GEORGE IS ON A ROLL!

[hipporadio]

On the heels of last week’s “dust-up” with Mr. Savage’s “Call to Action”; the coincidental cancellation of the IBOC buzz-saw at 1340 WHAT—Philly; and owner Tom Kelly’s courteous appearance on “The Radio Racket” to discuss his new “Martini Lounge Radio” format in pristine AM analog – George Brusstar opened this past Friday’s internet-delivered program about radio with his most-pointed and passionate commentary yet on the state of this business [in general] and “HD” [in particular]. He seems to have discovered this fun little corner of raydeeO-info.com known as the “HD Board” and even referenced our recreation here on “The Racket”.

Out of the gate, Mr. Brusstar launched into a Lujack-style “address to the nation”... I’d prefer to describe it as a “wake-up call” to the increasingly-humorous preoccupations of an industry myopic to its impending irrelevancy. It amounted to “great radio commentary” – and despite coming to within a mere inch of “hysterics” at one point – he NEVER strayed from relevancy and was RIGHT-ON – awesome work, George!

Rather than “quote”, paraphrase, or otherwise confuse – I’ll heartily-suggest that all enjoy the replay this weekend [9/8-9]... “HD” critics here will cheer; programming minions will cringe; corporate radio apologists will cough and their “executives” may call yet another consultant – after they renew their Prozac prescription

Now... ANYONE care to parse or praise George for his courage and foresight? He doesn’t appear to be a fan-of-timidity or an advocate-of-silence [of the verbal nature]—as so-many engaged with IBOC are. How many posters here wish to jump right in? ...The water’s fine!

 

[BRUSSTAR]

Thanks so much for your nice words, Hippo. You're quite complimentary to even mention me in a sentence with Lujack.

The E-mail coming in this weekend has been unbelievable, considering the Racket is just a little "Internet hobby" (and doesn't even have an "HD" feed!)...

The "HD" thing wouldn't have been such a big part of the show if Big Radio hadn't MADE IT such a big deal. I'd much rather be talking about programming and sales techniques, airtalent improvement, and the future of digitally-delivered media. (And, we do, among other "entertainment value" things that admittedly have nothing to do with broadcasting.) But it seems Terrestrial Radio has all of its remaining "eggs" in this basket. When I think of how much major-market powerhouse caliber talent could be acquired (or kept) by radio (in an attempt to remain relevant) with the funds being used for both iBiquity equipment and propaganda, I actually get a tad sad.

It is interesting that, after a year-and-a-half of doing this EVERY Friday night, I have yet to hear from more than just two "HD apologists"-- and both of them have since pretty much come down to earth, it seems.

The next show will be very interesting, as we'll be on during the hours of darkness September 14th taking updates from folks attempting to listen to AM. I hope the stations waste no time lighting up those "HD" signals at night. The sooner the interference starts (and I concede it will start), the sooner it'll end. I just hope the guys like Mr. Savage will be able to hang in there for the duration, while continuing to place a great emphasis on his Internet feed.


I, and others, though, look forward to using the skills I learned over the years (on and off the air) as a broadcaster working with other exciting media platforms.

 

[Savage]

I thank George Brusstar and the Hippo-man for your sane and focused observations on the preposterous IBOC situation. It is indeed refreshing to see the dialog on this board focusing on the issues which have real relevancy to radio: on-air product, development of talent, and attention to an interesting and oft-forgotten key player in the corporate radio drama - someone we used to call "The Listener."

I also appreciate the gracious tone and obvious sober reflection and informed thought in your posts. It's a relief after a recent morass of demogoguery, ad hominem attacks, and sheer denial in which the pro-IBOC crowd wallows. The logical contortions the HD lobby indulges in would be comical if it weren't so threatening.

WYSL will be just fine. We're working with WBZ like professionals and adults would and have other options available as well. We've been here, turning out a quality product and making a profit, for 20 years now. I think I heard the first forecast of our impending demise before the end of our first broadcast day, that 23rd of January 1987. But I appreciate the kind tidings nonetheless.

