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Why Is Shortwave Only “the Radio of Last Resort”?

Radio World - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:43

The author is sales and business development manager for Ampegon Power Electronics AG.

My first car, a 1984 vintage, had a shortwave radio receiver, but I didn’t bother using it. I was young while it was old and therefore unworthy of my attention. Besides, the signal it received was mostly odd-sounding talk-radio that changed tone as I accelerated. Something to do with unscreened sparkplugs? Whatever they were. Instead, I had a huge selection of pop music available to me on the FM bands, and big plans to retrofit new dash-mounted CD player technology (which never worked)!

Simon Keens

Nobody who ever listened to FM really prefers old analog shortwave services. Analog doesn’t have the bandwidth to provide stereo sound, and it’s subject to atmospheric distortion and (non-shielded sparkplug) interference. 

Let’s be honest: People only like analog shortwave when there’s nothing else. People who live in rural areas without FM coverage; people without resources for more choice; people with authoritarian rulers, who ask what the rest of the world thinks. 

I realize that a significant percentage of the world’s population are covered by these three simple classifications. But we can agree that these people deserve access to high-quality radio broadcasts, too.

Shortwave’s unique properties

The big draw of shortwave is the ability to broadcast to the other side of the world. Shortwave frequencies reflect off the ionosphere, offering long-range capabilities not possible with FM and MW propagation. With a high-power transmitter and appropriate antenna, shortwave broadcasters can provide national, continental or even inter-continental coverage from a single location. 

If you need to broadcast to the whole country; if you need to provide content to remote populations; if you are providing aid to faraway regions in the midst of catastrophe, shortwave is often the only feasible way to reach everybody, right now.

Integrated broadcast networks

This is not a suggestion that broadcasters replace all FM transmitters with shortwave stations. 

An “integrated network” means there are different solutions for every need, and governments should foster them. If you live in the city with dense populations, short-range FM networks are justified and economical. If you are more distant, medium-wave transmitters offer economical service at longer ranges. If you need to provide a base level service over extreme distances, shortwave provides the solution. 

And of course, if localized disasters or faults take short-range services off-air, longer-range services free from the influence of these disruptions provide coverage and the reassurance of regional or national broadcasts. 

Thus, a resilient three-layered network can provide multi-faceted service to its listeners: short-range broadcasts serving local demands and niche audiences, a regional level with more general programming, and a national service for an entire country.

Reinvention with DRM

Shortwave hasn’t remained unchanged from previous decades. Just like other broadcast techniques, shortwave has also been digitized. 

Using the Digital Radio Mondiale standard, the only comprehensive standard for covering both the AM and FM bands, the same shortwave coverage footprint can be achieved for half the energy cost of an analog broadcast while also providing better service. 

Gone are the days of atmospheric distortion and mono sound. Today, DRM shortwave provides FM-like stereo sound, and a data stream with additional internet-like text information/news in multiple languages, pictures, graphics and even short videos alongside the audio. 

(In fact, in the age of analog FM, had digital shortwave features been available, the national radio I was listening to in my car would likely have been delivered by shortwave instead, such is the improvement.) 

An emergency warning channel can optionally be added, which — at the press of a button — switches regular broadcasts instantly to one of any number of pre-recorded emergency messages and other relevant content; all directed to listeners at the speed of light. Every second of additional warning is critical when a tsunami or hurricane is bearing down on you. History shows that delays cost lives.

Case Study: Radio New Zealand 

The fact that DRM shortwave provides FM-like quality and emergency warning features at extreme range is precisely the reason it is used by Radio New Zealand for broadcasting into the Pacific. 

From their Rangitaiki station, RNZ provides daily DRM shortwave programming to the hundreds of tiny islands and atolls in the Pacific ocean. Any users with DRM radios can listen directly, but for those without a digital receiver, many of the islands and atolls have FM rebroadcasting stations. Here, the DRM signal is received and decoded, and a small FM transmitter broadcasts the stereo content as an analog signal covering the island. Effectively, DRM shortwave is providing the data link from studio to FM transmitter.

The Rangitaiki antenna site serving Radio New Zealand.

In the event of a localized emergency, these broadcasts from far over the horizon are invaluable.

