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Media Bureau Announces Publication in the Federal Register of Form 395-B Fourth Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration

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In this letter to the editor, the author responds to Randy Stine’s recent story, “Kolesar Still Sees the Promise of All-Digital for AM.” Comment on this or any article. Email radioworld@futurenet.com.

I just read the article titled “Kolesar Still Sees the Promise of All-Digital for AM” and I am glad there is a fairly younger guy who has faith in an old medium such as AM broadcast radio.

AM radio has taken a few hits in the last several years and has been talked against by many experts and celebrities.

The current controversy concerning AM radio in current car models is one that has proponents on both sides of this issue.

I hope Mr. Kolesar will continue his work on all-digital AM radio as I still feel the medium has something to offer to the general listening public.

There are many advantages to the medium-wave spectrum that should not be overlooked. I wish Mr. Kolesar much luck in his endeavors.

— Dan Ramos

[Check Out More Letters at Radio World’s Reader’s Forum Section]

The post Letter: AM Isn’t Just for Old-Timers appeared first on Radio World.

The Spanish-language noncommercial broadcast entity known as Radio Bilingüe is experiencing its first leadership change in the Latino-focused radio network’s 45-year history.

Founder and long-serving executive director Hugo Morales will now share his role at the “national Latino public radio network” with a newly appointed co-director — José Martínez Saldaña.

This shift was announced on the network’s Línea Abierta program.

Saldaña, who has a background in youth-focused non-profit leadership, joins Morales in a trial co-executive arrangement that will be evaluated after a year.

His journey is deeply rooted in the immigrant experience, having moved to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico, at the age of eight.

Saldaña’s career has largely focused on assisting high school students, including many from migrant backgrounds, to access higher education.

The leadership change coincides with operational shifts within the network, first reported by Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink.

María Araña has transitioned from director of operations to a role as producer and senior advisor, with José Morán stepping in as the new director of operations.

Radio Bilingue acquired its first radio station in 1980, in the San Joaquin Valley of California; its roots predate the company, with a Fresno-area radio show debuting in 1976 on a noncommercial FM radio station that is now KSJV-FM 91.5. Today, Radio Bilingue continues on that station; it can be heard on owned stations and affiliates in California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as in Puerto Rico and in parts of Canada.

Radio Bilingüe in November 2024 was awarded a $2 million grant from the State of California. Thefunding, sourced from the State General Funds, will facilitate the expansion of Radio Bilingüe’s facility in Fresno. The enhanced facility will feature areas specifically designed for youth radio education and community events.

— With reporting by Cameron Coats in New York and RBR+TVBR in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

 

Following Wednesday’s Closing Bell on the NYSE in lower Manhattan, DTS AutoStage, HD Radio and TiVo parent Xperi Corp., fresh off another strong NAB Show in Las Vegas, releases its Q1 2024 earnings report.

What can investors anticipate from the broadcast technology company earning accolades for its connected car offerings?

 

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Consultant Mike McVay and tech executive Steve Jones are the latest radio industry figures to be named “Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts” by the Library of American Broadcasting Foundation.

An awards ceremony each November celebrates innovators and trailblazers in media. Proceeds from the event support of the Library of American Broadcasting collection, which is curated at the University of Maryland. LABF has honored more than 250 people since 2003.

Mike McVay is president of consulting firm McVay Media and a former programming executive for Cumulus Media and Westwood One. He was a founding partner in the company now called Futuri, an original investor in Edison Research and co-creator with Delilah Renee of the nationally syndicated show “Delilah.” He has programmed in numerous markets including Los Angeles and has owned owned radio stations in Florida, Hawaii and Michigan. 

Steve Jones (left) and Mike McVay

Steve Jones is president and CEO of Skyview Networks, which he joined in 2019 and where he has led significant growth in its affiliates. He joined ABC News in 1986 and was an early digital leader for abcnews.com; he roses to VP and general manager for ABC Radio at Disney.

