At its open meeting today, the FCC approved the use of all-digital HD Radio operations for AM stations.
Hubbard Radio’s 820 WWFD Frederick MD has been operating in all-digital mode for year under experimental authorization with other stations testing it at various times. AM’s that voluntarily go all-digital will be required to offer at least one programming stream that is comparable or better in audio quality to the analog broadcast. Subcarriers can be used for broadcast or non-broadcast services such as enhanced song/title info. Stations will be required to avoid prohibited interference and continue to receive and transmit EAS alerts to listeners and other stations in the EAS chain.
Stations will be required to establish a 30-day waiting period before transitioning to all-digital upon which time they will notify the FCC, listeners and other potentially affected stations. The stations will be expected to make on-air and online announcements to inform listeners of their upcoming digital transitions.
Stations will be allowed to add HD2 programming feeds, however the agency states, “because the record does not establish that an audio stream on an HD-2 subchannel is currently technically feasible, we will evaluate requests to rebroadcast multicast channels on an FM translator on a case-by-case basis until a more fully developed record is available on this subject. We are not convinced that the Hubbard test demonstrated that a full second audio stream is currently feasible. This conclusion is reinforced by our exchanges with the applicant for all-digital station.” Radio One intended to convert 1310 WTLC Indianapolis to all-digital in May, however the FCC rejected because they were not then authorizing subchannels for AM HD broadcasts. Radio One intended to use WTLC to feed two translators with unique programming.
The Federal Communications Commission today adopted a Report and Order that allows AM radio stations to operate using all-digital broadcast signals. AM broadcasters will be able to voluntarily choose whether and when to convert to all-digital operation from their current analog or hybrid analog/digital signals.
All-digital broadcasting offers AM listeners significantly improved audio quality and more reliable coverage over a wider listenable area than analog or hybrid digital broadcasts. It also allows broadcasters to provide additional services to the public, such as song title and artist information. These enhancements will enable AM broadcasters to better compete in today’s media marketplace.
Today’s Order establishes technical rules to protect existing AM broadcast stations from interference. In addition, stations converting to all-digital operation will be required to notify the Commission and the public 30 days in advance of their transition. These stations must provide 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.
Action by the Commission October 27, 2020 by Report and Order (FCC 20-154). Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, Rosenworcel, and Starks approving. Chairman Pai, and Commissioner Rosenworcel issuing separate statements.