On Jan. 14, 2022, the Pacific nation of Tonga was overrun by a devastating tsunami with waves up to 65 feet high, caused by an undersea volcanic eruption 15 minutes beforehand. Four people were killed, and the islands were inundated with water. Communications with the outside world was largely cut off, due to damage to undersea fiber-optic cables, as were FM transmissions.

Electrical infrastructure was disrupted and destroyed. However, Radio New Zealand was able to maintain broadcast coverage via shortwave, providing information to the people of Tonga and assisting with emergency response. It took six weeks to restore internet and telephone services to the islands. RNZ immediately ordered another transmitter to provide additional capabilities and redundancy for their DRM service, since their older standby transmitter was not DRM-capable.

Untapped potential

It is widely known that, following the closure of many traditional analog shortwave services, shortwave broadcast bands are currently underutilized. 

As is the way of the universe, available resources present opportunities. There is no reason why shortwave should broadcast audible programming. It is known that stock traders are experimenting with shortwave for high-speed trading links over enormous distances. What else is currently being developed? 

Nowhere is it written that receivers have to be connected to a speaker. Any data application requiring highly compressed or short messages distributed to limitless numbers of unknown or mobile receivers over enormous distances have a potential solution in shortwave. The laws of physics dictate that there are unlikely to be quicker ways to deliver messages around the world, with speed of light in air being about 50% faster than light speed in optical fiber, even before fiber repeater delays are considered. 

With digital technology, global coverage and potentially limitless distribution, the available shortwave spectrum presents enormous potential.

Conclusion

In an increasingly uncertain world, with rising levels of authoritarianism and disinformation, climate change and unrest, the ability to broadcast information and news to distant lands is increasingly important to prevent suffering and exploitation worldwide. 

While TV and internet provide excellent service, they are both reliant upon fixed infrastructure, and are easily censored or exploited to control “the truth.” The number of countries censoring journalism and broadcasting significantly outnumbers those with a free press. Radio broadcasting acts as a beacon of hope to those fighting against tyranny offering support to those suffering — especially long-range shortwave broadcasts made from places of stability and safety, unaffected by borders or the need for local infrastructure.

Digital DRM offers the only common standard across all radio bands and levels the playing field in terms of broadcast quality: No longer is a shortwave signal destined to be distorted and fading. And, still, it is long-range shortwave services that are the service of last resort in the event of emergencies or disasters. Indeed, shortwave continues to prove itself indispensable in an uncertain world, remaining the most resilient backstop of integrated broadcasting systems. 

Often neglected as old tech, shortwave’s powerful new capabilities remain relevant and largely unexplored.

[Read more articles and commentaries about shortwave radio and its role in the world.]

The post Why Is Shortwave Only “the Radio of Last Resort”? appeared first on Radio World.

Categories: Industry News

Dynamic AI Contextual Advertising Coming To Audacy Podcasts

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 15:50

Audacy is introducing dynamic AI and machine learning that “infuses contextual advertising solutions” into its Ad Tech stack to help brands more precisely target podcast consumers.

The offering, the company says, unlocks Audacy’s ability to accurately transcribe podcast episodes and categorize content with contextual, targetable tags in accordance with Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) standards.

“With this capability, Audacy will dynamically insert ads into podcasts more precisely than ever,” the company asserts, adding that its advertising partners “will be able to hyper-target cohorts with contextually relevant messages within specific podcast episodes and deliver their ads at moments when listeners are most engaged and most receptive to brands.”

Audacy Chief Revenue Officer Brian Benedik commented, “The promise of Audacy’s cross-platform audio campaigns to deliver unprecedented reach coupled with powerful precision targeting becomes even more pronounced with the integration of contextual podcast advertising into our Ad Tech stack. Our clients are realizing better returns on their advertising investments and better outcomes for their business when they leverage our holistic audio strategies, which is why Audacy boasts one of the highest renewal rates in audio and digital media.”

Categories: Industry News

Nexstar Director Cashes in Some Shares

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 15:40

A woman who was appointed as a member of Nexstar Media Group’s Board of Directors in May 2006 and serves as an Operating Partner of a growth equity firm focused on software and technology-enabled companies has pocketed nearly $300,000 before taxes from the sale of Nexstar shares on Tuesday.