Also named as Giants for 2024 are Al Roker of “Today,” actress Christine Baranski, broadcast owner Patsy Smullin of California Oregon Broadcasting Inc.; TV sports host Stephen A. Smith; and Wendy McMahon of CBS News and CBS Media Ventures.

Last year’s honorees included radio figures Caroline Beasley, David Kennedy and Nina Totenberg. Bios of this year’s recipients are posted on the foundation website, as is a list of all past recipients.

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The post McVay, Jones Are Named Broadcasting Giants appeared first on Radio World.

Consultant Frank Hertel sees a lot of electronic devices, both consumer and broadcast, that use 3.5 mm Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve (TRRS) connectors. However, many of them use non-standard wiring configurations. Frank decided to share a drawing that you can clip from this column or take a picture of to keep on your phone as an aid in wiring TRRS connectors.

You might also tape the graphic to the bottom of the equipment, with appropriate notes, so the next guy won’t waste time trying to solve the pinout. 

Frank Hertel’s drawing shows the most common pinout for Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve connectors.

Frank’s drawing reflects the most commonly used configuration. But be aware of this connector’s foibles, solder pin variations and the non-standard wiring used by some manufacturers. In some devices the wiring is perverted, and the equipment may not work properly or at all. Frank also advises that you trace the solder pin connections for each plug. They may be laid out differently, and it’s easy to get it wrong.

Clip-n-Save

Radio World Editor in Chief Paul McLane passes along another useful image, a color photo of the resistor color code. This appeared on a PDF on the website of Jameco Electronics. You can find similar images online.

A colorful visual for resistor color code values. This image is from the website of Jameco Electronics. Test yer backups

Brian Cunningham, CBRE, is a chief engineer for Crawford Broadcasting, based in western New York. He wrote recently in Crawford’s engineering newsletter The Local Oscillator about the importance of checking backup equipment regularly. 

As a part of his weekly transmitter maintenance site visits, he operates each auxiliary transmitter into a dummy load. This ensures proper operation in the event of a main transmitter failure.

When Brian recently tested a Continental 816R-4C auxiliary transmitter, it came up but then immediately shut down. Brian spotted a high amount of reflected power on the IPA when it was on, so he lowered the transmitter’s total power output and applied the plate voltage again. The transmitter stayed on but the output power was bouncing and reflected power on the IPA was, again, noticeably higher. 

Coming back with test equipment, Brian checked the performance first of the Continental 802-B exciter and then of the IPA amplifier. Bypassing the IPA and running the exciter directly into the final PA showed no difference in performance. The transmitter would not stay on with power settings above 55 to 60 percent. 

Brian then moved to the IPA, and everything was good there. The exciter exhibited no issues and was on frequency, so he moved on to a thorough examination of the final PA tube socket. No visible abnormalities, burnouts or signs of extreme heat.

This led him to suspect a tube problem. Brian had a used tube on hand so he installed it to see if the problem would go away. The rig tuned up beautifully, though the total power output maxed at 85% because of the age of the tube.

I like Brian’s step-by-step approach of separating and checking each section of the transmitter: exciter, intermediate power amplifier and final power amplifier. It offers a reminder for all of us in diagnosing serious problems. Figuring out the problem was easy; next came the effort of trying to find a rebuilt tube in stock.

One engineer’s favorite “tool”

Bill Traue, CSRE, 8-VSB, AMD, is principal at Bill Traue Technical Service. One tool that he carries in his travel bag is particularly useful in areas where snakes are known to intrude in transmitter facilities. It is manufactured by Smith & Wesson and comes in many models and sizes. Ruger and Colt offer options too. Bill notes that they often increase in value over time. 

Like any tool, a handgun should be kept clean, wiped down with a lightly oiled cloth from time to time, and you should be well trained in its proper and safe use.

If your contract business takes you on interstates or airplanes, check local laws on what is allowed in your bag, and understand the rules about carrying firearms when flying. 

Send us your tips. Submissions are encouraged and qualify for SBE recertification credit. Email johnpbisset@gmail.com.

