XPost: alt.radio.broadcasting

Radio World

///////////////////////////////////////////
Youth Mentorship Program Launched by Radio Club of America

Posted: 11 Jul 2022 10:52 AM PDT https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/youth-mentorship-program-launched-by-radio-club-of-america


The world’s oldest wireless society has launched a new mentorship
initiative to encourage youths to tap into wireless and STEM-related
careers.

The Radio Club of America Mentorship Program will provide opportunities for young professionals to learn from the experiences of more seasoned RCA
members. After completing an application to participate in the year-long program, interested members will be contacted by a mentorship committee and then matched with an appropriate mentor or mentee. 

A set of guidelines for both mentors and mentees include setting a series
of specific goals, defining expectations and honoring diversity, equity and inclusion in the program.

“RCA recognized that an important new value for our membership was to have our more experienced members provide help to members who were relatively
new to the wireless industry,” said John Facella, RCA president.

[Visit Radio World’s News and Business Page]

The organization has long focused on youth outreach. RCA’s 30-year-old
Youth Activities program is designed to interest middle and high school students in STEM subjects through the use of amateur radio. The organization’s college scholarship program works with those studying engineering and wireless-related disciplines. And the co-sponsored Young Professionals program works to support individuals under 30.  

The history of the Radio Club of America is a long one. On Jan. 2, 1909, a
few teenage radio experimenters came together, at the behest of local
inventor E. Lillian Todd, to host the first meeting of the Junior Wireless Club. Since then, the organization has worked to bring together
professionals from every segment of the wireless industry, including
broadband, broadcasting, microwave, public safety, transportation and
towers.

The post Youth Mentorship Program Launched by Radio Club of America
appeared first on Radio World.


///////////////////////////////////////////
NABs LeGeyt Says Radio in Position to Transition

Posted: 09 Jul 2022 05:00 AM PDT https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/nabs-legeyt-says-radio-in-position-to-transition


NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt says broadcasters will have to leverage
the screen and mobile experience in the car in order for radio to reach its full potential over the next decade.

Appearing on the Borrell Local Marketing Trends Podcast this week — where
he took the 10-Year Challenge projecting where radio will be in a decade — the leader of the NAB acknowledged that the broadcast industry is in a
period of extreme disruption.  

“From the broadcast perspective we are seeing what is happening in the
media landscape and the various ways consumers are accessing media content.
All of that has been upended by new technologies, so there is a lot of work ahead,” LeGeyt said during the podcast.

When LeGeyt looks at 2032 he sees local radio offering a proliferation of
ways for listeners to find adjacent programming streams, podcasts, station
apps and subchannels.

“All of that will be fueled by what is happening in the dashboard. It will all be packaged. It will all be easily accessible for the listener,” LeGeyt said. “Increasingly, the experience in the car is a screen-driven
experience. There is a lot of real estate for radio to work with, building
that relationship with the listener and expanding the relationship across various brands.” 

[Visit Radio World’s News and Business Page]

The radio industry is continuing to focus on building out the screen,
LeGeyt said. “I think 10 years out it is the screen driven experience for radio broadcasters and those broader audio platforms that will be a real differentiator. What I think will change about radio is [that] a local
radio station will be able to build its brand beyond just the traditional
AM and FM signal.”       

The challenges facing radio are many, as pointed out on the Burrell Local Marketing Trends Podcast. In-car systems like Apply CarPlay and Android
Auto bring more immersive screen-driven experiences for listeners with more options. But there are bigger worries facing radio broadcasters and
standing in the way of future success, LeGeyt says.

“The real bogeyman to me is the fact that Congress is always slow when it comes to adapting it laws, especially when it comes to telecom, and to
adapt to what is happening in the marketplace. What I worry about is the problem everyone can see. Broadcasters are effectively competing with one
arm tied behind our back against the tech platforms and other media that
have a national scale.”

[Related: World Car Tech Trends Offer Risks and Opportunities to Radio]

LeGeyt, who took over the leadership role at NAB earlier this year,
continued: “There are several resolutions possible. One is allow
broadcasters to compete and gain that scale. Congress looks at media
ownership laws and does some modernization there that is long overdue as
far as national ownership cap. As well as the scale that can be gained to
the benefit in investment in localism by increasing ownership in local
markets. The other is the regulation of big tech.”