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Categories: Industry News

For NBCU, Audience Segments … Powered by GenAI

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 15:32

NBCUniversal’s annual technology conference, One24, brought marketers together on Wednesday to learn more about the Comcast arm’s new tech and data capabilities. Noting that NBCU is bringing television advertising into the performance marketing future, the biggest takeaway involves the use of the hottest topic of the last 12 months: Generative AI.

 

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Categories: Industry News

BBC Strikes Deal With Amazon Music to Distribute Podcasts Globally

Radio World - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 14:13

The BBC has announced a new deal with Amazon Music that will make BBC podcasts available outside the U.K. for the first time.

Now, subscribers to Prime and Amazon Music Unlimited services can access a suite of 50-plus of the BBC’s ad-free podcasts, including popular BBC titles such as Americast, BBC Global News Podcast, The Global Story, Planet Premier League and World of Secrets.

Additionally, BBC’s complete catalogue from across BBC Studios, BBC Public Service, and the BBC World Service will be available to Amazon Music users on the streaming services’ ad-supported free tier.

Louise la Grange, SVP of audio, digital news and streaming at BBC Studios, said, “Audio storytelling has long been our strength as a global content producer, and with this partnership, we are thrilled to bring our BBC podcasts to even wider audiences. We invite Amazon Music listeners to explore the BBC’s premium audio storytelling and discover their new favorite podcast with us.”

Read about the BBC’s 736 podcast titles on its website.

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Categories: Industry News

Jeff Warshaw’s Group Brings Country To Long Island FM

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 13:31

On October 25, 2021, Audacy Inc. decided to switch what had been WNSH-FM 94.7 from Country to classic hip-hop. The end of “New York’s Country 94.7” generated much publicity, with RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson interviewed by WNYW-5 in New York for a news report about “New York’s only Country music station signing off.”

Despite all of the discussion about the format’s Gotham absence, no competing operator swept in to bring the likes of Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood or Lainey Wilson to the nation’s biggest market. Now, some 29 months after WNSH’s end, Connoisseur Media is bringing Country back to at least part of the vast New York metropolitan area.

Introducing “103.1 The Wolf,” with a target demo of Adults 35-64, Connoisseur notes.

That would be the station that until today had been known as “103.1 MAX FM,” under call letters WBZO. Those are gone, with new call letters WWWF in place.

“After months of extensive research, and looking at artist trends, we know there is an open lane for Long Island to have its own country music radio station that reaches both Nassau and Suffolk counties,” said David Bevins, Long Island Market Manager and Connoisseur’s Chief Operations Officer. “The demand is there and we’re proud to be the group to bring it to life.”

To be clear, WWWF’s Class A signal is confined to areas east of the “five towns” and is best-heard in the center of Long Island, fading as one reaches Riverhead. As such, The Wolf’s territory will include Islip, Babylon, Smithtown, Happauge, Melville, Northport, and Patchogue.

Country will still not be audible via an FM signal in the City of New York, nor in Westchester County. Northern New Jersey is also absent a Country station, although Class A WKMK-FM 106.3 in Eatontown, N.J., has attracted listeners as far north as Edison in recent months. In New Haven, Country listeners largely tune to WWYZ-FM in Hartford; the Mid-Hudson Valley is home to two Country brands — iHeartMedia’s WRWD and Townsquare Media’s “The Wolf.”

Connoisseur Media Long Island Operations Manager Patrick Shea commented, “Our team has worked tirelessly to curate the perfect music lineup. It’s a playlist that celebrates the incredible talent and storytelling that defines country music.”

WWWF was acquired by Connoisseur as part of a four-station deal with Barnstable Broadcasting in 2012. The company led by Jeffrey Warshaw paid $23 million for the stations, which also include WHLI-AM, WKJY-FM and WWSK-FM.

Categories: Industry News

Bauer Acquires SharpStream

Radio World - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 13:23

Bauer Media Audio has acquired SharpStream, a streaming audio software provider.

