The Broadcasters' Desktop Resource
This Week’s Newsletter
Greetings from your broadcast friends out on the Desert…
This is BDR Newsletter 868, Volume 17, #35 for April 1, 2026
JUST OVER TWO WEEKS TO NAB
The NAB Spring Show will open on Sunday, April 19th in Las Vegas. Most broadcasters will be walking around in the Central Hall this year, with many of the broadcast industry manufacturers being generally gathered together in the Hall.
… and in anticipation, we are getting reports on many of the latest products and services.
THE TUBE PROBLEM SOLVED!
The recent end of Econco’s rebuilding service has made a number of folks uneasy. Where, and at what cost, will power tubes be supported? As a company that always steps up to solve customer issues, Nautel has announced solutions that will answer the questions. You can see the whole story here.
SHARING INFORMATION IS THE ANSWER
Whether it is getting the latest story about power tubes or what else is ahead, we are always happy to see Jeff Welton join our Thursday Virtual Lunch Gathering. Doing a regular audit of the technical operations and planning for the future is one of the most important jobs a broadcast engineer can do. Jeff’s years of experience means that he has many of the suggestions and answers that will help formulate those plans. Bring your questions and join us on Thursday at 2 PM Eastern/ 11 AM Pacific.
Join us Thursday at 2 PM Eastern /11 AM Pacific, and let us learn things. The link request is, as usual, at www.theBDR.net/TLG/ Yes, you can see us on YouTube live – but joining us on zoom makes it easier to ask questions and discuss issues.
May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!
QUARTERLY REMINDER
Now that we are in the new Quarter, it is time to file your Issues & Programs List. It is due by the 10th. With all your tax-time and NAB oriented activities, do not forget to get this one done! Note: this is one of the best ways you can show the FCC you are serving your community.
THE DELETE, DELETE, DELETE TRAIN MOVES ALONG
The year, some of the things corrected, updated, or dropped from the Rules are reforms to licensing and permitting, with the desire to clarify definitions and eliminate unnecessary paperwork. Well over a thousand rule provisions and some 338 pages have already been dropped. Among the next bunch include increasing STA’s from 90 to 180 days, and improving other application processes to include “duly authorized employees” to certify filings – and allowing electronic signatures on applications..
MODERNIZATION IS ONE WORD
We are now 30 years from the Telecommunications Act of 1996, signed by President Clinton – reacting to the changes in programming, equipment, infrastructure, and the software controlling it all is the goal of the FCC. The Act brought in a lot of what we call “consolidation” in the industry. Today, the political realm is split on the issue – with many former supporters of the Act now saying there is too much consolidation, and less diversity of “voices.” Among the results is the current legal challenges being made against the NexStar-TEGNA merger.
CYBER SECURITY
It is hard to think of a week when there has not been at least one warning about cyber security issues, zero day attacks, ransomware, and more. The FCC issued a Public Notice specifically about ransomware attacks, but lists a lot of good things to check and ensure your system is secure. And, oh yes, another recent hack in the NW was reported where a station was taken over for more than a day with some nasty content. If there is *any* item in your system with default user or passwords – change them now!
LOOKING FOR CURRENT FCC DATA?
While the LMS is available on the FCC site, another site – from the Cavell, Mertz part of the Capital Airspace Group – provides a quick, easily navigated site with clearly displayed station data.
COPPER PHONE LINES TRANSITION
The FCC unanimously has approved an Order that is intended to encourage a transition from copper lines to high-speed fiber networks. This will supercede any state or local laws, so phone companies will not longer be required to maintain copper lines.
LYTLE HOOVER PASSES AWAY
We are sad to note the passing of Lytle Hoover, a longtime RCA employee and the curator of the RCA and Ampex Video pages on Oldradio.com. Lytle had acquired a large number of pictures and descriptions of legacy gear, primarily from those two manufacturers. His collection is here.
FOR SALE
An Omnitronics AM transmitter with Belar monitoring is new this week. Someone is seeking a Gates M-6095 exciter. And a CE job in Spencer, IA rounds out the latest items on the BDR BuySell Page. Check it out here.
May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!
Here are some of the more recent items of interest:
- Join the Lunch Gathering – Thursday 2 PM Eastern
- Enforcement Watch – Licenses in danger for non-payment / Tower painting NOVs
- New Transmitters and Tubes from Nautel – Barry Mishkind
- MP3 was Only a Beginning – Greg Ogonowski
- AC Problems Solved with PowerClamp – Hank Landsberg
- Enforcement Watch – License deleted / EAS fine: $369k
- Coping with Overgrown Wild Vegetation – Barry Mishkind
- Making Nautel Customer Support Better – John Wilton
- Keep Your Copper in the Ground – Clay Freinwald
May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!
MANUFACTURERS’ NEWS
NAB approaches – new product announcements are coming in…..
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Next week – Wednesday – will be the live broadcast from Lawo with their announcements.
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Broadcast Devices, Inc. (BDI) will introduce at NABSHOW 2026 the PCC-300 3 Switch Combiner Controller, a new SNMP-enabled control platform designed to simplify and safeguard RF switching in high-power dual-cabinet transmitter systems using hybrid power combiners and Ethernet-based SNMPv2 support enables integration with modern remote-control systems.
