Ok, before I post a copy of comments at a NAB gathering, here’s a cut and paste from the FCC about who he is, (I didn’t know either)…
Ok, before I post a copy of comments at a NAB gathering, here’s a cut and paste from the FCC about who he is, (I didn’t know either)…
Ajit Pai was nominated to the Federal Communications Commission by President Barack Obama and on May 7, 2012 was confirmed unanimously by the United States Senate. On May 14, 2012, he was sworn in for a term that concludes on June 30, 2016.
.. Specifically, Commissioner Pai is working to remove uncertainty that can deter businesses and investors from taking risks, to revisit outdated regulations, and to set clear, modernized rules for the road….
More at http://www.fcc.gov/leadership/ajit-pai
Now for his comments, which should be read in its entirety just to comprehend better where this guy is coming from, but at the moment the focus is specifically concerning AM Radio.. http://www.fcc.gov/document/commissioner-pai-remarks-radio-show(beginning on page 5):
What else should the Commission be doing with regard to radio broadcasting? To me, it’s time to take another look at our AM radio regulations. The FCC last conducted a thorough review of those rules 21 years ago. Since that time, AM radio has continued its relative decline. There are 20% more FM stations today than there were in 2002. Just another piece of evidence that broadcast radio is still strong. But unfortunately, the number of AM stations has actually fallen during that same period. Moreover, AM’s overall market share is less than 20% right now, and the figures are even lower for younger listeners. Within the 12-34 age range, AM stations currently account for less than 10% of radio listening. These younger listeners should represent the future of AM radio, but many of them never tune in.
In order to reverse these trends, I propose that the Commission launch an AM Radio Revitalization Initiative in early 2013. Specifically, we should conduct a comprehensive review of all our AM radio rules. We should focus on one basic question: are there regulatory barriers we can remove to help this sector rebound?
There have been many changes in technology since we last reviewed these rules back in 1991. One notable change is that AM reception has gotten worse. The causes of interference to AM signals have only expanded in the last two decades. If you’ve tried flipping through the AM dial recently, you know what I’m talking about. But I’m hopeful that we can identify and implement reforms that will improve AM radio service.
In fact, a variety of ideas already have been put on the table for liberalizing the Commission’s technical rules to allow for broader and better reception of AM signals. Some have advocated for an across-the-board power increase for AM stations. Some have called for the use of synchronous AM transmission systems. And some have encouraged the development of so-called “anti-skywave antennas” so that some AM stations won’t have to go dark at night. The AM Radio Revitalization Initiative should explore each of these suggestions and many others; I encourage you to be creative. In addition, because it’s important for the Commission to set deadlines—and stick to them—I believe that we should aim to complete this initiative one year later, in early 2014.
Now, By “across-the-board power increase for AM stations.” — Would not that include Part 15 AM Stations? — or no?
Carl Blare says
Anti-Skywave Antenna
What is the state-of-the-art of anti-skywave antennas?
Mr. Pai alluded to the AM radio noise problem, but how manageable would that be, really? “Must accept interference” is printed on everything.
Getting really serious here, is there a way of improving AM broadcast quality using old or new technology? “Improvement” applies to signal reception and audio quality.
To Major Edwin Armstrong the way to improve AM was to invent FM.
Is Mr. Pai merely poking at a dying horse?
And why does no one of authority recognize that terrible programming has much to do with the decline of AM?
Carl Blare says
Something Not Said
In the portion of Mr. Pai’s remarks presented above, it is notable that he made no reference to the buzz saw known as “HD radio”, which by omission might admit that a failure is a failure.
radio8z says
My Take
Thanks, Rich, for posting this information. It sounds encouraging but I tend to agree with Carl about the failure of AM radio being more a programming issue than a technical one.
This may be an opportunity to address the Part 15 AM technical restrictions to make “hobby” broadcasting reception available to larger audiences but for this to work to the “public benefit” (a strong argument for the FCC) we need to have something of value and interest to offer in terms of programming. The ALPB recently formed could perhaps play a role in this.
I can only state with certainty the factors which apply to my own personal experience as a broadcast listener which deter me from listening and it is not due to technical issues. I no longer consume any broadcasts on radio or TV and it began with my intolerance of 20 plus minutes/hour of annoying commercials, though I used to suffer through this if the programming was of interest. One haven used to be non-commercial broadcasting here but over the past few years the locally produced talk and interactive programming on these stations has given way to canned satellite drop programming such as the BBC Radio World News which was switched on at 6 PM and ran until 6 AM. The only non-com AM station with local news and programming here was sold and is now part of a Christian network. The FM station which provided locally hosted classical music and news has switched to all day NPR and moved their classical programming to an HD subchannel and an acquired rim shot station with an unusable signal in my home.
Add to this the news feeds which used to be actual journalism but are now nothing other than performances by people more interested in stating their own biased opinions on issues and events than reporting facts and we have news sources which cannot be trusted. The end result for me is that I no longer listen to any over the air broadcasts at all either at home or in my car. Maybe I am just being cranky but this is how it is for the reasons given.