The deal was announced March 20, 2024, and is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

SharpStream already provides services to Bauer Media Audio outlets in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Slovakia, Portugal, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

“As long time partners of SharpStream, we’ve seen the team’s professionalism and diligence in delivering audio streaming technology. I’m excited to welcome them formally into the business, and look forward to supporting their future development,” stated Bauer Media Group President of Audio Vivian Mohr.

SharpStream’s streaming platform and tools are used by a wide range of broadcasters for streaming live and on-demand content via the internet, including high-profile sports broadcasters like ATP Tour tennis and Le Mans racing series and smaller to niche, ethnic and community audio broadcasters.

“We have had the pleasure of a close working partnership with Bauer for over a decade. The team and I are delighted to be joining Bauer to progress into the next exciting chapter for our technology and services,” stated SharpStream Managing Director Dane Streeter. “We look forward to helping Bauer and our third-party clients achieve their goals in redefining digital audio for the future.”

Bauer Media Audio described the acquisition as “an important step” for the company as the industry evolves.

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Categories: Industry News

SBA Honor Yields A Celebration For A Las Vegas ‘Fiesta’

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 12:59

A locally owned and operated Spanish-language radio station offering banda and regional Mexican music to Southern Nevada from an FM translator atop Arden Peak in Henderson is celebrating its selection by the SBA as Nevada’s “Microenterprise Small Business of the Year.”

“This is huge for us,” says Rafael Cerros Jr., founder and Managing Partner of “Fiesta 98.1,” which feeds K251BS from KLUC-FM 98.5 HD3 in Las Vegas. “When we started this journey back in 2020, our goal was simple but bold. We wanted to create a radio station that really meant something to the people of Las Vegas, especially our Hispanic community. It wasn’t just about playing music; it was about creating a platform for connection, culture, and community support.”

Now, Cerros says his enterprises’ adventure into blending traditional broadcasting with social media and community engagement has genuinely paid off.

“It’s made us one of the top stations in Vegas, something we’re incredibly proud of,” Cerros says. Indeed, “Fiesta 98.1” in the last quarter of 2023 was the No. 1-ranked regional Mexican station in the market. “More than anything, our commitment to giving back and being there for our community has been at the heart of everything we do,” he adds. “This isn’t just an award; it’s a milestone that marks our commitment, our sacrifices, and our love for the community that stands strong with us.”

Cerros will formally receive the award on May 2.

Interested in reaping the benefits and strong ROI that can come from serving Spanish-speaking radio listeners in your community? The 2024 Hispanic Radio Conference is your opportunity! Learn from the experts, and the winners of the 2024 Medallas de Cortez. The two-day Hispanic Radio Conference is scheduled for June 12-13 at the San Antonio Airport Marriott. Early bird registration is now open, along with a limited room block at the host hotel. For information on all sessions and speakers, visit the agenda HERE.

 

 

 

Categories: Industry News

A Back-From-Death AM in Alabama Trades Hands

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 12:45

In November 2017, a licensee led by Lyle Reynolds agreed to acquire an Alabama 1kw Class C AM for $200,000. It was a station that had seen its call sign deleted from the FCC’s database just three years earlier due to a lack of service across its license period, but was quickly brought back to life.

Now, he’s agreed to sell the station at 1/10 that price.

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Categories: Industry News

GS Broadcast Acquires Ron Paley Broadcast

Radio World - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 12:37

GS Broadcast Technical Services (GSBTS) has announced its acquisition of Ron Paley Broadcast (RPB), which is Canada’s supplier of Wheatstone products.

GSBTS, also based in Canada, describes itself as “a one-stop shop for everything from the mic to the transmitter.”

The acquisition adds Wheatstone WNIP systems to the GS catalogue, along with the VoxPro, AudioArts and Wheatstone processing lines.

Richard Sondermeyer and Sarah Haslip are the owners of GSBTS. Sondermeyer said he is excited about adding the Wheatstone line to GSBTS’ portfolio as he has been installing Wheatstone gear across Canada for two decades.

Ron Paley, president and CEO of DJB Software Inc., said in the release: “We are very happy to transfer RPB and the Wheatstone line to GSBTS. It’s a natural fit and we know the Sondermeyers will uphold the Paley legacy of outstanding customer service. Making this move frees up key resources to focus on our  award-winning DJB Radio software lines.”