[Read Another Workbench by John Bisset]

The post A Handy Reminder About TRRS Wiring appeared first on Radio World.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An individual who has played a key role in expanding the company’s distribution relationships and advocacy efforts, previously the SVP of Distribution and Government Affairs, has been given Executive VP stripes at Hearst Television.

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There’s a new effort taking shape for Dairy Queen, and the venerable quick-service restauranteur and ice cream chain is using spot cable to get its marketing messages across in the most efficient way.

As shown in the newest Media Monitors report, DQ is now No. 6 by play count, thanks to more than 48,450 airings as detected by iHeartMedia-owned Media Monitors.

That puts Dairy Queen ahead of Subway, which is also increasing its spot cable activity, while last week’s leader, Domino’s, is now No. 5.

Taking the big No. 1 spot is Progressive, opening up a commanding in-category lead against Liberty Mutual Insurance, Allstate, State Farm and GEICO.

 

 

How does the Spot Ten TV report compare?

Here, Macy’s is now No. 2 in-between big Pharma brands Dupixent and Skyrizi.

Meanwhile, Unilever brand Dove rises to No. 5 thanks to a new effort.

This is the fifth installment in a recurring series that looks back at developments that have shaped radio broadcasting during the past 100 years, noting advancements and historical moments month by month. Read April’s story here.

Edward Howard Armstrong of New York, known as the “radio millionaire daredevil,” cannot forsake his radio. He is shown here on the beach, with a six-bulb suit case receiver.

100 Years Ago – April 1924: The second of several court battles between Lee deForest and Edwin Armstrong begins in an effort to determine priority in the invention of the regenerative feedback circuit. Litigation would continue well over a decade, with the U.S. Supreme Court eventually deciding that deForest should be credited with the invention. (Even after the decision, many members of the engineering community still sided with Armstrong as the true inventor of the regenerative feedback circuit.)

75 Years Ago – May 1949: Little Rock, Arkansas radio stations KARK and KGHI have requested NAB involvement in an on-going legal battle. The litigation centers on legislation drafted by a Little Rock city attorney in an attempt to sidestep the long-held principle that radio stations are instrumentalities of interstate commerce, and as such are exempt from state and local ordinances, and may be taxed only by the federal government.

The new Little Rock tax is based on “the generation of electromagnetic waves for radio broadcasting,” and assesses each station operating within the city an annual levy of $250, along with an additional $50 tax to be paid by anyone selling radio advertising. The two stations, having borne the cost of litigating the matter as far as the Arkansas Supreme Court (which upheld the tax), contend the NAB should appeal the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, as “cities everywhere are likely to snap up the Arkansas decision as precedent for local radio taxes.”

50 Years Ago – May 1974: As part of an initiative by the NAB’s Small Market Radio Committee, a 23-person FCC delegation, including the Commission’s new General Counsel, Ashton Hardy, visited radio stations in two small Virginia cities (Fredericksburg and Orange) to acquaint regulators with the issues faced in small-market operations. (Many of the FCC group had never been inside a radio station prior to the trip.) After their return to Washington, their comments included: “What impressed me most was that it (station operation) was a one-man operation, (with) everybody wearing several hats.” General Counsel Hardy remarked: “Every regulatory agency has got to realize you’re dealing with people. When you’re writing regulations, you’ve got to remember you’re regulating people.”

25 Years Ago – May 1999: Questions still abound in connection with the proposed “in band -on channel” implementation of U.S. digital radio broadcasting, with the three IBOC system proponents — USA Digital Radio, Lucent Digital Radio, and Digital Radio Express — now committed to delivering test results on their respective systems to the DAB subcommittee of the recently reactivated National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC). Concerns about implementation of any hybrid digital system include the impact on analog signals, how best to allocate bits (audio quality versus robustness), and the digital signal’s ability to withstand interference from other radio signals. 

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The post May Highlights of Radio Tech History appeared first on Radio World.

NEW YORK — The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) on Monday revealed who it will recognize as distinguished industry leaders at its upcoming 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts luncheon and awards ceremony.

The awards celebrate “the remarkable creators, innovators, leaders, performers, and journalists who have blazed trails in the radio and television broadcasting industry.”

