I have An Idea

[cc333]

I don't know where to post it, so it goes here unless/until Lance or some other mod/admin moves it to someplace more appropriate if such exists.

Anyway, my idea is as follows: how about a sort of "micro-network" that small, Part-15 stations can become affiliates of?

It wouldn't be anything fancy, just a basic imaging package and perhaps some coordination regarding basic news coverage and such. Basically what the big guys have always done, but on the hyperlocal, neighborhood level (think community radio, but smaller). And, most importantly for nowadays, nonpolitical! I'm sure there are myriad problems (funding, for example), but I'm envisioning it following a noncommercial, volunteer-oriented and donation-supported type of deal.

Also, as a sort of subset/side project, a type of oldies/classic hits format would be nice to go along with it (as filler, if nothing else). @K.M. Richards sort of mentioned it in jest awhile back, but I actually like the idea of having a format modeled loosely on his "The 80s Channel," but more focused on the 70s instead ("The 70's Channel"). The early 70s, in particular, don't get much love anymore I feel, so it would probably lean softer, with a sort of Soft Rock/Yacht Rock sound, but it could include some of the softer mainstream rock material of the time as well.

Thoughts? Is this a great idea with potential, a worthless waste of time, or a convoluted and senseless reinvention of the wheel?

c

p.s. It's late, and I just got back from three and a half hours of driving, so my apologies if this post isn't entirely coherent. I just wanted to get my ideas out there. They can be refined later, after I get some sleep.

 

[lanceventa]

What value is there in a part 15 broadcast service when the entire world at this point has access to any radio station, song, news service etc.. via a device in their pocket?

Some technologies become redundant or obsolete and that's ok. The majority of broadcast AM stations are there. Part 15 and such are as well.

 

[kevtronics]

Just a reminder that the music industry wants all radio stations to play royalties, regardless if they're licensed or not. Years ago, the goons at ASCAP came across an online list of Part 15 stations and contacted every one of them, pestering them to pay royalties for the music they play.

 

[TheBigA]

Anyway, my idea is as follows: how about a sort of "micro-network" that small, Part-15 stations can become affiliates of?

In order to qualify as an affiliate of a network, the part 15 would have to submit ratings. That means subscribing to Nielsen. The network has to get something in return for its service. They're not there to just provide free music for part 15 stations. Unless you're suggesting that part 15 owners would pay cash for such a service?

I was always led to believe that the purpose of part 15 was to be a hyper-local service. Seems to me such a network runs counter to that purpose.

 

[lanceventa]

In order to qualify as an affiliate of a network, the part 15 would have to submit ratings. That means subscribing to Nielsen. The network has to get something in return for its service. They're not there to just provide free music for part 15 stations. Unless you're suggesting that part 15 owners would pay cash for such a service?

I was always led to believe that the purpose of part 15 was to be a hyper-local service. Seems to me such a network runs counter to that purpose.

I think he's talking about linking multiple transmitters as a network, not the business sense of the term... There won't be any AQH to derive revenue so he's at least right that it would need to be listener supported, but even there the cost of building outweighs turning on a stream.

 

[Mediafrog+]

Just a reminder that the music industry wants all radio stations to play royalties, regardless if they're licensed or not. Years ago, the goons at ASCAP came across an online list of Part 15 stations and contacted every one of them, pestering them to pay royalties for the music they play.

That reminds me of something I’ve wondered about: Private commercial shortwave stations in the U.S. (WRMI, WWCR, WBCQ etc.) have some program blocks purchased by independent producers with some sort of music show. Often this involves obscure and outdated musical genres. Curious if any of those producers are paying royalties on the music included in their programs. How would the rights companies calculate payment amounts for that?

 

[TheBigA]

I think he's talking about linking multiple transmitters as a network, not the business sense of the term... There won't be any AQH to derive revenue so he's at least right that it would need to be listener supported, but even there the cost of building outweighs turning on a stream.

My old college had such a system of linked transmitters located around the campus. But yes, there are costs associated. Since we're talking about no money, why not start a club. Create a public Facebook page for part 15 owners, and have them share content. Of course the page itself would outweigh the need for the broadcast transmitter.

The part of this that makes me shake my head is the idea that playing music on a service no one listens to somehow gives that music "love." The recording industry doesn't share that view, and from what I gather, doesn't appreciate the love.

 

[ted chittenden]

In order to qualify as an affiliate of a network, the part 15 would have to submit ratings. That means subscribing to Nielsen. The network has to get something in return for its service. They're not there to just provide free music for part 15 stations. Unless you're suggesting that part 15 owners would pay cash for such a service?

I was always led to believe that the purpose of part 15 was to be a hyper-local service. Seems to me such a network runs counter to that purpose.

If memory serves, the only Part 15 station in the entire state of Arizona is in the expanded band (surprise!) and licensed to Flagstaff. The last I heard (from radiostationworld.com as I've never personally heard it) was that the outlet was running Fox Sports 24/7.

 

[K.M. Richards]

Ted, if a station is Part 15, it isn't "licensed" to anywhere ...

 

[ted chittenden]

Ted, if a station is Part 15, it isn't "licensed" to anywhere ...

You are quite correct! It looks like I've been incorrect in another way as well as both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona have been running Part15 stations for many years. I have heard the Arizona State station (it keeps jumping around the AM band in response to fully licensed stations) and that appears to be a straightforward alternative music college station.