RPB’s VP of Operations Adam Robinson, Business Manager Mark Filimowski and CFO Ted Paley will stay with DJB in those roles. 

“Canadian Broadcasters will be the ones that benefit most from the GSBTS offerings, now as a full-service systems dealer and integrator,” said Wheatstone’s Darrin Paley in the release. “Thank you to Ron Paley and his team for all the hard work over the past 18 years.” 

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Categories: Industry News

GatesAir Expands Flexiva GX Line

Radio World - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 12:28

GatesAir is expanding its Flexiva GX transmitter family with a new 2 kW model.

The Flexiva GX2K provides 2,000 watts of analog FM power in two rack units. The spring convention also will be the North American debut of the GX50 (50 watts), GX1K (1 kW) and GX3K (3 kW) models that were introduced last fall at the IBC show.

“The compact, high-density architecture of the GX2K accentuates the value proposition of the Flexiva GX line for the FM engineer,” GatesAir states in its announcement.

It highlights a strong power-to-size ratio for all six power levels, which also include 5 kW and 10 kW models.

“The design packs exceptional power density into a compact chassis, with overall efficiency ratings up to 76 percent,” GatesAir says.

Also new, the company has enhanced the GUI for the GX line, including integrated audio playback and a supporting playlist manager.

Options include GPS receivers for SFN support, as well as GatesAir’s Intraplex IP Link 100e (IPL-100e) module. The latter integrates within Flexiva GX transmitters, enabling IP connectivity of FM audio and data from the studio.

“This further reduces rack space requirements inside RF facilities with limited open real estate. The IPL-100e also provides support for optional integrated professional 10-band audio processing software, which can save users thousands of dollars in auxiliary equipment.”

The Flexiva GX line can be configured to serve large national or regional FM single-frequency network deployments. They also support N+1 configurations.

NAB Show Booth: W2730

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Categories: Industry News

Hispanic Radio’s Winners? It’s Up to You

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 11:30

Streamline Publishing is pleased to announce that the nomination window for the 2024 Medallas de Cortez is now open.

The highly coveted awards, the only in the U.S. focused on Hispanic radio broadcasting, will be presented at the 15th annual Hispanic Radio Conference. This year’s two-day event moves to San Antonio, home of the first full-time Spanish-language radio station in the nation: KCOR.

Now is the opportunity for YOU to nominate the shining stars in the Hispanic radio industry.

Have a favorite marketing campaign? Celebrate your marketing guru or an advertiser by recognizing their attention-grabbing campaigns that create excitement and help drive attention to Hispanic radio and among Hispanic consumers. Let’s also hear it for those radio sales reps who work tirelessly to generate revenue for your station! These dedicated sellers build meaningful relationships with your clients while reaching out and developing new clients. Nominate them to show your appreciation!

The Medallas de Cortez awards are named in honor of Raoul Cortez, who founded KCOR-AM in San Antonio in 1946. Nominations are now open to anyone involved in the success of Hispanic broadcasting.

The awards are sponsored by vCreative; be sure to recognize your team members in one of seven categories.

Nominations must be submitted by April 12. Make your nominations today!

The 2024 Medallas de Cortez will be announced at the two-day Hispanic Radio Conference, scheduled for June 12-13 at the San Antonio Airport Marriott. Early bird registration is now open, along with a limited room block at the host hotel. For information on all sessions and speakers, visit the agenda HERE.

 

 

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Categories: Industry News

TEGNA Making A Lone Star Leadership Change

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 10:59

HOUSTON — In early 2019, the VP/General Manager of TEGNA‘s CBS-affiliated property serving the Texas Gulf Coast’s biggest market officially retired. Selected to succeed Susan McEldoon at KHOU-11 was the Director of Advertising and Promotion at co-owned KUSA-9 in Denver, who also served as an integral part of the TEGNA Marketing Leadership Team.

Five years later, a new leader will soon be coming to KHOU.

 

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Categories: Industry News

MRC Gives Comscore Key Accreditation OKs

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 10:34

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Reston, Va.-based media consumption and partner for planning, transacting and evaluating media across platforms seeking to win more business in the TV ratings arena has just scored a key accreditation for two audience measurement categories from the Media Rating Council (MRC).

