Greetings from your broadcast friends out on the Desert…
This is BDR Newsletter 888, Volume 18, #3 for August 19, 2026

MORE AUTHENTICATION
Although the current Order was spurred by the recent hacks that had “taken over” the program audio and/or RDS data, the FCC’s NPRM includes seeking input from broadcasters on improving the Emergency Alert System (EAS). What problems do you think the FCC needs to fix to make the EAS work better for stations. Hate the FIPS code designations? How about using City names? Is geotargeting (NWS polygons) compatible with broadcast? Should EAS messages contain data to kill duplicates (message flooding) or outdated alerts with a year designation? Let the Commission know before August ends. If you have comments, the FCC will accept them until August 31st. Use PS Docket No. 15-91 or PS Docket No. 15-94 on the FCC ECFS.

THE PASSWORD DILEMMA
With the FCC demanding 15-character passwords in just over 5 weeks, do not waste time trying to devise random characters – use the FREE BDR Password Generator app. A full description and download is here.  And a video discussion of the app is here.

THE VIRTUAL STUDIO
Some years ago, broadcast automation largely replaced turntables and cart machines. More recently, software has changed many more functions in the Control Room, seemingly touching everything but the microphones. Wheatstone’s new VMX Console leans into the trend. A virtual console that is operable from multiple locations by multiple people. John Davis gives us a tour of the VMX and what it can do for you. 


Our 333rd Virtual Lunch Gathering will be on Thursday at 2PM Eastern / 11 AM Pacific. Join us and learn things! The link request is at www.theBDR.net/TLG/ … 

… and do not forget, on the same page we have hundreds of videos you can use on subjects you will want to learn about.

May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!

 

HOW IS YOUR SITE SECURITY?
Not just the studio; what about the transmitter site? It can be expensive to secure some sites, but if you are off the air, you lose on at least two points: the cost of replacing the copper, and the loss of listeners are spot revenue. Sadly, there are more and more reports lately of vandalism at sites, especially those in more rural areas. Some in California have been hit as many as three times in just 90 days. Security cameras that are in the open are often disabled and fencing cut. Key prizes include copper, including ground straps and transmission lines.

Here is the part that should alarm you, even if you have video evidence, police reports, physical evidence – what you would think would make detectives happy. The opposite is true in many places. In California, multiple calls to the FBI got some sympathy and lip service. The lesson? Any effort spent to engage with local law enforcement may mean more than expecting help from the feds.

CHARLOTTE TOWER DISCUSSION CONTINUES
Let’s face it, for most people, a tower is tower. But for some folks in Charlotte, the three towers that used by WBT have become a sort of cause celebre` The reason: WBT had used three of the remaining eight Blaw-Knox towers in the US.

IS BPS GAINING TRACTION?
The Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) is a technology that uses the NextGen 3.0 television standard to send data to be used for not only determining a location but also accurate timing, and other uses. Why is there interest? In recent years, the proliferation of debris orbiting the Earth, along with some global tensions, have concerned observers that one or more of the Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) might get hit and be damaged – or attacked – which could cripple everything from mapping apps to utility controls.
Several groups see this as a major reason to continue the ATSC 3.0 roll out; at the least, it looks like a good backup.

DATA CABLES THAT WORK
This is a topic that can go in several directions. If you have ever been unable to access files on a flash drive, it might be that you have a real USB-C cable, but it was not designed for data transfer – and still meet the USB-C standards! The other cable topic actually includes some flash drives, keyboards and mice (!), which can incorporate malware, just by plugging it them into your computer. The lesson: watch out for peripherals that seem very cheap or handled out by unknown people.

SOMETHING YOU WILL NOT SEE ON THE BDR
  We got an email from a company this week, and the link was over ten lines – it even broke our mail reader! That is why we hope you have notice:

• the BDR does not use links to some third-party side, which grabs your data.
• neither does the BDR use lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng tracking codes (occasionally a banner ad may have a longer link, but that is the exception) to grab your data.
• we do no inbox flooding with multiple emails during the week. 99.9% of the time, we publish one-time-a-week.
• there is no paywall – nor even forcing subscriptions – to read the BDR articles or see the videos.

Isn’t this something worth sharing with others?