Did you guys see the sidebar in this week's RW? Some consultant actually suggested that it would be a good thing if WJR and WABC both went directional to protect each other from IBOC skywave. Talk about an amazing concession of defeat, BEFORE The Great Skywave Debacle is even unleashed! Looks like even the most ardent IBOC proponents are quietly edging toward the exits.

 

[R.F. Burns]

I thank George Brusstar and the Hippo-man for your sane and focused observations on the preposterous IBOC situation. It is indeed refreshing to see the dialog on this board focusing on the issues which have real relevancy to radio: on-air product, development of talent, and attention to an interesting and oft-forgotten key player in the corporate radio drama - someone we used to call "The Listener."

I also appreciate the gracious tone and obvious sober reflection and informed thought in your posts. It's a relief after a recent morass of demogoguery, ad hominem attacks, and sheer denial in which the pro-IBOC crowd wallows. The logical contortions the HD lobby indulges in would be comical if it weren't so threatening.

WYSL will be just fine. We're working with WBZ like professionals and adults would and have other options available as well. We've been here, turning out a quality product and making a profit, for 20 years now. I think I heard the first forecast of our impending demise before the end of our first broadcast day, that 23rd of January 1987. But I appreciate the kind tidings nonetheless.

Did you guys see the sidebar in this week's RW? Some consultant actually suggested that it would be a good thing if WJR and WABC both went directional to protect each other from IBOC skywave. Talk about an amazing concession of defeat, BEFORE The Great Skywave Debacle is even unleashed! Looks like even the most ardent IBOC proponents are quietly edging toward the exits.

Year right!!

A new era for AM Radio is about to begin!

0 5 0 0 1 5 1 2 5 9 1
days hours mins secs msecs

 

[SUPERCASTER]

I thank George Brusstar and the Hippo-man for your sane and focused observations on the preposterous IBOC situation. It is indeed refreshing to see the dialog on this board focusing on the issues which have real relevancy to radio: on-air product, development of talent, and attention to an interesting and oft-forgotten key player in the corporate radio drama - someone we used to call "The Listener."

I also appreciate the gracious tone and obvious sober reflection and informed thought in your posts. It's a relief after a recent morass of demogoguery, ad hominem attacks, and sheer denial in which the pro-IBOC crowd wallows. The logical contortions the HD lobby indulges in would be comical if it weren't so threatening.

WYSL will be just fine. We're working with WBZ like professionals and adults would and have other options available as well. We've been here, turning out a quality product and making a profit, for 20 years now. I think I heard the first forecast of our impending demise before the end of our first broadcast day, that 23rd of January 1987. But I appreciate the kind tidings nonetheless.

Did you guys see the sidebar in this week's RW? Some consultant actually suggested that it would be a good thing if WJR and WABC both went directional to protect each other from IBOC skywave. Talk about an amazing concession of defeat, BEFORE The Great Skywave Debacle is even unleashed! Looks like even the most ardent IBOC proponents are quietly edging toward the exits.

Year right!!

A new era error for AM Radio is about to begin!

0 5 0 0 1 5 1 2 5 9 1
days hours mins secs msecs

 

[R.F. Burns]

I thank George Brusstar and the Hippo-man for your sane and focused observations on the preposterous IBOC situation. It is indeed refreshing to see the dialog on this board focusing on the issues which have real relevancy to radio: on-air product, development of talent, and attention to an interesting and oft-forgotten key player in the corporate radio drama - someone we used to call "The Listener."

I also appreciate the gracious tone and obvious sober reflection and informed thought in your posts. It's a relief after a recent morass of demogoguery, ad hominem attacks, and sheer denial in which the pro-IBOC crowd wallows. The logical contortions the HD lobby indulges in would be comical if it weren't so threatening.

WYSL will be just fine. We're working with WBZ like professionals and adults would and have other options available as well. We've been here, turning out a quality product and making a profit, for 20 years now. I think I heard the first forecast of our impending demise before the end of our first broadcast day, that 23rd of January 1987. But I appreciate the kind tidings nonetheless.