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Categories: Industry News

Bext Solves a Problem of Spurious Emissions

Radio World - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 05:00

Radio World Buyer’s Guide articles are intended to help readers understand why their colleagues chose particular products to solve various technical situations. This month’s articles focus on transmitters.

Bill Traue, CSRE, 8-VSB, AMD, says he was on the receiving end of a conference call that included a station owner in Wyoming and the manager of the local airport. 

“One of the owner’s FM stations had suddenly developed a problem with spurious emissions and was interfering with aircraft communications in the area,” said Traue, who runs a technical services firm in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

“The first question I asked was if the interference was being heard on 121.5 MHz, the distress frequency, and it was not. Only slightly relieved, I advised the station owner to shut down that transmitter immediately and I would come and get him back on the air, sans interference.”

Traue said he felt that the problem was with the station’s old FM transmitter. “Although a solid-state model, it occupied a full rack about a tall as Frankenstein. I hoped it wasn’t IM interference from things like rusty tower joints.”

When he arrived in town he stopped at the studio first and picked up a brand-new Bext XL3000, in its unopened box, which was awaiting another project. 

Bill Traue

He took it up the transmitter mountain and installed it as quickly as possible, moving the AC wires from the old transmitter to the new, the antenna coax with 7/8-inch flange and the composite audio from the processor to the Mux input on the rear of the transmitter. (The XL3000 can be ordered for single- or three-phase power, as can its larger brother the XL6000.) 

“I prefer to operate a new transmitter into a dummy load for a week to wring out any problems and become more familiar with it. But there was no time for that since this station was off the air,” he said.

“Bext provides the transmitter documentation on a USB thumb drive, and they are also available via a front-panel USB connection even if the transmitter is not powered up.”

He resigned himself to slowing down long enough to fire up his laptop computer and read up on what this transmitter required to get it working. 

“I realized after a minute that the colorful touch screen user interface on the front of the XL series transmitter was all I needed, and I put the PC away. I intuitively changed the frequency, lowered the preset power down to nothing and pushed RF ON. The cooling fans came up to full speed for a few seconds, then slowed down to just what is required to manage things thermally.”

He slowly raised power and with no reflected power, he went right up to 3000 watts. Then he called the airport manager and asked if the interference was gone. He checked around on his radios and found no trace of it. 

“As I drove down the hill and around town, listening to the new transmitter, I noticed how great it sounds, a noticeable improvement from the old transmitter in the Frankenrack.” The XL3000 takes up three rack spaces, leaving lots of room for other gear.

The next morning he returned to make sure the transmitter was happy in its new home. He called up the airport manager again to verify that there was no interference with his radios and there was none. He drove the signal out as he left the area and enjoyed the improvement in sound. 

“Two months later, I asked the station owner if the XL3000 had been stable so far, and it has. Several listeners have commented to him how great the station sounds and asked what they had done,” Traue wrote.

“I think the upgrade in sound is due to the direct FM at carrier frequency design. You can keep spending thousands on the latest greatest audio processing but if you don’t have the design found in this Bext XL series working for you, you are just creating louder noise.”

He said they plan to buy several more XL series transmitters. 

[Read More Buyers Guide Reviews Here]

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Categories: Industry News

Natalie Marsh: Keep an Open Mind About New Tech

Radio World - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 05:00

Radio World is checking in with business and technology leaders about the state of the industry as radio prepares for the NAB Show in April.

Natalie Marsh is VP, market manager of Lotus Broadcasting in Las Vegas. She is in her 25th year with the company.

Radio World: What do you consider to be the most important issue or challenge for radio broadcast owners and executives right now?

Natalie Marsh

Natalie Marsh: Radio has many of the same challenges many businesses face in a post-COVID world.

We are all trying to navigate the impact of inflation. In my opinion this requires investing in updated technology, which can improve efficiency across the operation while optimizing ways to engage with your audience. 

One example of this would be updating studio equipment to include cameras in the studio. Listeners and advertisers alike are looking for a 360-degree interaction. The appeal of radio has always been the connection to the local audience. You can increase that connection by adding a video option. It allows you to compete with content creators. 