IF YOU APPLIED FOR IT, DO IT
In the past week, the FCC has issued for Notices of Violations (NOVs) for not operating as they told the FCC. In Texas, three translators changed the station they were rebroadcasting without authority from the FCC. An LPFM in the state turned up the knob a bit far: 475% of authorized power. The responses from the stations will likely determine whether fines are issued.

NATIONAL EAS TEST PARTICIPATION
We have not had an NPT (National Periodic Test) of the EAS since 2023. While still technically possible, it does not seem there will be one this year as well – and 2027 seems likely. However, when the test does occur, every station is required to participate, filling out Forms One, Two, and Three under a time limit. KCWX(TV), Fredericksburg, Texas did not do this and was initially issued an NALF for almost $370,000.

BACKING THE OWNERSHIP RULE CHANGES
Much has been reported on the effort of the TV chains to break through the 39% coverage rule. But radio is also involved. Cox Media has met with the FCC, along with Beasley Media and Connoisseur Media to ask for changes to help the stations combat streaming, podcast, social media, and satellite radio. Connoisseur’s submission contains some interesting data.

A DANGER OF CLOUD STORAGE
With content libraries getting larger and larger, many stations and content creators have turned to cloud storage services to store and ensure their content is safe and available. Usually, that is true, aside from an occasional outage. On the other hand, recently, a St. Louis station was faced with the loss of 70 years of historic material.  

MANAGING CLOUD STORAGE
There are many issues which cause some stations to view cloud storage carefully. Loss of access by Internet is one. But total access? A St. Louis station was threatened with the loss of access to some 70 years of history when an IT service company cut ties with the actual storage facility (which seemed to complicate matters legally). Nevertheless, this week, a judge in Denver ruled the archives belonged to the station, and ordered the storage facility to cooperate with the station in retrieving its data within 30 days.

HACKING AN AIRLINER
We know hackers broke into a Nautel transmitter intentionally placed on the Internet in 19 seconds. With AI, the hack attacks are widening out, as evidenced by a report from researchers who developed a device that hacked a Boeing 737 in 60 seconds. Is this a broken record or is your company taking steps to stay cybersecure?

FOR SALE
A 250 W exciter/ transmitter and a 4-bay FM antenna set for 93.9 – and someone needs a choke for a Nautel AM ND5. These and other items are the most recent on the BDR Buy/Sell 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:

• Do You Have the Right USB-C Cable – Barry Mishkihd
• Join the Lunch Gathering – Thursday 2 PM Eastern
• Enforcement Watch – No NPT Forms for 3 Year = $27k / NoV for 475% over power
• A Free Tool for the New FCC EAS Password Rule – and More! – Ken Fine
• C-Band Passes Away From Broadcast – Danny Ray Boyer
• Silicon Carbide Comes to AM Broadcasting – Tim Hardy
• FCC Cybersecurity Order & NPRM – Barry Mishkind
• IT Security for Broadcast Gear – Kirk Harnack
• Building A Maintenance Checklist – Barry Mishkind

May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!

 
MANUFACTURERS’ NEWSThe 2026

AntennaFest, put on by SBE Chapter 37 will be held on October 6, 2026. This free in-person event will be at the WETA TV/FM facility in Arlington, VA. Although there is an open invitation for anyone to come, there are only 90 seats available. Take a look at the program here.

= = =

Inovonics Broadcast announces the availability of their AARON 656 Dual Tuner Rebroadcast Receiver. With shipping to start in September, the 656 features an advanced SDR-based FM/HD Radio that constantly monitors the SNR of Antenna 1, Antenna 2, and Both-Antennas-Combined, and automatically selects the cleanest signal.

= = =

Broadcast Electronics new 5 kW AMX transmitter line can pay for itself in as little as three years and save as much as $155k in operating costs, due to the new silicon carbide technology. 

= = =

Mid-Summer conventions Worth your attention
Great opportunities to check out equipment and services you are considering buying:

• The IBC will meet in Amsterdam, slated for September 11-14 at the RAI.
• The Wisconsin and Minnesota Broadcasters associations combine for the Broadcasters’ Clinic, September 14-16.
• The Western Association of Broadcast Engineers (WABE) has now opened registration for the Vancouver BC gathering October 5-7. The WABE program will include, among other topics, Proactive Broadcast Tower Maintenance and RF Sweeping of Transmission Lines & Antennas
• The NAB Show New York is scheduled for October 21-22.