As for the future of media consumption, LeGeyt said on the Borrell podcast
he believes local broadcast will be an important part of bringing
communities together and combating social media disinformation and cable
news politicization.

“I think some of these technological innovations and media opportunities
are symptoms of what is happening in society. I don’t look at them as
enemies of radio on a technology basis, but rather the trends that (the
FCC) is allowing to proliferate are bad for democracy. And I think they
create a lot of unhappiness,” LeGeyt said. 

Therefore, local broadcasters need to double down on fact-based
information, LeGeyt says, at a hyper local level.

“We’ve seen the demise of newspapers. Yet, there are business opportunities for radio and TV to fill the role of local newspapers. They have the local, trusted personalities to help bridge divides.

“Radio’s advantage is live and local and I believe radio will continue to thrive in that regard. Whether they are distributing programming through a traditional terrestrial AM or FM signal, or whether the content is being consumed through a stream or an adjacent podcast,” LeGeyt said. 

Borrell Associates CEO Gordon Borrell  pointed to data during the podcast
that showed more media buyers gearing up to spend more on social media advertising and banner ads, with fewer planning to sink dollars into radio going forward. “Radio is at about half the rate of social media,” Borrell said. “Only newspaper is further down the list than radio and TV.”

LeGeyt, however, remains optimistic that broadcast radio — through further diversification of audio platforms — will present advertisers a unique opportunity.

“There will be new business opportunities and partnerships with local advertisers. I think there is a lot there for local broadcasters to
build-out that screen (to increase revenue),” LeGeyt said.  

The post NAB’s LeGeyt Says Radio in Position to Transition appeared first
on Radio World.


///////////////////////////////////////////
FCC Adds Resilient Networks Requirement

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 01:14 PM PDT https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/business-and-law/fcc-adds-resilient-networks-requirement


The FCC has updated rules meant to improve the reliability and resiliency
of wireless communications networks during emergencies. The goal is to keep cellphones working when disasters like hurricanes and wildfires strike, the commission says.

The Report and Order released this week makes wireless network resiliency cooperation mandatory for wireless carriers in the United States. 

The FCC is introducing the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative (MDRI)
which largely codifies and builds upon the industry-developed Wireless
Network Resiliency Framework. The Framework was developed by a group of facilities-based, mobile wireless service providers and had been endorsed
by the FCC. However, this week’s actions extend the reach of the provisions to all mobile wireless providers to test their roaming capabilities and
report on the performance of their implementation of the new MDRI.   

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel in a release highlighted the major
updates: “First, the order expands the times and places where carriers will be able to roam on each other’s networks during an emergency, improving the likelihood that people will be able to stay connected when the unthinkable happens. 

“Second, it takes what has to this point has been a voluntary Framework, which promotes service continuity through coordination, assistance, and information sharing during and after emergencies and disasters, and makes
it mandatory for all mobile network operators. We’ve seen that the mutual
aid and other provisions of this Framework can be effective at speeding recovery and ensuring responders have all the information they need.”

[Related: FCC Working on Wireless Resiliency]

Rosenworcel continued: “Third, it changes the circumstances that can
trigger the initiation of the Framework, meaning that the Framework’s activation will be more predictable, consistent, and responsive to needs on
the ground.”

The commission says the MDRI provides the baseline action needed to assure
that facilities-based, mobile wireless providers take the necessary steps
to maintain and restore network connectivity around disasters. It rejected
a request by several wireless industry groups to exempt small wireless providers from participation in MDRI due to their lack of resources for compliance in the middle of emergencies.

The FCC say it expects the incremental costs imposed on facilities-based
mobile wireless providers by the new requirements of MDRI will be minimal
in many cases and, even when significant, will be far outweighed by the nationwide benefits.

An accompanying Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) examines any
gaps that might need to be filled in the Disaster Information Reporting
System (DIRS). The original Resiliency Networks proposal considered changes
to DIRS, which is a voluntary web-based system used by broadcasters since
2007 to report broadcast service outages to the FCC. The FCC proposal considered the possibility of mandatory DIRS reporting of outages for participants following a disaster.   