Audio remains the king, but it is necessary in today’s environment to meet your listeners where they are at. It also requires creative compensation packages to help employees who are also battling the impact of rising costs. This can be as simple as flexible schedules and remote work when possible. These options help save commuting costs or allow for a work life balance that normally could create cost of living challenges.

RW: What technologies or new media platforms are you watching closely, for their potential impact on how radio organizations do business? 

Marsh: The biggest one I am watching currently is podcasting. It has been rapidly growing and it is such a complimentary platform for radio. 

We have some pretty popular podcasts for our sports stations that are simply on-demand options for listeners of the show. These are the simplest examples of how to turn current content into a new option for listeners. 

From there you need to look at other options to explore. What passions do people have in the building that could engage an audience? You never know what gold mine exists in your team. We all have such diverse backgrounds, hobbies and likes. 

It all circles back to connections. Finding topics that help you connect with the audience. 

The other platform I am paying attention to is social audio. In sports radio, the social media platform of choice is X. I am highly intrigued by X Spaces with this audience. Sports hosts and listeners alike are very passionate about sharing their opinions in the sports space. 

Other social audio apps have come into the market that I am watching for how they may align with some of our other formats. Clubhouse, Discord and Stereo are a few that I am paying attention to.

RW: Generative artificial intelligence was last year’s big buzz topic. Has it met expectations for its impact in radio? 

Marsh: AI is not going away. Quite the opposite. It is growing at an almost frightening pace. My viewpoint on things like AI is leaning into how they can help you. 

Again, I am going to focus on what I consider to be one of radio’s biggest attributes: connection to the local audience. So we are looking at how AI can help us streamline content creation. 

Can we use it to help us with more interactive features such as polls, quizzes or live chats? I am also looking at the abilities of AI to analyze listener behaviors and how we can utilize this to enhance their radio listening experience. We also want to figure out if there is an ethical way to use it to enhance engagement for our listeners without losing the human connection that is paramount to radio. 

We are being very cautious in the AI world. You have already seen the backlash on some industries that might have jumped in too quickly.

RW: Over the next three years, what will be the most important change or evolution in how radio companies are run? 

Marsh: It feels like, now more than ever, it is hard to predict how technology may evolve. 

I am aging myself here a little, but I sometimes think back to my childhood watching “The Jetsons” on Saturday mornings and I think “Wow, we are so close to that reality.” I never imagined that we would be able to see the people we were talking to via phone on a video screen, but it is so commonplace now. 

Radio has been ever evolving and I do not expect that to change. Radio will expand its online presence and digital platforms. It will figure out how to use emerging technology to tailor content and enhance audience engagement. 

So as an executive at a radio company, you have an obligation to stay on top of the trends and technology. It is so important to continue to understand and explore ways to engage your audience. 

RW: Other thoughts? And what else should radio managers be thinking about as the spring show approaches?

Marsh: This year marks 25 years with Lotus for me. It is such an honor to work for the Kalmensons. They truly care about community and our partners, and they encourage that for all of their employees. 

I have never failed to find the solutions to my challenges or some new emerging technology at the NAB Show. You have to keep an open mind in order to really grow and adapt. Growing up one of my favorite movies was “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” It was such a generationally iconic movie. It also has one of my favorite quotes: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” He may be saying that to convince his friend to ditch school, but I like to use it as a reminder to not move so fast you miss the important things.

[For More News on the NAB Show See Our NAB Show News Page]

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Categories: Industry News

Digital Alert Systems Releases V5.3

Radio World - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 05:00

New from Digital Alert Systems is software Version 5.3 for all 64-bit-compatible DASDEC and One-Net systems.

This is on top of the recent release of V5.2, which incorporated the latest FCC requirements. V5.3 makes further improvements to platform’s security posture, offering increased security settings to match users’ network restrictions and IT requirements. 

The company will exhibit at the NAB Show.

“These new options make it possible to tailor the device to work in the smallest to the most extensive corporate network environments,” the company states. Several older protocols also were removed to tighten security.