May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!

 

Do You Remember? This week in history:
Broadcast related items:

• 9 years ago (8/21/17) Bonnie Tyler sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart” during a solar eclipse.
• 12 years go (8/23/14) the soundtrack from Guardians of the Galaxy hit #1 for two weeks.
• 19 years ago (8/23/07) Dr. Brian May (Queen) receives a PhD in astrophysics. No, it was not honorary. He earned it.
• 22 years ago (8/17/04) Chevrolet stops using “Like A Rock” by Bob Seger in their ad campaigns for the Silverado.
• 29 years ago (8/23/97) Elton John performed “Candle in the Wind” at Princess Diana’s funeral while 2.5 Billion people all around the world watched.
• 44 years ago (8/18/82) audio CD production began – with ABBAs final studio album.
• 47 years ago (8/18/79) Chic’s “Good Times” hit #1 on the U.S. pop charts.
• 49 years ago (8/16/77) Elvis left the building – and the Earth.
• 49 years ago (8/20/77) “Best of My Love,” by the Emotions, hit the top of the U.S. pop charts.
• 51 years ago (8/18/75) “The Hustle“ was #1 on the charts in the US.
• 57 years ago (8/22/69) Zager and Evans’ “In the Year 2525” ended six weeks at #1. (Hey! We are only 499 years away!)
• 58 years ago (8/17/68) the Rascals hit #1 with “People Got to Be Free.” It stayed on top for 5 weeks.
• 62 years ago (8/19/64) The Beatles kicked off their first U.S. tour at San Francisco’s Cow Palace. Jut two years later, they ended their last tour, and turned soley to studio work.

… and 115 years ago (8/20/1911) a dispatcher in the New York Times office sends the first telegram around the world via commercial service.

And, here are some more newsy type items:

• 35 years ago (8/21/91) Soviet hard-liners launched a coup against Gorbachev, leading the end of the USSR..
• 37 years ago (8/22/89) Nolan Ryan notched his 5000th strikeout.
• 67 years ago (8/21/59) Hawaii became the 50th state.
• 73 years ago (8/19/53) a CIA-assisted coup overthrew the government of Iran.
• 79 years ago (8/18/47) Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard incorporated the Hewlett-Packard Co., 10 years after famously starting the electronics giant in a Palo Alto garage. *
• 81 years ago (8/17/45) George Orwells “Animal Farm” was published.

… and 242 years ago (8/23/1784) the State of Frankland (or Franklin) declared its independence.**

May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!

 

* Packard won a coin toss to determine the name order (it was heads) � but opted to put Hewlett’s name first.

** Don’t remember this one? It only lasted four years, becoming part of NC.

MIDWEEK BONUS

Are you a Connoisseur of neon signs? Did you know it is harder and more expensive to make them these days? An interesting look at neon signs is here.   

= = =

PLEASE INVITE A FRIEND TO JOIN US
We sure hope you are finding the BDR and the Newsletter to be of value to you. If so, there are two things that you can do to ensure the BDR keeps pulsing along:
        1. Invite a colleague or a friend to sign up for the Newsletter. Since it is only one-time-a-week, you will not be accused of flooding their in-boxes!
        2. Anytime you deal with one of our sponsors, letting them know the BDR is important to you will make them happy – and ready to keep on supporting the BDR.

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?

– – –

We sure do appreciate you spending time with our Newsletter. And even more so when you recommend us to your colleagues and friends.

barry

– – –

Now … some extra stuff .. some important … some just interesting.

MORE DETAIL HERE – YOU HAVE PROBABLY READ THIS BEFORE…
Those you who read the Newsletter might notice that more detail is provided on some timely issues than on the BDR site, itself. That is one reason we encourage you to invite your friends to subscribe. We are Opt-In only… and we give you two promises (OK, four!):
(1) no inbox flooding – it is one-time-a-week, and
(2) we do not give out anyone’s address.. ever.
(3) no cookies are placed on your computer.
(4) no Google ads are grafted onto your computer screen.

(Need to change your address? No problem. Or, what can we do to make the BDR more useful to you? Just reply and send us a note about what you like, or what you think is missing.)

unsubscribe from this Newsletter