Making Radio Stronger In A Disaster
Are You Trying to Kill Off AM Radio?
11-20-2012
Fewer issues excite the rank-and-file more than what to do, and what should happen, to the AM dial. How many stations out there are being used to run block programs you know nobody listens to? Perhaps you mix and match barter programs, to avoid having to pay a warm body, that you know drive listeners crazy? How about those P.I's? See any big checks lately? Monday's story about Bud Walters' FCC filing ignited another firestorm of comments from those who love their AM properties and those who say the writing is on the wall and AM radio is like a cancer patient who cannot be saved.
Consultant Walter Sabo says "The FCC could save the AM Band the same way it established the FM Band in the 1960's. Stop the simulcast." Harry Kozlowski writes, "How long does the corpse have to rot before you admit it's dead?" And John Devecka adds, "Producing actual quality local content (really being a part of your community) would go a lot further towards strengthening AM radio."
What will happen to the AM dial over the next ten years? There are many opinions. And the issue is being studied by the NAB, although they've given no indication when that study will be completed or made available.
Below, read the three pages of comments posted by readers about what to do with the AM Dial.
11-19-2012
Cromwell Group CEO Bud Walters has filed an application seeking to make it easier for AM stations to move an existing FM translator a greater distance than now allowed to a location where it can re-broadcast the AM station. The application says this one regulatory change would bring relief to a number of AM stations. "This change is staring the FCC in the face as a change it can make today -- with results occurring today - to revitalize AM stations. Walters is asking Commissioner Pai to support the waiver request for the FM translator for WTCJ(AM), Tell City, Indiana, which will allow it and other AM broadcasters to move an FM translator a greater distance than the FCC’s rules now allow.
The the application filed by Bud Walter HERE
Add your comments to the debate below.
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(1/10/2013 10:31:29 PM) the fcc should allow other forms of modulation besides amplitude modulation in the current AM radio band. First off the should allow a single side band at 95 percent of the rated carrier. For example WABC would have a carrier at their rated carrier 50 50k the side band at 45k. Also allow Digital Radio Mondiale in the other us used side band also at 95 percent or the carrier. Finally allow Frequency Modulation at the AM radio frequency. They should use the narrow band FM like the use for police |
| - Calvin |
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(11/27/2012 3:30:38 PM) AM RADIO need not go away. We need new original local radio programs, and up dated technical facilities. With the new Tax Laws commencing in 2013, this is an opportune time to purchase state of the art AM equipment, and get a tax break. There is a need for redesign of AM radios to provide more band width, and noise suppression. I have a new BMW radio, and power line noise has disappeared. Also, AM needs signal retention from 6AM to 6PM even if reduced power. |
| - Saul Levine (KKGO FM) |
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(11/23/2012 8:34:26 PM) although. I think this is a very good idea, it will just take a lot more effort because the FCC staff has not made things easier lately |
| - Amy Meredith |
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(11/23/2012 6:31:33 PM) Cumulus and Rams 1, 2 3 have a 95% move and New appication 307b awards and the FCC policies keep changing in their benfefit I would use them as case precedence and if you really want it done, use their FCC attorney, afterall he used to work at the Audio division for MANY years and was actually the ex fcc allocations mgr, and he gets it done, all though I don't bleieve this is ethical. |
| - Amy Meredith |
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(11/23/2012 6:28:35 PM) Being a vetran of several failed Fm and Am moves, i have learned that you can not give up, keep filing petitions for reconsiderations and it will eventually go to theUS District xcourt of appeals and they will act in a fair manner. Bud should also file a Full Commission review. It seems to be that certain engineering firms and fCC lawyers do get Fm and AM 's move3's through, it is sad that smaller groups as well as female owned and minority groups that can not afford or don't know what law firms are in with the audio division, are getting denied. |
| - Amy Meredith |
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