{"id":46198,"date":"2020-10-27T21:12:53","date_gmt":"2020-10-28T01:12:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/?p=46198"},"modified":"2020-10-27T21:12:53","modified_gmt":"2020-10-28T01:12:53","slug":"fcc-authorizes-am-radio-stations-to-operate-using-all-digital-broadcast-signals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/10\/fcc-authorizes-am-radio-stations-to-operate-using-all-digital-broadcast-signals\/","title":{"rendered":"FCC Authorizes AM radio stations to operate using all-digital broadcast signals"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Many thanks to SWLing Post<\/em> contributor, Paul Evans, Mike S, and a number of others who have contacted me regarding the FCC’s Authorization of All-Digital AM Radio. Below, you’ll find the FCC press release<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\n

For Immediate Release<\/p>\n

FCC AUTHORIZES ALL-DIGITAL AM RADIO<\/h1>\n

Action Will Improve Listening Experience and Provide Consumers with Enhanced<\/strong>
\nServices<\/strong><\/p>\n

WASHINGTON, October 27, 2020\u2014The Federal Communications Commission today
\nadopted a Report and Order that allows AM radio stations to operate using all-digital broadcast
\nsignals. AM broadcasters will be able to voluntarily choose whether and when to convert to
\nall-digital operation from their current analog or hybrid analog\/digital signals.<\/p>\n

All-digital broadcasting offers AM listeners significantly improved audio quality and more
\nreliable coverage over a wider listenable area than analog or hybrid digital broadcasts. It also
\nallows broadcasters to provide additional services to the public, such as song title and artist
\ninformation. These enhancements will enable AM broadcasters to better compete in today\u2019s
\nmedia marketplace.<\/p>\n

Today\u2019s Order establishes technical rules to protect existing AM broadcast stations from
\ninterference. In addition, stations converting to all-digital operation will be required to notify
\nthe Commission and the public 30 days in advance of their transition. These stations must
\nprovide at least one free over-the-air digital programming stream that is comparable to or better in audio quality than a standard analog broadcast. They also must continue to participate in the Emergency Alert System. The Order envisions that AM broadcasters will decide whether to convert to all-digital operation based on the conditions in their respective markets.<\/p>\n

Action by the Commission October 27, 2020 by Report and Order (FCC 20-154). Chairman
\nPai, Commissioners O\u2019Rielly, Carr, Rosenworcel, and Starks approving. Chairman Pai, and
\nCommissioner Rosenworcel issuing separate statements.<\/p>\n

MB Docket Nos. 19-311, 13-249<\/p>\n

###<\/p>\n

\n

Also, check out articles at Radio Insight<\/a> and Radio World<\/a> regarding this authorization.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Paul Evans, Mike S, and a number of others who have contacted me regarding the FCC’s Authorization of All-Digital AM Radio. Below, you’ll find the FCC press release: For Immediate Release FCC AUTHORIZES ALL-DIGITAL AM RADIO Action Will Improve Listening Experience and Provide Consumers with Enhanced Services WASHINGTON, October […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[373,3],"tags":[4196,4866,625],"class_list":["post-46198","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-am","category-news","tag-am-digital","tag-am-future","tag-am-radio"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pn3uc-c18","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":40738,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2019\/11\/fcc-approves-am-stations-to-go-all-digital\/","url_meta":{"origin":46198,"position":0},"title":"FCC proposes allowing AM stations to go all-digital","author":"Thomas","date":"November 22, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"(Source: Radio Insight) The FCC approved today the adoption of a rulemaking allowing AM stations to transition to all-digital operation. Hubbard Radio\u2019s \u201cThe Gamut\u201d 820 WWFD Frederick MD has been operating in all digital mode since July 16, 2018 in collaboration with HD Radio owner Xperi. The new rulemaking will\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "AM"","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":36692,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2019\/03\/radio-world-bryan-broadcasting-asks-fcc-to-allow-all-digital-am\/","url_meta":{"origin":46198,"position":1},"title":"Radio World: Bryan Broadcasting Asks FCC to Allow All-Digital AM","author":"Thomas","date":"March 27, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"(Source: Radio World via Ulis K3LU) A prominent advocate for the AM band is petitioning the FCC to allow stations to use all-digital transmissions in the United States. Bryan Broadcasting Corp. on Monday filed a petition for rulemaking asking the commission to initiate a proceeding to authorize the MA3 all-digital\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "AM"","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":40411,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2019\/10\/fcc-to-consider-allowing-am-broadcasters-to-transition-to-digital\/","url_meta":{"origin":46198,"position":2},"title":"FCC to consider allowing AM broadcasters to transition to digital","author":"Thomas","date":"October 31, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"(Source: Radio World) All-Digital on the AM Band? The FCC Might Allow It Soon AM radio station operators in the United States may soon have the option of switching their transmissions to all-digital. It\u2019s not a done deal; but the concept is about to take a step closer to reality,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "AM"","block_context":{"text":"AM","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/am\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/WWFD-AM-HD-Sangean-HDR-14.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12948,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2015\/04\/orielly-proposes-a-new-way-to-fight-pirate-radio\/","url_meta":{"origin":46198,"position":3},"title":"O’Rielly proposes a new way to fight pirate radio","author":"Thomas","date":"April 10, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to an SWLing Post reader who shares this blog post by FCC Commissioner, Michael O'Rielly. In his post, Commissioner O'Rielly expresses his hatred of pirate radio stations and how he believes action should be taken against pirate stations. Worth reading, especially in light of potential FCC\u00a0Enforcement Bureau Field\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"fcc_logo","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/fcc_logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/fcc_logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/fcc_logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":51358,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2021\/12\/drm-mystery-benn-shares-the-latest-on-turms-tech-station-wipe\/","url_meta":{"origin":46198,"position":4},"title":"DRM Mystery: Benn shares the latest on Turms Tech Station WIPE","author":"Thomas","date":"December 28, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"The following article by Benn Kobb was posted on Dec. 25 to Glenn Hauser's World of Radio list on groups.io. I repost it here with Benn's permission: Subject: As the World 'Turms' It would seem like 2021 would end with no FCC action on the three mysterious entities requesting licenses\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Digital Modes"","block_context":{"text":"Digital Modes","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/digital-modes\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/DRM-Waterfall-Spectrum.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/DRM-Waterfall-Spectrum.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/DRM-Waterfall-Spectrum.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/DRM-Waterfall-Spectrum.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":44244,"url":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/2020\/07\/high-frequency-parties-asks-fcc-to-question-proposed-chicago-drm-broadcasters-true-mission\/","url_meta":{"origin":46198,"position":5},"title":"High-Frequency Parties asks FCC to question proposed Chicago DRM broadcaster’s true mission","author":"Thomas","date":"July 8, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, Bennett Kobb, who shares an FCC Informal Objection he drafted and filed together with Kim Elliott and Christopher Rumbaugh. Click here to download the Informal Objection. (PDF) Radio World published a great summary of the filing today: There\u2019s a plan in the works to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Broadcasters"","block_context":{"text":"Broadcasters","link":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/category\/broadcasters\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Informal-Objection-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Informal-Objection-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Informal-Objection-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/Informal-Objection-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46198","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46198"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46198\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46198"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46198"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/swling.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=46198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}