The Broadcasters' Desktop Resource

Greetings from your broadcast friends out on the Desert…
This is BDR Newsletter 833, Volume 16, #53 for July 30, 2025

AND THIS IS A WRAP ON 16
Wow! It is a bit hard to believe, but we are now finishing 16 years of the BDR. (Yes, there were 53 Wednesdays this year.) There is a lot that could be said, but we will just hold it to “Thank you for reading the BDR and letting our sponsors know.” As we enter year 17, your continued interest and sharing with your colleagues is appreciated. Our subscription level continues to grow, as we see new folks every week. (Thanks for your emails, too, letting us know what you want to see.)

DDD EFFECTS
One result of the FCC’s Open Meeting was to delete a bunch of rules. Not much effect upon radio, though; that will come in the next group. Curiously though, one of the Commissioners said, essentially, “What is the rush?” referring to the expedited arrangement. Of course, this whole initiative is focused on rules that go back for decades. BDR Comments: “What has been the delay?” actually was the appropriate line.

SOME PAPERWORK REDUCTION
Another area where the FCC is active in seeking to drop unnecessary rules is regarding the biennial ownership reports (FCC Form 323 for commercial stations, or 323-E for noncommercial stations). At least until 2027, the form which would have been due in October, is being “paused,” with the Commission noting that most of the information is already in the FCC’s hands. Overall, this seems like the Commission is listening to the industry.

TRUSTWORTHY TRANSMITTERS
Probably the most important thing for any radio station is being able to rely on the transmitter to run – stably – keeping the station on the air despite any of the issues that may occur. Aqua Broadcast’s Cobalt transmitter line is designed to just keep going. But there is more, as Brendan Lofty, out guest presenter this week will explain; Cobalt transmitters have given attention to audio quality and clarity as well as the RF side.

Join us for a discussion of the features the Aqua Cobalt transmitters bring to the field. As usual, we get together tomorrow (Thursday) at 2 PM / 11 AM Pacific. The Link request is at www.theBDR.net along with a list of upcoming presentations and past videos. Join us!

DID YOU MISS HEBA?
We had a great presentation on the HEBA last week. The link is on the www.theBDR.net/TLG/ page. See “Recent videos.”