The 2024 Giants of Broadcasting & Electronic Arts honorees include: AL ROKER Weather and Feature Anchor, TODAY and Co-Host, 3rd Hour of TODAY CHRISTINE BARANSKI Two-time Tony and Emmy Award Winning Actress MIKE MCVAY President, McVay Media Consulting PATSY SMULLIN President and Owner, California Oregon Broadcasting Inc. STEPHEN A. SMITH ESPN sports commentator and author STEVE JONES President and Chief Executive Officer, Skyview Networks WENDY MCMAHON President and Chief Executive Officer, CBS News and Stations & CBS Media Ventures

 

This year’s event is scheduled from 11:30am-2pm on November 12 at Gotham Hall in the City of New York. It is one day before Forecast, the annual executive leadership forum presented by Streamline Publishing held at the Harvard Club.

Net proceeds from the luncheon will support the preservation and expansion of the Library of American Broadcasting collection, which is curated at the University of Maryland. Returning as emcee is 2018 Giant honoree Bill Whitaker, a correspondent for CBS News’ 60 Minutes newsmagazine.

The LABF also supports the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) through the underwriting of research, creative grants and academic publications focused on broadcast media.

“This event celebrates the ‘innovators and trailblazers in the media industry,” said LABF Co-Chairs Heidi Raphael and Jack Goodman. “We are absolutely thrilled to pay tribute to and honor these outstanding individuals for their many contributions in broadcasting and American Culture.”

For complete details about the honorees, sponsorship opportunities, tables and individual tickets, please contact BJ Corriveau, 2024 Giants of Broadcasting Event Producer at bjcorriveau@giantsofbroadcasting.org or go to www.tvradiolibrary.org.

The owner of the MyNetwork TV affiliate serving the Motor City has notified the day-to-day head of the television broadcasting company that seeks to purchase the station that it will not participate in any regulatory appeal of a decision that allows the multimillion-dollar transaction to “proceed with caution.”

Could that refusal to participate not only lead to a non-consummation of the sale of WADL-38 in Detroit, but also place all of the “sidecar” arrangements presently allowed by the Commission under new scrutiny, jeopardizing the Shared Services Agreement benefits of multiple leading broadcast station groups?

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MVPD subscriptions fell at a substantial level among U.S. Hispanic households in just one year’s time, a new study from M/A/R/C-owned Horowitz Research finds.

The big result from that cord-cutting? Demand is increasing exponentially for Spanish-language content on subscription-based video-on-demand (SVOD) and free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) platforms.

 

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In these letters to the editor, the authors comment on the story “When It Comes to AM in Cars, Let the Consumer Decide,” where Rob Atkinson suggests that maybe the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act should be amended. Comment on this or any article. Email radioworld@futurenet.com.

What if There’s a Solar Flare?

While I like Rob’s idea in concept, I have to say it undermines the real issues involved. Yes, if AM were required as an option, consumers that listen to AM regularly would choose to have it. Case closed, right?

Wrong. The problem with that theory are the people that do not listen to AM regularly and who therefore might opt-out. The Federal Government wisely considers scenarios bordering on doomsday. These include a solar flare that could knock out any number of pieces of critical infrastructure (not just communications but the power grid as well).

Large enough solar flares happen frequently — we are dependent on chance (or luck, if you prefer) that they haven’t aligned properly with earth’s orbital position to cause a second Carrington Event. That happened in 1859 and it was big enough to wipe out the telegraph network, a technology far more robust than most of today’s infrastructure.

Or a major cyber attack. Hardly a month goes by that I don’t see another report of deliberate cyber intrusions on our critical infrastructure that seem structured as preparation for future attacks.

When one considers the amount of damage an electromagnetic pulse from even a single small nuclear bomb can do, one can imagine something far short of an all-out nuclear war causing major disruptions too.

