Greetings from your broadcast friends out on the Desert…
This is BDR Newsletter 818, Volume 16, #38 for April 23, 2025
NOT A DECIMAL POINT ERROR
Stations over 10 Watts must keep their transmitter power output (TPO) between 90% and 105% of the power authorized by the FCC. For FM’s this is in Section 73.268 of the Rules. A Florida station, licensed to 126 Watts TPO was found, during an inspection, to be running 811% of authorized power – just slightly out of the acceptable range.
A FINE THAT IS NOT FINE
Last year AT&T was fined $57 million by the FCC for not properly protecting the location information of customers. This week, a Fifth Circuit decision said the FCC violated the 7th Amendment by issuing fines without a trial. At least one Commissioner is now against all fines until the enforcement issues are solved – whether by changes in the FCC Rules or an Act of Congress, or both. This could get interesting.
DELETE DELETE DELETE
Truthfully, is there anyone who has not looked at the FCC’s Rules and Regulations and said “that really is not a useful rule?”
Some of the rules do not make sense given changes in technology and society. And, as just one example, the whole EAS section (Part 11) has needed a number of revisions/deletions since 2012, when the FCC promised a re-write. And do not forget the FCC has a lot of responsibilities aside from Part 73, 74, 11, and 17 – there are over 100 Parts.
Over 900 submissions have already been made – the NAB alone had 80 pages – and the Reply Comments are due soon. What should you know? What might you want to comment on? Michelle Bradley of RecNet will join us this week to review some of what has been submitted and what she – and you – might suggest should be confirmed or included. Michi has already prepared a summary of some of the comments, to give you a head start: https://recnet.net/fcc/Delete_Delete_Delete-broadcasting_comments.pdf
The link request is at www.theBDR.net/TLG/
May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!
WHEN TWO IS ONLY ONE
A few months back we were entertained by the story of a “tower that disappeared overnight” in Jasper AL. A NOV issued by the FCC EB more recently concerns a two-tower directional station in Puerto Rico that is operating in a non-directional mode without FCC approval.
CPB MAKES CHANGES
Kathy Merritt and Debra Sanchez succeed Michael Levy and Teresa Safon, who will retain consultant roles.
STOCK MARKET WOES CONTINUE
Both iHeart and Cumulus are trading stock under $1.00 and under threat of delisting. Audacy was delisted last November, and now trades at $0.06 a share.
ALPHABET GETS KNOCKED A BIT
According to a judge, Alphabet’s Google illegally dominates online advertising in two areas. What comes out of it is still being determining.
FOR SALE
Could you use an emergency spare for a station on 940? There is a completely rebuilt Armstrong kilowatt available at a reasonable price. A Moseley codec system, a Harris HT35, a pair of RCA BTF 20Es, and a Burk ARCPlusSL are all new to the list. Check them out here.
May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!
May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!
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MANUFACTURERS’ NEWS
The NAB Spring Show is in the rear-view mirror. As we unpack the literature and the Press Releases, it is clear this year is more of a minor upgrade year, in the main. There were some new things and some nice improvements to existing product lines. Here are a couple if notes as we go.
GatesAir released there new AirWatch 365, and remote monitoring service as part of their “GatesAir Care” customer service offerings.
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American Amplifier Technology is now offering HD technology in their transmitter line.
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Would you like a really “special” turntable? One that uses a special platter that uses magnetic levitation to “float” above the glowing multi-color base which eliminate any rumble or other vibrations and the lights react to the music? Audio-Technica has just the model for you – the Hotaru. Oh … yes … it is priced at “only” $9,999.
May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!
Do You Remember? This week in history:
Broadcast related items:
… and 115 years ago (4/24/1910) Public Law 262 required the Commerce Department to issue licenses for radio communication operators on ships.
How about some “regular news” type items?
…and 225 years ago (4/24/1800) the Library of Congress established.
May we please recommend this fine company which supports the BDR – and you!
PLEASE INVITE A FRIEND
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:
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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?
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We sure do appreciate you spending time with our Newsletter. And even more so when you recommend us to your colleagues and friends.
barry
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Now … some extra stuff .. some important … some just interesting.
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