Did you guys see the sidebar in this week's RW? Some consultant actually suggested that it would be a good thing if WJR and WABC both went directional to protect each other from IBOC skywave. Talk about an amazing concession of defeat, BEFORE The Great Skywave Debacle is even unleashed! Looks like even the most ardent IBOC proponents are quietly edging toward the exits.

Year right!!

A new era error for AM Radio is about to begin!

0 5 0 0 1 5 1 2 5 9 1
days hours mins secs msecs

I forgot how quick whitted, if not redundant you can be. I'm sure you're way beyond my caliber when it comes to debate so I won't even try. Just keep this in mind, I'm not the one who's going to lose any money or my job thanks to IBOC. ;D


0 4 2 3 2 2 1 6 1 3 8
days hours mins secs msecs

 

[Savage]

While you're indulging in the IBOC victory-dance, all alone in the end zone in that empty stadium, a suggestion:

If you're going to denigrate someone you should know how to spell your insult. "Quick-witted" is not spelled with an "H."

 

[SUPERCASTER]

Burns said:

Just keep this in mind, I'm not the one who's going to lose any money or my job thanks to IBOC. ;D

More fantasies. You might, but I won't. ;D
I don't invest time or money in outdated failed technologies.

 

[R.F. Burns]

While you're indulging in the IBOC victory-dance, all alone in the end zone in that empty stadium, a suggestion:

If you're going to denigrate someone you should know how to spell your insult. "Quick-witted" is not spelled with an "H."

Thanks for the spelling lesson however, I don't not believe my comments were aimed at you.
0 0 4 1 1 5 8 1 9 2 4 7
days hours mins secs msecs


No victory dance. We don't have all the answers concerning nighttime IBOC yet, but it'll be interesting to finally get an answer. I have no preconceived notions as to the outcome. If you still question why I respond as I do, a reading of Mr. 'Uppercase's' past writings are in order. Life isn't a one way street.

 

[RememberWHEN]

To Savage and the RW sidebar: Yep...a ridiculous idea about the directional / nights "solution." Who would pay for that??!! Oh, wait...maybe the FCC could mandate that WJR pay for WABCs and WABC pay for WJRs. Seems fair.

 

[Savage]

Well, who'd-a-thunk-it? A rare moment of candor from the pro-IBOC lobby: "We don't have all the answers concerning nighttime IBOC yet...it will be interesting to finally get an answer."

So: IBOC-AM generally, and IBOC at night specifically, is...AN EXPERIMENT. Thanks for finally admitting this. (And a pretty high-stakes experiment, most rational people would agree.)

While IBOCers tie themselves into pretzels trying to advance a logical premise for this looming interference disaster, it must be pointed out: there was nothing "experimental" about VCRs, DVDs, CD players, NTSC color TV, stereo LPs or other entertainment devices, for which you strenuously draw parallels. And there was a proven, steady, albeit sometimes slowly-accelerating demand for them. The slow growth of NTSC color TV had to do with the limitations of tube-type technology and cost, both of which problems were eventually solved with the mass adoption of ICs in the early 1970s. There was never a situation with these devices where the broadcast industry first had to create a demand for the product from ground zero.

 

[calstymes]

George Brusstar aptly observed:

I hope the stations waste no time lighting up those "HD" signals at night. The sooner the interference starts (and I concede it will start), the sooner it'll end.

Unfortunately, the corporate moguls are wise to that. They know the interference is going to start too, which is why they want to ease into this night time thing slowly. They are hoping that if they only light up a few stations at a time at night that the public won't notice the increasing interference if it happens slowly.

Very tricky stuff!

My old buddy R.F. Burns suggested:

We don't have all the answers concerning nighttime IBOC yet, but it'll be interesting to finally get an answer. I have no preconceived notions as to the outcome.

Oh I think he does. I think he is quite certain we are going to have AM-HD-at-night regardless of the interference it causes. Well he might very well be right. Money talks, nobody walks.

