the NIST Special Publication 800-52 Revision 2: Guidelines for the Selection, Configuration, and Use of Transport Layer Security (TLS) Implementations (https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-52r2)

The post EAS Users, Is Your Gear Ready for TLS Changeover? appeared first on Radio World.

Sherri Powers works at the site nicknamed “Gotham,” the main transmitter location for WDMK and backup for WMGC. She’s replumbing the old WDMK transmitter to feed the WMGC antenna.

Beasley Media Group recently promoted Sherri Powers to chief engineer at its Detroit-based radio properties, overseeing the engineering and IT departments at the four-station cluster, which includes FM stations WCSX, WRIF, WMGC and WDMK, the last of which has three translators fed by its HD2.

Vice President and Market Manager Mac Edwards was quoted in the announcement as saying, “She epitomizes dedication to her craft and devotion to getting the job done right. Sherri has taken the lead on many significant projects in her storied career here.” That includes contracting with Greater Media to build new studios for WCSX(FM) and WRIF(FM) before she was hired full-time at the stations in 1998.

Radio World checked in with Powers to learn about her 29-year career to date. This is one in a series of interviews with radio technologists about their work.

Radio World: How have you reached this point in your career? 

Sherri Powers: I’ve been very fortunate to be a part of Beasley Media, formally Greater Media, most of my career.

I started interning with WCSX(FM) in the summer of 1992. My first paid job was with WRIF, where I worked part-time setting up remotes. At the time, WCSX and WRIF were each with different companies.

I landed my first full-time engineering job in 1993 at WYCD, which was owned at the time by Alliance Broadcasting. While I was working there, I had the opportunity to help build the studios for Greater Media after they purchased WRIF. I finally officially came back “home” in 1998 and have been here ever since.

RW: What originally prompted your interest in broadcast engineering? 

Powers: I actually got into engineering because I went to the wrong seminar! I signed up for an open house at Specs Howard School of Media Arts because I was really interested in video editing; but after hearing the benefits of engineering, I became intrigued.

I really like the idea of staying at a company for the long haul. Two of the things they kept stressing to the attendees was job security and the fact that engineers generally didn’t move around a lot. Upon completing my summer internship at WCSX, I was hooked.

RW: Any early mentors or particularly influential people in your career?

Powers: Yes, actually several. I have to say, all the chief engineers I’ve had made me the engineer I am today.

Bill Vellner, who at the time was the chief engineer at WCSX, gave me my first shot. He was willing to teach me anything I wanted to learn. Jeff Breitner, the chief at WYCD, also helped me realize my full potential. He taught me that radio was fun and would say, “It’s just radio, no one ever dies.”

The person I learned the most from was Mike Kernen. He’s not just a mentor or a boss, he’s my friend. I still talk to him several times a week. He’s actually helping me work on our transmitter build. He teaches me new things all the time. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.

RW: How has COVID-19 affected broadcast operations for Beasley in Detroit, and what do you think the long-term implications for facility management are? 

Powers: Thankfully, we were prepared and able to get ahead of things, before the state of Michigan shut everything down.

We were able set up one of our station morning show hosts, who lives in Canada, with all the equipment he needed to do a live show with remote gear before they closed the borders.

In addition, we updated our automation system to WideOrbit, to enable personalities to record live breaks and import them into the system. This way, the PDs could go in and program them.

In the future, I think we just need to be conscious of ways to do things even better. Everyone needs to work together to improve what we are doing today to make us be even better tomorrow.

RW: Any significant technical projects on the horizon?

Powers: Prior to COVID, we installed WideOrbit. We are still getting familiar with the automation system and all it can do. I also have some big transmitter projects going on, including installing a new 30 kW GatesAir FAX transmitter for WDMK, the station we just purchased last year. And I am working on moving our backup transmitter site for them to our transmitter site across town. In addition, I am taking one of the transmitters we used for 105.9 and making that the backup site transmitter for 105.1.

If just installing the transmitter wasn’t enough to do, we have to rewire all the remote controls and make sure everything works like it should. So it’s been quite busy.

RW: Anything else we should know?

Powers: My husband and I love to travel! Whenever we have the chance to get away, we love to go to Mexico. Every time we go, I always say I need to start my Spanish lessons again. I wouldn’t mind retiring there one day.

[Related: Read the ebook “Radio Engineering in Crisis” for perspectives on broadcast engineering careers today.]

The post Q&A: Sherri Powers Excels for Beasley Detroit appeared first on Radio World.

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Cable Operators May Now Adjust Their Rates For Inflation

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re: Applications Accepted for Filing

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Henry Engineering’s BackUPS is a power controller for ensuring AC power to critical equipment that is powered with an uninterruptible power supply. BackUPS constantly monitors the output of the UPS, and automatically bypasses the UPS if its output fails or becomes unstable. This keeps the load powered-up, and allows the UPS to be disconnected for battery replacement or other maintenance.

[Check Out More Products at Radio World’s Products Section]

BackUPS includes a delay timer that ensures the UPS output is stable before the UPS is switched online. Whenever the UPS output comes on, the system monitors its output for a preset time period. The UPS will be switched online only if the UPS output is stable during this delay interval. The unit can detect UPS power interruptions as short as 10mS. The delay time can be set from 10 seconds to 16 minutes, and can be defeated if it is not needed.

BackUPS is fully automatic once installed. The mode switch can select manual UPS bypass mode, or automatic operation with or without the delay feature. BackUPS can also be remotely monitored and controlled. The remote bypass input allows the unit to “force bypass” the UPS via a GPI control input.