 

[radiofan2023]

You are quite correct! It looks like I've been incorrect in another way as well as both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona have been running Part15 stations for many years. I have heard the Arizona State station (it keeps jumping around the AM band in response to fully licensed stations) and that appears to be a straightforward alternative music college station.

For ASU, are you talking about The Blaze on 1330? I don't know if it's a Part 15 station, but I know someone I can ask who used to be on it.

 

[K.M. Richards]

For ASU, are you talking about The Blaze on 1330? I don't know if it's a Part 15 station, but I know someone I can ask who used to be on it.

Oh, come on. I know you know how to look up if there are any licensed stations on 1330 in the vicinity of Tempe. You're not stupid (your sense of humor, though ... 🤪).

But:

https://www.hobbybroadcaster.net/profiles/the-blaze-1330.php

Blaze Radio

Blaze Radio

www.blazeradioonline.com

KASC- Blaze Radio | Phoenix AZ

KASC- Blaze Radio, Phoenix. 2,292 likes · 6 talking about this. Arizona State University's student radio station. Music, News, and Sports 🏆 2022 Best College Radio Station🏆 www.blazeradioonline.com

www.facebook.com

Student radio station moves to Cronkite building | ASU News

After 30 years on the Tempe campus, ASU's student-run radio station, The Blaze, has moved to a fully digital radio studio in the Cronkite Building on the Downtown Phoenix campus.

news.asu.edu

 

[kevtronics]

You are quite correct! It looks like I've been incorrect in another way as well as both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona have been running Part15 stations for many years. I have heard the Arizona State station (it keeps jumping around the AM band in response to fully licensed stations) and that appears to be a straightforward alternative music college station.

Colleges and universities have a special exemption in Part 15 to operate with higher power levels within their campus, as long as the signal doesn't exceed Part 15 limits once you leave the school property.

Some also have a licensed TIS (Travelers' Information Service) station, giving them a 10-watt AM signal to provide information to visitors.

 

[radiofan2023]

Oh, come on. I know you know how to look up if there are any licensed stations on 1330 in the vicinity of Tempe.

I did but couldn't find anything that mentioned whether or not it was a Part 15 station.

 

[davideduardo]

My old college had such a system of linked transmitters located around the campus. But yes, there are costs associated. Since we're talking about no money, why not start a club. Create a public Facebook page for part 15 owners, and have them share content. Of course the page itself would outweigh the need for the broadcast transmitter.

"Linked transmitters" sounds like carrier current radio, in the past common at universities. It feeds a signal into house wiring which is radiated for a few feet.

 

[TheBigA]

"Linked transmitters" sounds like carrier current radio, in the past common at universities. It feeds a signal into house wiring which is radiated for a few feet.

According to this, a carrier current system is a part 15

Federal Register :: Request Access

www.ecfr.gov

Carrier current system. A system, or part of a system, that transmits radio frequency energy by conduction over the electric power lines. A carrier current system can be designed such that the signals are received by conduction directly from connection to the electric power lines (unintentional radiator) or the signals are received over-the-air due to radiation of the radio frequency signals from the electric power lines (intentional radiator).

 

[KilowattKat]

I did but couldn't find anything that mentioned whether or not it was a Part 15 station.

The last time I listened to the Blaze, they were running a liner...' broadcasting with an environmentally friendly 7 watts'. For those familiar with Tempe, the signal comes in quickly on the 202 easttbound about a mile before the Mill Ave. exit into Tempe. In the 90's when they were on 1260 AM they were running it illegally at 30 watts. I could easily listen to it in Gilbert back then! I was friends with one of the volunteers who did a Trance music show back then, who said they knowingly were doing that, and as long as no one complained ..

 

[vchimpanzee]

The college near me had a carrier current station and I could hear it at home on a radio that was plugged into the wall. I'm actually closer to where the signal originated than some parts of the campus.

 

[KeithE4]

The last time I listened to the Blaze, they were running a liner...' broadcasting with an environmentally friendly 7 watts'. For those familiar with Tempe, the signal comes in quickly on the 202 easttbound about a mile before the Mill Ave. exit into Tempe. In the 90's when they were on 1260 AM they were running it illegally at 30 watts. I could easily listen to it in Gilbert back then! I was friends with one of the volunteers who did a Trance music show back then, who said they knowingly were doing that, and as long as no one complained ..

I had no idea they were still on 1330, or anywhere else on the AM band for that matter. Next time I'm in Tempe, I'll have to check them out. I could hear them quite well at work, near the 143 and University, but I thought they had to move or shut down when 1340 in AJ started up, and that was years ago. But now that 1510, 1540, and 1580 are available, at least for the time being...

 

[Theater of My Mind]

In order to qualify as an affiliate of a network, the part 15 would have to submit ratings. That means subscribing to Nielsen. The network has to get something in return for its service. They're not there to just provide free music for part 15 stations. Unless you're suggesting that part 15 owners would pay cash for such a service?

You, along with so many others on this site, seem to have an unhealthy obsession with money and view every aspect of any kind of radio solely in terms of money. Believe it or not, there are amateur radio hobbyists, such as those who typically engage in running Part 15 operations, who aren't in it for money. They're mainly one-man shows or small volunteer endeavors.

OP's suggestion has nothing to do with subscribing to Nielsen and selling time bottom-feeder national advertisers on 1,000 milliwatt AM hobby stations. There's plenty of that dreck on commercial radio already. Whether his idea has value on its own merits is something that would have to be determined by interest from Part 15 operators.