But does Mr. Burns think that this is all going to be decided on the night of September 14th? The HD cartel (excuse me, "consortium") is laughing at all of us because, who in their right mind would deliberately introduce interference all at once when they know that everybody is out there listening for it?

Not going to happen.

 

[R.F. Burns]

My old buddy R.F. Burns suggested:

We don't have all the answers concerning nighttime IBOC yet, but it'll be interesting to finally get an answer. I have no preconceived notions as to the outcome.


Oh I think he does. I think he is quite certain we are going to have AM-HD-at-night regardless of the interference it causes. Well he might very well be right. Money talks, nobody walks.

But does Mr. Burns think that this is all going to be decided on the night of September 14th? The HD cartel (excuse me, "consortium") is laughing at all of us because, who in their right mind would deliberately introduce interference all at once when they know that everybody is out there listening for it?

Not going to happen.

Mr Stymes is at it again, making assumptions as to my interest and knowledge in this developement. I am only a consumer of HD radio but the difference is, I didn't come in with preconceived notions as many of the IBOC detractors have. Outside of Mr Savage none of his fellow IBOC detractors has explained in plain english how they personally have come to the conclusions they have or why they feel IBOC will have an impact on their ability to make a living. If they had, maybe some sympathy could have been shown. Sadly, their insecurities and obvious anger have made them unsympathetic to those of us who truly don't have a horse in this race but are being pegged as pro IBOC just because we don't take the same angry stance which they do. No, next friday won't provide the answers to all of our questions, but it will be an important date when certain important questions will be answered. As to the public's outrage over so called IBOC interference, the silence so far as been deafening.

 

[clouseau]

My old buddy R.F. Burns suggested:

We don't have all the answers concerning nighttime IBOC yet, but it'll be interesting to finally get an answer. I have no preconceived notions as to the outcome.


Oh I think he does. I think he is quite certain we are going to have AM-HD-at-night regardless of the interference it causes. Well he might very well be right. Money talks, nobody walks.

But does Mr. Burns think that this is all going to be decided on the night of September 14th? The HD cartel (excuse me, "consortium") is laughing at all of us because, who in their right mind would deliberately introduce interference all at once when they know that everybody is out there listening for it?

Not going to happen.

Mr Stymes is at it again, making assumptions as to my interest and knowledge in this developement. I am only a consumer of HD radio but the difference is, I didn't come in with preconceived notions as many of the IBOC detractors have. Outside of Mr Savage none of his fellow IBOC detractors has explained in plain english how they personally have come to the conclusions they have or why they feel IBOC will have an impact on their ability to make a living. If they had, maybe some sympathy could have been shown. Sadly, their insecurities and obvious anger have made them unsympathetic to those of us who truly don't have a horse in this race but are being pegged as pro IBOC just because we don't take the same angry stance which they do. No, next friday won't provide the answers to all of our questions, but it will be an important date when certain important questions will be answered. As to the public's outrage over so called IBOC interference, the silence so far as been deafening.

You have very aptly described almost EXACTLY how I feel about HD. And to an extent, your and my experience is similar. I'm not so much "Pro HD" as I am Anti "Nut Case".

Much of what is posted here is just plain lunatic rhetoric posted by those who enjoy allowing their true inner child to shine through. That's the "three year old having an temper tantrum and throwing their toys at the wall", inner child. Can I list some of this? Yes. Great intellectual statements like...

Iniquity

Jamming

Buzz Saw

"Gag Order"

Destructive

Defective

Cheerleader

"They" got to someone

6 Channels wide

The list is nearly endless. It's funny.

I went back and found one of the first posts I ever made here.

http://www.radio-info.com/smf/index.php/topic,55142.msg387704.html#msg387704

It's amazing the effect the "Whack Job Nutballs" and a bunch of actual research will have on someone.

Clouseau

 

[Chuck]

Outside of Mr Savage none of his fellow IBOC detractors has explained in plain english how they personally have come to the conclusions they have or why they feel IBOC will have an impact on their ability to make a living. If they had, maybe some sympathy could have been shown.

