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FCC Adopts NPRM Allowing AMs to Air All-Digital Signals

Y2kTheNewOldies

Y2kTheNewOldies

https://news.****************/cgi-bin/rol.exe/headline_id=b16075

The FCC has adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), allowing AM broadcasters to air an all-digital signal using HD Radio in-band on-channel (IBOC) mode known as MA3. The agency concluded that a voluntary transition to all-digital broadcasting has the potential to benefit AM stations and provide improved AM service to the listening public. The move continues the FCC's efforts to improve and update the AM radio service.

The Commission says digital service can improve analog signals and a station's audio quality and useable signal range. In addition, digital broadcasting offers AM broadcasters the potential ability to transmit auxiliary information, such as song and title information, to accompany the main audio programming.
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I am Wondering if its too little too late for AM to have a digital signal though given that HD Radio has not been promoted as much ans has been getting cuts in some parts of the country though.
 
RadioPatrol said:
https://news.****************/cgi-bin/rol.exe/headline_id=b16075

I am Wondering if its too little too late for AM to have a digital signal though given that HD Radio has not been promoted as much ans has been getting cuts in some parts of the country though.
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I own 2 digital AM/FM radios, but I think I'm a rarity. The FM works great, but the one AM-IBOC station left in Phoenix (KGME 910) can only be heard in digital when I take the radio outside.
 
Digital AM has been in the testing phase for several years. Owners of stations in several markets, including Pittsburgh and Washington DC have experimented with the technology. This is the next phase, where the FCC will invite comments and then reach a decision about the rules under which these stations will operate. One word I see in the story is "voluntary," which is how IBOC was approved 12 years ago. It was strictly voluntary. No FCC mandate. No requirement that AM must be all digital. As we have seen, that voluntary system hasn't been too successful for IBOC or HD Radio. I don't expect this to be any different. The public has access to digital radio on their computers, phones, and smart speakers. Sirius is digital radio. So the uniqueness of it is gone. The other issue is that digital AM is not receivable on traditional AM receivers. So that requires the consumer to buy new radios. That was the case for HD Radio, and was a major impediment. So yes, it's probably too little too late. But if someone creates a cool portable digital AM radio, it might inspire a new fad. That's what it would take.
 
I believe that the Washington demo of all digital AM probably compared interference with analog stations on the same frequency. Any idea what would happen to two all-digital AM stations at night when sky-wave kicks in?

Another question, does the proposal call for operating all digital at current full power levels for analog, or reduced power (similar to FM HD)?
 
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