BackUPS can also be used as a “remote reboot” device, to reset and reboot equipment via off/on power cycling. It can supply up to 15 amps of AC current to the load.

Info: https://henryeng.com/

 

The post Henry Engineering Secures Power appeared first on Radio World.

LAKELAND, Fla. — For the past 20 years, I have been involved in a variety of roles within the radio broadcasting industry, both in front of and behind the mic. Through my experiences, I have grown to appreciate and value the experience that radio creates for the listener. As the industry continues to evolve, so have the challenges for radio stations that feel the pressure to produce more engaging shows with video content while working with limited budgets.

There had to be an easier way than using the piecemeal systems everyone has been cobbling together, so earlier this year, I partnered with Broadcast Pix out of my passion to simplify the video streaming process for both the radio host and the station’s producer. This has enabled me to help create RadioPix, a turnkey video streaming solution designed for radio stations, large or small.

[Read More Buyers Guide Reviews Here]

I now “take my own medicine” and use RadioPix every day in my role as broadcaster and producer for the “Shannon Burke Show.” As one of the hosts for JVC Broadcasting, we broadcast in three markets, with stations located in Florida and New York.

When I received one of the first RadioPix systems in late March 2020, my plan was to install it in the “Florida Man Show,” WDYZ(AM/FM) 660 kHz/105.5 MHz, studio, but the coronavirus outbreak caused me to change my plans, installing it instead in my home studio, from where I now broadcast.

It took less time than I expected. RadioPix is an out-of-box solution that is easy to install with your current radio setup. The small form-factor server was indeed plug-and-play.

It includes PTZ cameras and a dedicated user interface. I connected my mics via Dante and the system output to our IP switch and I was streaming. Besides Dante, the system also works with Wheatstone WheatNet and Axia Livewire protocols.

The behavioral intelligence software works as advertised, by using mic activity to trigger the preconfigured visually aware macros, my voice is all that was needed to trigger camera moves, videos, lower-thirds and more. It is really that simple.

My personal favorite is the “boredom” macro that automatically triggers if my guest is speaking for longer than a minute. It starts a sequence of video production moves; the camera shot pulls back, brings up the lower-third title graphic, goes to a wide shot, and then goes back to a closeup. It’s great and lets me stay focused on my guest, while RadioPix automatically creates entertaining live video.

I now use on RadioPix every day and so far, I am impressed by its ease of use and dependability — the system just runs by itself. By pushing the “Live Stream” button, my show is streamed live to Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn or Periscope. It has significantly reduced my workload; more importantly our viewers really seem to love it. We have been getting some great feedback.

We created RadioPix to be the perfect way to create live visual radio streaming, easy to install and set up in any existing radio station environment and our plan is to continually refine its features and content.

For information, contact Tony Mastantuono at BroadcastPix in Massachusetts at 1-978-600-1100 or visit at https://broadcastpix.com.

Jeff Adams is executive producer for the “Shannon Burke Show” and RadioPix product manager for Broadcast Pix.

The post Special Report: RadioPix Creates Visual Radio Shows appeared first on Radio World.

The Federal Communications Commission says it reached a settlement with two operators of pirate radio stations in the Boston area.

It said Acerome Jean Charles and Gerlens Cesar admit fault, will pay fines and agreed to 20-year compliance commitments. And they’ll dispose of their radio equipment.

It’s an unexpected development. In December the FCC issued notices of apparent liability to the men for operating Radio Concorde and Radio TeleBoston, respectively.

“The Enforcement Bureau negotiated the two Consent Decrees, which provide for a strict compliance plan over a period of 20 years to prevent Jean Charles and Cesar from ever resuming unlicensed broadcasting,” the commission announced.

“Jean Charles has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $4,000, and to pay a further penalty of $75,000 if he violates section 301 of the Act or violates the terms of  the Consent Decree; Cesar has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $5,000, and agreed to pay a further penalty of $225,000 if he violates section 301 of the Act or violates the terms of the Consent Decree.”

One might imagine the two men feel they got off lightly. In December the FCC proposed forfeitures of $151,005 and $450,000 in this case, the latter being the largest fine ever proposed by the FCC against a pirate radio operation. [Read details here.] And subsequently, federal law was changed to allow even higher penalties in pirate radio cases.

The FCC said then that Cesar, operator of Radio TeleBoston, had allegedly broadcast three unauthorized transmitters on two different frequencies, which led it to propose the maximum penalty amount for all three transmitters.

Chairman Ajit Pai said in December that the NALs in this case were intended to send a strong signal that the FCC will not tolerate unlicensed radio broadcasting. In each case, he said then, the operator in question was given multiple warnings that he was violating the law.

Now both have ceased broadcasting and “have agreed not to materially assist anyone else committing such acts,” according to the FCC.

Boston is one of the cities most plagued by illegal radio operators, as we’ve reported at various times.

 

 

The post FCC Settles With Two Beantown Radio Pirates appeared first on Radio World.

Dear Radio World:

First some background:  I grew up in a small city in Kentucky, where my first job was at the local radio station. It was only AM at the time.

When they got a CP for an FM station, I was in college. The best summer job that I ever had was building that FM station.

It is still on the air today, with the same ownership.

I regularly listen to the local news back in Kentucky from my current home 900 miles away. Radio: “The Sound Medium.” May it always be thus.

I give a resounding “NO” vote to all-digital AM.

One question in closing: Is there still only one all-digital AM in the U.S.?

If so, why only one??

Sincerely,

Lewis D. Collins (Retired), Peabody, Mass.

The post Letter: Digital AM … Still Only One? appeared first on Radio World.