At long last!!
This is how to "revitalize" the AM radio band (medium wave makes more sense in
this context), not allowing AM programming to simply move over to the (analog)
FM band.
Of course, with this libertarian idea that broadcast radio or TV standards must
be only "voluntary," all the best intentions will continue to fail, as they
always have failed with new "voluntary" broadcast standards, on existing bands.
Digital transmissions in the AM band have existed since 2002. They sound
spectacularly better than analog, even though they occupy the same 10 MHz
channel as analog AM should, to avoid spilling over into other stations'
signals. Too bad that even today, getting close to 20 years down the road,
digital radio (HD Radio) is only available in a few cars, at substantial extra
cost, with theiur premium sound systems. For absolutely no good reason.
All digital means the digital power level can increase substantially. As of
now, in the MW band, the digital in-band signal is constrained to 35 dB below
the analog AM power.
Bert
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https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-360980A1.pdf
Media Contact: Janice Wise, (202) 418-8165
janice.wise@xxxxxxx
For Immediate Release FCC PROPOSES TO ALLOW ALL-DIGITAL AM BROADCASTING
WASHINGTON, November 22, 2019-The Federal Communications Commission today
adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that recommends giving AM stations the
flexibility to voluntarily adopt all-digital broadcasting.
Many AM stations experience interference from electronic devices and other
sources that affects audio quality. All-digital broadcasting offers AM
broadcasters the potential to improve their signal quality and area of
listenable coverage, as well as offer additional services that FM broadcasters
currently offer, such as song and artist identification. It also holds the
potential to allow AM stations to increase their programming options to include
music formats.
In today's NPRM, the Commission proposes to allow AM stations to voluntarily
transition to alldigital transmission. The Commission also proposes
establishing operating parameters for alldigital stations to minimize any risk
of interference. Finally, the Commission proposes adopting the
industry-approved standard for hybrid and all-digital broadcasting.
This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking continues the Commission's effort to
revitalize AM broadcasting by enabling it to provide a better listening
experience and enhanced service offerings.
Action by the Commission November 22, 2019 by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(FCC 19123). Chairman Pai, Commissioners O'Rielly, Carr, Rosenworcel, and
Starks approving. Chairman Pai, Commissioners O'Rielly and Carr issuing
separate statements.
MB Docket Nos. 19-11, 13-249
###
Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / TTY: (888) 835-5322 /
Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov
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