The commission also renewed their inquiry into back up power for
communications facilities. The NPRM asked about ways to mitigate the
effects of power outages on communications networks in the aftermath of disasters. The FCC in the proposal asked detailed questions about how
backup power can be deployed to reduce the frequency of power-related
service disruptions. 

[See Our Business and Law Page]

The FCC at least discussed adopting backup power requirements for DIRS and
NORS [Network Outage Reporting System] participants, according to the
original proposal. 

“To the extent that the Commission were to adopt backup power requirements, providers subject to them, potentially including cable providers, Direct Broadcast Satellite providers, Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service, TV
and radio broadcasters, Commercial Mobile Radio Service and other wireless service providers, could potentially be required to take steps to make
their networks more resilient to power outages,” according to the FCC
notice proposal released in 2021.

A comment period on the FNPRM (PS Docket 21-346) will commence following publication in the Federal Register.

The post FCC Adds Resilient Networks Requirement appeared first on Radio
World.


///////////////////////////////////////////
Importance of State EAS Plan in California Is Clear

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 12:53 PM PDT https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/business-and-law/importance-of-state-eas-plan-in-california-is-clear


As chair of the California State Emergency Communications Committee,
Richard Rudman helps guide the preparation for public alerts and warnings
for one of the largest states in the country and, arguably, the one with
the most natural disasters. 
Chair of the California State Emergency Communications Committee Richard
Rudman

Radio World asked Rudman to reflect on filing California’s new state EAS plan, as mandated by the FCC, and what, if any, new opportunities the
process might create:  

Radio World: Has the FCC’s recent EAS rule update brought any changes in
how the California SECC approaches public warning?

Richard Rudman: California, like some other states, needed to look at the
real heart of EAS, the relationships between local broadcasters, their
contact with local warning centers, and the monitoring assignments that EAS depends on. And the FCC has made changes to 47 CFR Part 11 that more
clearly define the roles of SECCs and asked them to report back on key EAS elements.

After California’s devastating series of wildfires, the state legislature
saw a need to reinforce our public alert and warning capabilities that
began before previous SECC chair Jim Gabbert retired. After Jim retired
last year, I traveled to Sacramento to meet with Cal OES [California Office
of Emergency Services] on going forward. 
Click to enlarge

Our legislature has now supplied resources to Cal OES to help the SECC with
we all know has been a major unfunded volunteer-based mandate.

I have been working directly with Cal OES and several dedicated local
chairs to verify both EAN and local/regional monitoring assignments. We
found that many chairs have moved to other markets or retired, and several
LP stations had changed call letters and frequencies. This is a work in progress.



Once I had a handle on the overall local EAS picture, I began to work with
the California Broadcasters Association, the California Cable Television Association, and Cal OES to resume regular meetings and build out the SECC
core membership. 

RW: Briefly describe the makeup of the SECC’s membership and any reorganization plans?

Rudman: We had our reorganization meeting on June 17. At our next meeting
we will talk about a revised structure I am proposing. We had
representatives at this meeting from all the organizations listed below. I
see as our structure going forward adding CTIA and LECC Chairs will be
vital.

Here is how the California SECC will hopefully look: 

Chair –  

Vice Chairs 

California Broadcasters Assn. Representative (CBA)

Cal Cable Association Representative (CCTA)

Cable Television and Internet Association (CTIA)

Cal OES Representative

California Highway Patrol Representative (CHP)

National Weather Service Representative (NOAA/NWS)

LECC Representatives

Advisors from adjacent state SECCs (Nevada, Arizona and Oregon)

[Related: Washington Develops New State EAS Plan]

RW: Who administers the committee and will be responsible for making sure
it meets regularly?

Rudman: Right now, that’s on me, CBA and Cal OES.

RW: What is your goal in creating or updating your state’s EAS plan? 

Rudman: I want to see us create an accurate and living reference for our California EAS Participants

RW: Do you have any thoughts or recommendations for how other states might improve EAS?

Rudman: Look to SECC’s like Nevada and Washington State who to me represent the Gold Standard.

RW: Do you have any thoughts or recommendations for improvements to the national system?

Rudman: More clearly clarify within the Federal entities with public alert
and warning their responsibilities regarding the EAS.

And bring back the FCC’s EAS National Advisory Committee that was an invaluable resource in the Early days of the EAS. The FCC did not renew its charter in 2002. 

