FCC OKs Digital Radio

FCC ADOPTS RULES FOR DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING
[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
The FCC adopted a 2nd report and Order on Digital Audio Radio (digital radio to you and me). In the Order, the Commission: Refrains from imposing a mandatory conversion schedule for radio stations to commence digital broadcast operations; Allows FM radio stations to operate in the extended hybrid digital mode; Requires that each local radio station broadcasting in digital mode to simulcast a digital signal of at least comparable audio quality to its analog signal; Adopts a flexible bandwidth policy permitting a radio station to transmit high quality audio, multiple program streams, and data casting services at its discretion; Allows radio stations to time broker unused digital bandwidth to third parties, subject to certain regulatory requirements; Applies existing programming and operational statutory and regulatory requirements to all free DAB programming streams; Authorizes AM nighttime operations; Dismisses several pending Petitions for Reconsideration and Petitions for Rulemaking that asked, inter alia, the Commission to reconsider the adoption of iBiquity's in-band, on-channel (IBOC) system as the technology chosen for DAB transmission; Seeks further comment on appropriate limits to the amount of subscription services that may be offered by radio stations; and Seeks comment on whether the Commission should adopt any new public interest requirements for digital audio broadcasters.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271699A1.doc

* FCC Gives OK To Digital Audio Broadcasting
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6427038?title=Article&spacede...

* Chairman Martin:
Today’s action by the Commission will promote radio’s transition from the analog world to the digital one. Much like it does in television, this transition presents radio stations the opportunity to multicast. Multicasting will enable radio stations to provide a greater amount and greater variety of free programming to consumers. This order also confirms that digital radio stations are subject to the same public interest obligations as analog radio stations. Every obligation broadcasters have in the analog world must continue in the digital world. These include requirements that broadcasters air programming about the significant issues facing their local communities, provide emergency alerts and make emergency information accessible to those with disabilities, and follow extensive requirements governing political advertising.... Today, the Commission also adopts a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on whether we should adopt any new public interest requirements for digital audio broadcasters. While radio broadcasters are not subject to children’s programming requirements, they too must maintain public files and information about their efforts to serve the public. I support modifying their disclosure obligations too to ensure that the public has more and better information about these efforts. I am pleased that the Notice seeks comment on this specific issue of enhanced disclosure.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271699A2.doc

* Commissioner Copps
Digital broadcasting has the power to reconfigure the communications landscape in good and powerful ways—if we get our policies right. If we get our policies right, we can ensure that digital radio enhances localism and that it translates into more locally originated programming, public affairs coverage and airtime for local musicians and creative artists. If we get our policies right, we can ensure that digital radio enhances diversity through a wider range of programs, viewpoints and new opportunities for underserved and non-English speaking communities. If we get our policies right, we can give real meaning to public interest broadcasting in the digital age.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271699A3.doc

* Commissioner Adelstein:
After years of ignoring the issue, punting the question, and delaying a constructive dialogue to develop meaningful solutions, it is really disappointing that the Commission has once again failed to step up to the plate. There is no justification for the Commission’s outright refusal to “encourage digital audio broadcasters to enter into time brokerage agreements with women and minority broadcasters or new entrants.” It is not asking a lot for us to simply encourage positive action, but apparently it was too much for a majority of the Commission.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271699A4.doc

* Commissioner Tate:
"[W]e allow the market to determine the pace of the transition and the stations to determine how to use their digital bandwidth. The flexibility to offer multicast programming of all kinds, develop varied datacasting applications, and enter into time brokerage agreements for digital bandwidth will unleash the creativity of the market and, hopefully, provide opportunities to new entrants, resulting in improved radio service for all Americans."
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271699A5.doc

* Commissioner McDowell
[W]e should evaluate several issues, including the current and future public interest obligations of radio stations and appropriate treatment of subscription-based radio services, at a later time. Keep in mind that existing public interest obligations that currently apply to broadcasters also apply to their new multicast streams. My hypothesis is that the proper course now is to allow these nascent digital radio services to develop in the marketplace without heaping additional regulations upon them. But I will read the public’s comments with great interest.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-271699A6.doc

* MAP Disappointed With FCC Digital Radio Order
Parul Desai: "The transition to digital radio, which will provide additional streams for programming and other services, presents an opportunity and platform for new and diverse voices and greater service to the public. It is unfortunate that the Commission majority refused to include even a word of official encouragement to broadcasters to voluntarily address the lack of independent programming, especially that created by women and people of color. As Commissioners Copps and Adelstein warned, the Commission’s work remains unfinished. Today's item leaves to a later date specific public interest obligations. Hopefully, the recognition of the current state of radio will guide the Commission as it resolves the proposed NPRM. While not a complete solution to the lack of diverse voices and perspectives, the Commission must seize on this opportunity to increase the participation of minorities and females in radio broadcasting. The Commission must seize upon this opportunity to ensure that the public receives truly beneficial services and programming, as the public airwaves were intended to be used. Only then will digital radio live up to its full potential."
http://www.mediaaccess.org/press/MAP%20Statement%20on%20DAB%20Order.pdf

* NAB Statement:
David Rehr: "NAB applauds Chairman Martin and his FCC colleagues for taking a significant step today in advancing the already budding HD Radio technology. As HD Radio expands across America, we are hopeful the Commission recognizes the unique role played by local radio and the considerable public service contributions voluntarily made by stations within their communities."
http://www.nab.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=News_Room&CONTENTID=8508&TEMP...

* NPR and NPR Member Stations Nationally Applaud FCC Approval of Digital HD Radio Multicasting
“Today’s action by the FCC has reinvigorated public radio’s public service mission,” said Arthur Timko, Station General Manager of 89.1 WEMU, Michigan’s first public station to make the digital transition and soon to be the first to officially multicast under the FCC’s approval.
http://www.npr.org/about/press/2007/032207.fcc.html