No, as long as the LPFM station complies with the minimum spacing and second-adjacent channel interference requirements outlined in §73.807, it satisfies the basic regulatory prerequisites.
No, as long as the LPFM station complies with the minimum spacing and second-adjacent channel interference requirements outlined in §73.807, it satisfies the basic regulatory prerequisites.
Regarding Broadcast Actions #48418, Public Notice issued on February 3, 2015, concerning the application of Calvary of Birmingham, WVXV-LP, BNPL-20131112ALD:
On January 29, 2015, we hereby deny the Petition to Deny, which was submitted on January 21, 2015, by Kimtron, Inc. No letter of denial has been issued. The petitioner has failed to demonstrate that the approval of this application would violate any rules or policies set forth by the Commission.
The LPFM application in question proposes to operate on a second-adjacent channel to WDJC-FM. The petitioner argues that it deserves protection for its digital operation, in addition to the analog signal of WDJC-FM. However, it’s important to note that safeguarding a station’s digital operation is inherently provided through the protection of its analog signal.
As a result, the LPFM application successfully complies with all relevant spacing and interference requirements as outlined in 47 CFR Section 73.807. Consequently, we have approved the LPFM application.
Enhanced Protections for Full-Power Stations with Hybrid HD Radio (IBOC)
The radio broadcasting landscape has evolved significantly with the advent of digital technologies, notably Hybrid Digital Radio, also known as In-Band On-Channel (IBOC) or HD Radio. Amid these advancements, a common question arises: Do full-power stations running hybrid HD Radio receive additional protections beyond the existing analog safeguards? In this article, we explore the regulatory framework and considerations surrounding this topic.
Understanding Hybrid HD Radio (IBOC)
Hybrid HD Radio (IBOC) is a digital broadcasting technology that allows radio stations to transmit both analog and digital signals simultaneously on the same frequency. This technology provides several benefits, including improved audio quality, additional data services, and multicasting capabilities. However, its implementation raises questions about how full-power stations are protected in the digital age.
Analog vs. Digital Protections
- Analog Protections: Historically, full-power stations have been subject to a regulatory framework that includes various protections, such as contour overlap protection and distance separation requirements. These measures are designed to prevent interference between stations operating on adjacent or nearby frequencies in the analog spectrum.
- Digital Protections: With the introduction of digital technologies like HD Radio, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adapted its regulations to address potential interference concerns. For full-power stations implementing hybrid HD Radio, the FCC has established rules to safeguard both analog and digital signals.
Enhanced Protections for IBOC Operations
Full-power stations running hybrid HD Radio (IBOC) are afforded specific protections:
- Adjacent Channel Protections: To minimize interference, the FCC has established rules that protect adjacent channels. These rules ensure that the digital signals of full-power stations using IBOC do not cause harmful interference to adjacent analog stations.
- Interference Resolution: In cases where interference disputes arise between full-power stations implementing IBOC, the FCC has mechanisms in place to facilitate interference resolution. This can involve technical evaluations, adjustments to power levels, or other measures to maintain signal quality.
- Amplification of Hybrid Mode: Full-power stations may choose to implement IBOC in “hybrid” mode, where both analog and digital signals are transmitted at higher power levels. This can enhance the coverage area of the digital signal while maintaining analog service.
In the digital age of broadcasting, full-power stations running hybrid HD Radio (IBOC) benefit from enhanced protections provided by the FCC. These protections are designed to ensure that both analog and digital signals can coexist without causing harmful interference to adjacent or nearby stations. The regulatory framework continues to evolve as technology advances, aiming to strike a balance between fostering innovation and maintaining the integrity of the radio spectrum. As the radio industry continues its digital transformation, these protections play a crucial role in delivering high-quality radio services to audiences across the nation.