RW: What else would fellow broadcast engineers or managers find interesting about your state’s plan or alerting infrastructure?

Rudman: We have one Operational Area that oversees 15 counties. California
has 58 counties total.

The post Importance of State EAS Plan in California Is Clear appeared first
on Radio World.


///////////////////////////////////////////
"Stream Like a Pro" With Wirecast

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 09:51 AM PDT https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/products/stream-like-a-pro-with-wirecast


Telestream says Wirecast is powerful video production and broadcasting
software to produce and live-stream high-quality video content, with
support for 4K camera sources, moderated social media comment overlays, scoreboards, clocks and tickers. 

Features include a built-in stock media library, customizable animated
titles and native restreaming software to create interactive live streams
that are syndicated to multiple destinations and recorded locally, simultaneously, in a few clicks. 


“Wirecast has widespread support for hardware devices, audio/video
equipment, control surfaces and NDI without taxing computer resources, and supports baseband SDI/HDMI, secondary display out, and virtual camera/microphone out for more complex video workflows,” the company says. 

“Stability and resource efficiency are core pillars of the Wirecast
product, with the newest version using up to 60% fewer computing resources
than previous versions, freeing up valuable CPU and GPU power to enable
complex production and streaming workflows.”

Applications include visual radio, live sports streaming, live streaming to Facebook, YouTube live streaming, broadcasting services in a house of
worship and distance learning in higher-education. 

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

The post “Stream Like a Pro” With Wirecast appeared first on Radio World.


///////////////////////////////////////////
Dante Controller Adds Language Support

Posted: 08 Jul 2022 09:44 AM PDT https://www.radioworld.com/tech-and-gear/products/dante-controller-adds-language-support


Audinate Group said its Dante Controller is now available with language
support for English, Spanish, German, Chinese, French, Japanese, Portuguese
and Korean.

Dante Controller is a configuration tool used to run Dante networks; it is
used to label devices and channels, route Dante devices and monitor the network.


“Dante is used all over the world to connect professional audio systems,
and Dante Controller v4.6 now provides maximum clarity and ease of use for millions of non-English speakers,” the company said.

“Native language support brings clearer understanding and ease of use of Dante routing, clocking and specific settings for Dante devices.”

The announcement was made by Product Manager Laurence Crew. 

Dante Controller v4.6 is free and is available for download at www.audinate.com/LatestDC.

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

The post Dante Controller Adds Language Support appeared first on Radio
World.


///////////////////////////////////////////
FM Band Just Keeps Getting More Crowded

Posted: 07 Jul 2022 12:33 PM PDT https://www.radioworld.com/news-and-business/business-and-law/fm-band-just-keeps-getting-more-crowded


If you need proof that the FM band in the United States has gotten more crowded, look no farther than the latest station totals report from the
Federal Communications Commission.

According to a comparison with historical data by Radio World, there are
4,601 more FM signals on the band than there were just 10 years ago, an increase of more than 26%. That includes an increase of 256 FM signals in
the past year.

For this calculation, Radio World is using the total number of licensed FM signals — including full-power, translator, booster and LPFM stations — which, at mid-year, 2022 is now 21,858.

In the past year alone, the number of FM translators and boosters went up
by more than 330 — probably almost all translators — and is now approaching 9,000, which is a big reason the 88-108 spectrum has become so busy in the
past 10 to 15 years.

[See Our Business and Law Page]

Breaking the FM totals down, the number of commercial FM licenses grew by
eight in the past 12 months to 6,689. The number of noncommercial
educational FMs declined slightly to 4,184, but that’s still about 425 more than a decade ago, and the category will increase when the results of the recent NCE filing window begin to be felt.

LPFMs fell by 59 in the past year, to 2,034.

Over on the senior band, the total of AM licensees continues to creep down.
It stands at 4,498, a drop of 35 signals this year and down more than 250
over 10 years.

Interestingly, the National Association of Broadcasters this week made note
of a recent decline in the number of full-power U.S. radio stations.

In a comment about the state of competition in the communications
marketplace, NAB wrote that radio was particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, and offered as evidence that there were 180 fewer full-power commercial AM/FM stations at the end of 2021 compared to
two years earlier.

The post FM Band Just Keeps Getting More Crowded appeared first on Radio
World.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)