R.F. you seem to have a short memory. I have repeatedly pointed out that IBOC can make sense for high-powered broadcasters and it makes little or no sense for those stations with relatively small amounts of power. That includes LPFM, Translators and a lot of small market stations. At one point you've even agreed that it will do none of us (I'm one of them) any good, and may do harm to some. Your sympathy was not forthcoming. In fact, your attitude was "Them's the breaks."

I still contend that a digital broadcasting system that is not good for all broadcasters is not good for broadcasting in general. While this is the reality of what we have, I think we could have done better.

 

[R.F. Burns]

Outside of Mr Savage none of his fellow IBOC detractors has explained in plain english how they personally have come to the conclusions they have or why they feel IBOC will have an impact on their ability to make a living. If they had, maybe some sympathy could have been shown.

R.F. you seem to have a short memory. I have repeatedly pointed out that IBOC can make sense for high-powered broadcasters and it makes little or no sense for those stations with relatively small amounts of power. That includes LPFM, Translators and a lot of small market stations. At one point you've even agreed that it will do none of us (I'm one of them) any good, and may do harm to some. Your sympathy was not forthcoming. In fact, your attitude was "Them's the breaks."

I still contend that a digital broadcasting system that is not good for all broadcasters is not good for broadcasting in general. While this is the reality of what we have, I think we could have done better.

I can't disagree Chuck and you have been a gentleman when it comes to this topic. I don't wish you or your business ill. Your name (and there may be one or two others) didn’t come to mind when I posted my comments. However, those comments still apply to the intolerant anti IBOC crowd which my post was aimed at. Actually I think it would be an interesting experiment to allow translator owners to immediately operate at full digital power as opposed to the same lower power analog to digital calculation. That might be something to look into considering that we are talking about low power operation in rural and semi rural areas. That would also bring translator owners into the digital fold. I wonder how that would work?

 

[calstymes]

R.F. Burns eloquently proclaimed:

Mr Stymes is at it again, making assumptions as to my interest and knowledge in this developement.

We'll see what developes.

I am only a consumer of HD radio

I might be a consumer of HD radio if I could get it to work.

but the difference is, I didn't come in with preconceived notions as many of the IBOC detractors have.

Mr. Burns is at it again, making assumptions as to my interest and knowledge in this development.

Outside of Mr Savage none of his fellow IBOC detractors has explained in plain english how they personally have come to the conclusions they have or why they feel IBOC will have an impact on their ability to make a living.

I don't think IBOC will have any impact one way or another on my own ability to make a living. I also don't think I ever implied that it would.

If they had, maybe some sympathy could have been shown. Sadly, their insecurities and obvious anger have made them unsympathetic to those of us who truly don't have a horse in this race but are being pegged as pro IBOC just because we don't take the same angry stance which they do.

I have no horse in this race either. But I've got two Receptors available cheap. Anyone interested?

No, next friday won't provide the answers to all of our questions, but it will be an important date when certain important questions will be answered.

It will? I think you might be astonished how many AM HD stations will not be leaving it on at night on that day.

As to the public's outrage over so called IBOC interference, the silence so far as been deafening.

So has the public's interest in HD. Great marketing job!

 

[R.F. Burns]

R.F. Burns eloquently proclaimed:

I am only a consumer of HD radio

I might be a consumer of HD radio if I could get it to work.

I don't know how far you live from your HD stations but I'd suggest you look at the Sangean HDT-1X. It is a truly excellent radio with far better sensitivity then the Receptor.

Mr. Burns is at it again, making assumptions as to my interest and knowledge in this development.

What other conclusions can I arrive at when you allege some underhanded Ibiquity dealings but won't go into any detail.

I don't think IBOC will have any impact one way or another on my own ability to make a living. I also don't think I ever implied that it would.

I think you know who I was aiming my comments at. If not, let me say, while we disagree you haven't been one of the anti social types who have made this board a pariah for many of us.

I have no horse in this race either. But I've got two Receptors available cheap. Anyone interested?

You are basing your opinions on a specific porrly constructed radio. Not very scientific. Check out the Sangean tuner before you declare this technology dead.