Version 5.3 includes other enhancements. For DASDEC-III units with HDMI outputs, the company added new safe-title display boundaries and increased the font size to maximize the high-definition alert message textual display output.

A new alert duration feature allows users to set any of the GPOs (up to 32 possible) to remain closed for the duration of an alert. Thus a user can set a GPO to remain closed during the entire alert, not just while the video or audio is playing. Customers can use it to trigger other devices or alarms while an event remains technically active.

Several additions correspond with updates to the company’s Halo Enterprise Level EAS Device Monitoring program. Because Version 5.3 is coupled with the Halo program, DASDEC and One-Net users can now select EAS logging views by device or in sync with their browsers.

This software update is free to customers who are enrolled in the company’s Software Assurance Plan, have purchased a new DASDEC unit or have taken advantage of the company’s Up-Trade program since April 2022.

NAB Show Booth: W3920

[For More News on the NAB Show See Our NAB Show News Page]

The post Digital Alert Systems Releases V5.3 appeared first on Radio World.

Categories: Industry News

A Major TV Network In Spain Makes A ‘FAST’ U.S. Move

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 03:31

ATRESMEDIA is one of Europe’s largest media companies, with a formidable presence in Spain. Now, the Madrid-based company’s international arm is entering into the U.S. market with a trio of free ad-supported streaming television offerings.

For ATRESMEDIA Internacional, it brings “FAST” channels to the important Hispanic marketplace in America, adding to its presence in various overseas markets.

Now available are Zona Investigación, Cine y Series, and Única, and they join linear channels Antena 3, Atreseries, Atrescine, and ¡HOLA! TV on the atresplayer.

For the initial roll-out of the FAST channels in the states, ATRESMEDIA Internacional has chosen to launch on FUBO and on global media streaming platform Plex. The goal, the company says, is to expand the presence of these streaming and free signals in the Americas through upcoming agreements with other distributors.

ATRESMEDIA is the home of “El Hormiguero,” which will soon be added to the 8pm time slot on Estrella TV thanks to a licensing agreement between Estrella Media and ATRESMEDIA.

Categories: Industry News

‘CBS News Confirmed’ Selects Exec. Editor

Radio+Television Business Report - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 02:07

NEW YORK — A woman with Irish media experience who a decade ago spent a year at New York’s NPR Member station has been selected for the role of Executive Editor of a new unit focused on misinformation within CBS News and Standards.

Taking the role at CBS News Confirmed is Rhona Tarrant. She starts on April 1 and will report to CBS News and Stations SVP Claudia Milne, who heads standards and practices.

CBS News Confirmed is a new initiative that brings together a team of journalists who use data and technology to verify and fact-check questionable videos and reports and explain CBS News’ verification process. “CBS News Confirmed represents an investment in several key areas: hiring forensic journalists, new training, state-of-the-art technology and other tools, all focused on ensuring that CBS News combats misinformation and ensures the accuracy of its reporting,” CBS says.

Tarrant has trained journalists worldwide to verify, debunk and track online misinformation and disinformation through her work with the Google News Initiative and Storyful, where she has been head of editorial for the U.S. marketplace since 2019. Earlier, Tarrant served as EMEA deputy editor at Storyful, where she led daily coverage of international news events from Dublin.

“Rhona is one of the leading journalists and editors working in and breaking new ground in the area of verifying information,” said Milne. “She has developed new tools to uncover misinformation and disinformation and has worked across multiple platforms. Her experience and leadership will be an asset to CBS News Confirmed.”

Tarrant commented, “The rise of generative AI and online misinformation has made the role of journalists more critical than ever. I am thrilled to join the exceptional team at CBS News to lead this new unit dedicated to visual verification and fact-checking. Together, we’ll support CBS News’ unwavering commitment to journalistic excellence and empower our audience to sort fact from fiction.”

Tarrant worked from 2014 to 2015 at WNYC Radio in New York, where, as an assistant producer, she focused on a year-long investigative series that uncovered inaccurate reporting of road traffic deaths in New York City.

From 2011 to 2017, Tarrant served as a producer and reporter for RTÉ Radio and Television in Dublin.

 

Categories: Industry News

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FCC Media Bureau News Items - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 20:00
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