Broadcasters and Part 15’ers need to compete with the new technology which allows the audience to select the programming they want when and where they want it. This streaming media is the future of broadcasting as I see it. We already have some in place with streaming commercial free subscription programming of audio and even video now available via the internet. This is what I now use for information and entertainment. I predict that traditional broadcasting by radio will soon be replaced by streaming programs available via cell phones where the listener can “tune” in any time from anywhere. Because of the high licensing costs for music and copyrighted works this mode will remain out of reach for hobbyists.
That being said, there are hundred of millions of receivers still out there which can receive hobby AM and FM broadcasting and we should work for technical changes which would yield the ranges needed for more useful hobby broadcasting. If this is done then it would be up to the hobbyists to offer programs which would justify this.
Neil
RFB says
More To It
AM isn’t the only band suffering. FM is also being turned away from by listeners.
It is a matter of programing. When stations only have 4 hours of local radio and 20 hours of automation, who the heck is going to want to get fuzzy warm with an automation computer?!
Return radio to what it was 30 years ago and problem solved. That includes removing corporate conglomerate consolidating.
And get rid of the lawyers and put engineers in the commission.
Lovely..another foreigner in power. How ironic. For a nation so heck bent on those people, we sure do put them in places of importance within the nation. Even more ironic.
RFB
RichPowers says
Ajit Pai stance on the programming issue..
In response to “AM radio being more a programming issue than a technical one”.. Perhaps you should read the full transcript of what he had to say, it’s not that long, and it sounded to promote positive changes to me…
http://www.fcc.gov/document/commissioner-pai-remarks-radio-show
Carl Blare says
In a Name
In the world of today a person’s name is no clue to their nationality, if we recognize citizenship, which has gone to many people with foreign sounding names, whose parents may be settlers to the U.S.
One of the old tribal dividers that pits “us” against “them” is the notion of “foreigners”.
We still are fantastically cruel to people from the continent to the South, even though we stole many of the states from them! Now we say they don’t belong here.
I respect people from all over the world, but I think their and our old fashioned religions and attitudes will sink the ship for everybody.
RFB says
Action Or Names
I find that actions speak louder than names.
This cat Ali or whatever is from the same group as Obama. And we all know there is no real left/right blue/red parties, they all tip glasses of wine and make deals behind closed doors and then get on tv and convince you people they are your saviors of everything while everything around you falls apart at your feet..too bad your not looking down at the crumbling ground your feet stands on.
Ok…let’s see this appointed savior saves anything. When it goes all sideways…don’t say no one didn’t warn you.
RFB
Carl Blare says
Servant Masters
Because we trusted the keys to our representatives in government they’ve stolen all the dinnerware and had the locks changed, shutting us out. The servants have declared themselves masters.
The “upper class” of politics consider themselves a higher species than ordinary people, and view us along with livestock.
Other than that I’m not too upset.
radio8z says
How about
we stick to the subject and leave nationality and other distractions out of this?
Neil
Carl Blare says
Hats to Rich Powers
The link to the full text of the chairman’s remarks is on my list for tomorrow, and I appreciate your providing it.
See you then.
Ken Norris says
Views
Hmmm … I was hoping for some foray into LPAM, or at least non-commercial AM, but instead got a flurry of lines about MORE power for commercial stations, lifting both cross-media ownership and foreign ownership restrictions. He was addressing the NAB.
So now we may have not only American corporate investment bolstering, but also foreign conglomerates … controlling what we see and hear.
While it may indeed boost AM bcb usage, it could also make it another part of the media feeding-tube frenzy. We don’t even have to chew our own groceries anymore. Since the formation of the ALPB, perhaps now is the time to join with LPFM orgs such as Prometheus to push for simplicity in licensing LPAM.
If the AM bcb is falling off, there should be a warm fuzzy blanket of opportunities to fill in the spaces by LOCALIZING low power AM radio at affordable investment rates. IMO, that’s what we really need.
I’m not in favor of pirate radio, but I must say, I do wonder, what with not much going on in the AM bcb, if there is an opportunity to broadcast AM radio in ways that will convince the FCC to allow more access, i.e., issuing that CP mentioned earlier for a NC AM station with less fuss, moolah, and red tape, based on demonstrated local need and ability to make it happen. See my next post.
RichPowers says
OK, to start with; Just want
OK, to start with; Just want to say I had to google “bcb”, so to find out that it means “AM Broadcast Band” (the other possibility was “Bar Convent Berlin” – which somehow doesn’t seem to apply.. unless per chance they broadcast from there.. from the back room?).
Anyway Ken, Your response was stark to me, but I don’t quite grasp the entirety of what you’re saying.; so I have to break it up to find a way to present my own response to your view:
Hmmm … I was hoping for some foray into LPAM, or at least non-commercial AM, but instead got a flurry of lines about MORE power for commercial stations, lifting both cross-media ownership and foreign ownership restrictions….