It will? I think you might be astonished how many AM HD stations will not be leaving it on at night on that day.

And how did you come to this conclusion? We only have 3 days to wait and see for ourselves.

So has the public's interest in HD. Great marketing job!

Can't disagree with you. the radios have to get into automobiles. Since neither of us have a horse in this race lets see how things turn out, shall we?

 

[calstymes]

R.F. Burns politely declared:

while we disagree you haven't been one of the anti social types who have made this board a pariah for many of us.

Why thank you, Mr. Burns! It is truly an honor to be recognized by a person of your stature. I have decided that NYC really is the mecca and that you have every right to be smug for being employed there. It was my very bad judgement for criticizing you about that early on.

You are basing your opinions on a specific porrly constructed radio. Not very scientific. Check out the Sangean tuner before you declare this technology dead.

Ok I will. In the meantime, I know this technology isn't dead! Hey, the Commish just approved AM-HD for nighttime operation! How could it possibly be dead? The IPO must happen soon, otherwise, the CEO of iBiQuity is in a heck of a lot of trouble!

It will? I think you might be astonished how many AM HD stations will not be leaving it on at night on that day.

And how did you come to this conclusion? We only have 3 days to wait and see for ourselves.

In over a year of posting here (and elsewhere) I do not believe I have ever said anything that was absolutely proven to be incorrect or bad data. I know you feel that most of what I say is unsubstantiated, and you have every right for feeling that way since I do not publish who or what my sources are, but you are absolutely correct that we will wait and see about many of these unsubstantiated things, including how many AM stations will be lighting up HD at night on Friday.

All you good folks out there who will be tuning around the old Amplitude Modulated broadcast band on Friday night looking to pick up HD are going to be somewhat disappointed. Please don't say that nobody told you.

Remember: Everyone in broadcasting knows exactly what is going to happen when these noise generators are put on at night and no industry professional in his/her right mind is in any great hurry to make that happen because he/she knows that damage control will be the next thing they will have to deal with.

 

[Chuck]

I can't disagree Chuck and you have been a gentleman when it comes to this topic. I don't wish you or your business ill. Your name (and there may be one or two others) didn’t come to mind when I posted my comments. However, those comments still apply to the intolerant anti IBOC crowd which my post was aimed at. Actually I think it would be an interesting experiment to allow translator owners to immediately operate at full digital power as opposed to the same lower power analog to digital calculation. That might be something to look into considering that we are talking about low power operation in rural and semi rural areas. That would also bring translator owners into the digital fold. I wonder how that would work?

If they allowed translators, LPFM's and Class D FM stations to operate in digital at or near their full analog channel power levels, I think you would see a lot of interest in doing it. In fact, I almost typed "Station owners would jump at the chance." but I think that is a little over-enthusiastic. The problem still remains there are not very many radios that can receive HD. My HDT-1 is probably one of the very few HD radios within 60 miles of me. As far as I've seen, none are sold in any local stores I know of. That may change, but for now, you’d have no appreciable audience.

Since it is pretty obvious that HD will never work out for low power stations if the HD signal is 1% of the analog signal, maybe it would be worth while for the proponents of HD to help get a "better digital deal" for these small stations. Even running them at 10% of their analog power might make them useful. Or maybe a minimum power of 10-50 watts. The reason I think it might be beneficial to everyone concerned is these little stations are usually niche formats that can't survive on full power facilities. Frequently, their listeners are "early adopters" who will go out of their way to receive one of these flea power stations. If that gets more and better HD radios out in the field, it increases the likelihood that the system (for better or worse) would survive. I'm fairly sure that quite a few of our listeners would buy HD radios if we could demonstrate that it significantly improved their listening experience. We certainly can't say that right now, but under the right circumstances - a usable power level - we could.

From either side of the fence, such an alliance is sleeping with strange bedfellows, but it might actually be a relationship that helped everyone, more than it hurt anyone. I think it is worth exploring.

I won't make the same claim for AM. I just don't see that working out except for the flame-throwers. I guess we'll find out. I won’t mind being proven wrong.