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Broadcast Supply Worldwide (BSW) has appointed a new Director of Strategic Accounts: Brittany Hilton. The addition of Brittany to the BSW team leverages her experience in building client relationships and delivering technical solutions. In her new role, Brittany will lead strategic account initiatives, working closely with key clients to deliver tailored solutions, optimize system performance, and identify long-term opportunities for growth and innovation.
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SCMS is celebrating their 50th anniversary. Bob Cauthen started the company in early 1976, with his wife. Bob’s sons actively keep the family atmosphere at SCMS.
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Another anniversary: Apple – founded April 1, 1976 – celebrates its 50th anniverary. Founded in Steve Jobs’ garage, along with Stevve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne, Apple’s mission was to make computers accessible – not just for businesses but for everyday consumers. The Apple II and the Macintosh (1984) indeed made major changes in computer use. And do not forget the iMac, iPod, and iPhone.
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… And more: Microsoft also is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Founded April 4, 1976 by Bill Gates and
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Still looking for a free floor pass for NAB?
While the NAB’s Floor Pass offer has expired, it is still possible to get one via the exhibitors (register at NABShow.com). You can start to make your walking list with these folks:
Here is a list of key booth locations and free floor pass codes.
- Arrakis Systems
- BGS/Broadcast Tools
- Broadcast Depot
- Broadcast Electronics
- BSW USA
- Comrex
- Davicom
- Digital Alert Systems
- Lawo
- Nautel
- Telos Alliance
- Wheatstone
May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!
Do You Remember? This week in history:
Broadcast related items:
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- 10 years ago (4/4/16) Prince’s last concert, concluding with “Purple Rain.” He died a week later.
- 41 years ago (4/4/85) Max Headroom debuted on Channel 4 in the British-made cyberpunk TV movie “Max Headroom: 20 Minutes into the Future.”
- 42 years ago (4/1/84) Marvin Gaye was shot and killed by his own father at the age of 44.
- 42 years ago (3/31/84) Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” hit #1.
- 52 years ago (4/6/74) ABBA won the Eurovision song contest with “Waterloo.“
- 51 years ago (4/2/74) Intel introduced the 8080 microprocessor.
- 56 years ago (4/1/70) President Nixon signed legislation banning cigarette ads on radio and TV.
- 58 years ago (4/2/68) “2001: A Space Odyssey” was released in theaters.
- 60 years ago (4/2/66) Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass manage four albums in the Top 10 – a first.
- 77 years ago (3/31/49) the first 45 rpm record was released. *
- 78 years ago (4/3/48) the Louisiana Hayride debuted on KWKH, Shreveport, LA.
Here are some other “Headlines of the Past.”- 34 years ago (4/2/92) Mob boss John Gotti was convicted of murder.
- 42 years ago (3/30/81) President Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr.
- 48 years ago (4/3/78) “Annie Hall” beats out “Star Wars” for Best Picture.
- 50 years ago (4/1/76) Apple Computer founded by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak … and don’t forget Ronald Wayne.
- 51 years ago (4/4/75) Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.
- 52 years ago (4/2/74) Intel introduced the 8080 microprocessor.
- 53 years ago (4/4/73) The World Trade Center, then the world’s tallest building, opened in New York City.
- 53 years ago (3/29/73) Two months after the signing of the Vietnam peace agreement, the last U.S. combat troops leave South Vietnam
- 58 years ago (4/2/68) “2001: A Space Odyssey” was released in theaters.
- 58 years ago (4/4/68) Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.
- 75 years ago (3/30/51) the first commercial computer, UNIVAC, was received by the U.S. Census Bureau.
- 93 years ago (4/5/33) FDR created the Civilian Conservation Corps.
- 137 years ago (3/31/1889) The Eiffel Tower opened. It was recently repainted (every 7 years) for the 20th time. **
May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!
MIDWEEK BONUS
* the first commercially released: Eddy Arnold – “Texarkana Baby” Also mentioned: PeeWee the Picolo (first pressed?)
** The renovation cost $60 Million and involved, among other things, removing 19 coats of paint.
MIDWEEK BONUS
FLYING IN THE ANTENNA
There are places where the only way to get an antenna in place is by helicopter. The Willis (Sears) Tower in Chicago is one of them. Recently, a Sikorsky S64 (the largest in the world) was used to lift WFLD’s new antenna to the top. It took a while to get the antenna – made by Dielectric and weighing 10910 lbs (almost 5 tons) – over 1700 feet to the top. High winds – up to gusts of 60 mph, caused a two-hour delay at one point.
Some videos are available to see parts of the process:
First part (base) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZQ7Xko75e8
Topping it off: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JErzEZhNzj0
Dropped it down perfectly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LJUwftC4VY
also a non-WFLD commentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LJUwftC4VY
Finally, a more lengthy view, if you have time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdHJeA0MQR0
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PLEASE TELL US WHAT’S WHAT
There are so many areas into which we would like to expand, but it is feedback from you that helps us decided where to go first. Are you interested in a certain piece of gear or technology? Let us know. Even better, would you be willing to do a user report and share your experience?
barry