I heard (read) MORE power “across the board”, and allowing local newspapers to own radio stations to better serve interest of their local community.
He was addressing the NAB.
Well, considering he was invited by the NAB to speak at that particular meeting which strongly consist of NAB members.. Yep, I’d say your correct.
So now we may have not only American corporate investment bolstering, but also foreign conglomerates … controlling what we see and hear.
Excuse my ignorance, but you lost me there.
While it may indeed boost AM bcb usage, it could also make it another part of the media feeding-tube frenzy. We don’t even have to chew our own groceries anymore.
Honestly, I keep pondering on how/why ‘BCB’ means “AM Broadcast Band”. Shouldn’t it be ABB or AMBB?? — But I like the analogy presented of not having to chew our own groceries.
Since the formation of the ALPB, perhaps now is the time to join with LPFM orgs such as Prometheus to push for simplicity in licensing LPAM.
Now that just pushes a button with me.. That’s not who we are! That’s why (I personally feel) our organization shouldn’t be called Low Power Anything! It implies an association and/or an equalization of position with LPFM, and potential LPAM — But we are not. We are unlicensed Part 15 broadcasters who are allowed a freedom to do our own thing, in a respectful way, without the government and/or the FCC breathing down our necks telling us we must follow this-or-that structure, procedure or guidelines.
All we got to do is keep our power and antenna at the required limits. Period.
If the AM bcb is falling off, there should be a warm fuzzy blanket of opportunities to fill in the spaces by LOCALIZING low power AM radio at affordable investment rates. IMO, that’s what we really need.
Again, to me, it sounded as though he too was emphasizing the getting back to LOCALIZING AM radio.. Did he not say that’s what we need?
I’m not in favor of pirate radio, but I must say, I do wonder, what with not much going on in the AM bcb, if there is an opportunity to broadcast AM radio in ways that will convince the FCC to allow more access, i.e., issuing that CP mentioned earlier for a NC AM station with less fuss, moolah, and red tape, based on demonstrated local need and ability to make it happen.
I’m no fan either – nor a foe for that matter, of Pirate radio.. nor presently have any further comment/view on the matter concerning potential activities of pirates that might possibly influence the FCC to veer another direction in their stance(s). BUT.. If I did, it would probably be something like “fat chance”.
But i’m not saying anything, except what I didn’t say.
See my next post.
I will.
RFB says
As Usual
In other words, keep things the way they are and not strive for better regulations for Part 15 broadcasting?
Some of us actually want to go beyond the “hobby” aspect. I hope I did not join just another “hobby” organization.
So, what is Mr. Pai going to do for Part 15 AM? Or Part 15 broadcasting overall?
Yeah..I never sneaked into the kitchen late at night and raided the refrigerator either.
The reason for pirates…because there is nothing on the radio.
I would say I am a fan of those pirates. I don’t operate a pirate station, but I did some 20 years ago. Enjoyed every moment of it as did the over 100,000 listeners in two cities. Was a great time for what it was when it was.
And the reasons for it? Because I was sick to death of the garbage on commercial radio even back then. I was also teed off by the crafty way NAB fuzzled up LPFM. Seems almost just like yesterday in a way, nothing better has happened in radio ever since.
It will be interesting to see if the next selected president wants Mr. Pai to remain if that next president just so happens to be the other guy and wants someone else from their own camp. Then again, would it matter or be any different?
RFB
mram1500 says
You Did Join A Hobby Group…
ALPB will continue in the direction of its original concept to help promote local radio, primarily supplied by but not limited to Part 15 stations, in the form of programming and technical support by and for its memebers.
Although Part 15 radio is not limited to “Hobby” activity it is primarily so. A “Hobby” orgainization can be local, national or international to include membership in the thousands and effect considerable influence. Amateur Radio is a “Hobby” and their organization, the ARRL, has accomplished a great deal in the area of political influence.
At this juncture there are no immediate plans for ALPB to become a political lobbyist group. I would suggest those who feel otherwise organize a lobbyist group to achieve their desires, to stand on their own soap box. As membership and influence grow, ALPB may achieve political influence but that is not the purpose of ALPB at this time. Discussions of this nature will only serve to impede development of the group.
I’m sure we’ve all read Lefty Gomez’ recent post. Radio is in his blood and I feel he will continue, just not at Part15.us in light of recent character assasination and criminal accusasions directed at him by members of this forum. I wish him well and will respect his request to continue on with ALPB.
RFB says
The Truth
Sometimes truth hurts those who would otherwise not care. Their time is limited anyway and it won’t matter. Kinda selfish. And pathetic.
Hopefully your kids and their kids will forgive you.
RFB
RFB says
Easy To Fill In What Wasn’t Said
Given the trend of radio over that 21 years, the only changes that will take place are making it easier for what’s left to be gobbled up.
I see nothing here that helps anything except the big corporate conglomerates.
RFB