The common thread here are events where wide-scale critical infrastructure damage leaves citizens without power and communications for days or longer. The National Public Warning System (the core Federal portion of the Emergency Alert System) was designed for such events. And it relies primarily on AM as by far the most cost-effective way to reach 90% of our population. While it could be replaced with another technology, the alternatives would require several orders of magnitude greater expenditure. AM would even sound better under these circumstances as sources of interference would go dark.

It is under these scenarios that folks that do not listen to AM will gratefully discover it, and will be pleasantly surprised to hear it deliver information, hope and advice to the public during the crisis. My point is, they won’t know they need it until they need it desperately.

Atkinson is not the only one unaware of this big picture necessity for AM. The auto industry lobbyists arguments seem devoid of these basic facts.

— Rolf Taylor, Rocket Engineering and Consulting

 

What if There’s a Nuclear Attack?

Rob Atkinson seems to think that EV cars can be manufactured with an AM radio option. I think if you ask the manufacturers, they’ll tell you that either the vehicle power train is designed to reduce the amount of AM noise to an acceptable level for an on-board AM receiver or not. So that decision will be made at the manufacturing level, not at the dealer. This is one reason why the current AM legislation is making its way through Congress.

The other reason may not be well-known to even most radio people, but I’ve discovered in the past few years that FEMA has invested a lot of money in hardening certain high-power, clear-channel AM sites. They have their own transmitter and studio equipment in hardened structures, their own backup power and programming sources. The point of this is to provide basic, last-minute information to the public over as wide an area as possible for each station.

After a nuclear attack, it will be critical for the surviving public to have some idea of what to do next, because the power will be off in every impacted market and there won’t be any cellular or internet service. If you survived and don’t have a shelter at your home or office, you’ll want to know where to go to shelter from the fallout, for example.

That’s what this is really about, protecting that system. For it to work, you need a functional AM receiver in your vehicle.

— Gary O. Keener, San Antonio, Texas

[Read more stories about the future of AM radio in cars]

The post Letters: AM Is Doomsday Ready appeared first on Radio World.

The FCC has received paperwork for a proposed transaction that would transfer control of 400-watt Class A FM serving Astoria, Ore., from a city in the state of Washington from the company run by Robert Meadows.

 

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NEW YORK — They’ve already enjoyed a strategic partnership. Now, the owner of the NBC and Telemundo TV networks is collaborating with Instacart on a new retail media partnership designed to provide additional opportunities for consumer packaged goods-focused advertisers.

The goal? Better strategic audiences across NBCUniversal‘s streaming platforms.

“With new retail media data collaboration, advertisers can reach digital savvy, purchase-minded consumers,” NBCU believes, as it expands its strategic partnership with Instacart.

“With this new first-party data collaboration, advertisers will be able to reach in-market consumers through NBCUniversal’s iconic streaming content and measure the impact of their campaigns by leveraging ad exposure and purchase data,” NBCU continues.

The offering is expected to launch by the end of June on NBCU’s streaming platforms. An expansion to its linear offerings is in the works and will come at an undisclosed future date.

Peacock is Instacart’s first official streaming partner.

“Advertisers are increasingly prioritizing strategic audiences, and with this partnership, CPG brands will be able to connect the next generation of grocery shoppers in a highly engaging environment,” said Alison Levin, President of NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships. “We will be leveraging NBCUniversal’s full portfolio and market-leading daily reach, combined with Instacart’s measurement & data capabilities, to drive results for marketers.”

Tim Castelli, Vice President of Global Advertising Sales at Instacart, added, “Online grocery shopping continues to grow in a post-COVID world and Instacart is the clear category leader. We’re committed to helping CPG brands connect with and inspire high-intent consumers wherever they advertise. Soon, NBCUniversal advertisers will be able to leverage Instacart’s first-party audience data to enhance their streaming campaigns and prove their campaigns’ efficacy with our closed-loop measurement. Consumers can see a CPG’s ad on streaming and get that product delivered to them via Instacart in as fast as an hour – it’s a win-win for both consumers and brands.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The NAB is welcoming a new VP of Public Policy, who reports to EVP of Government Relations Shawn Donilon.

She was formerly VP/Legal at the Digital Media Association.

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