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WALX Now Has A HD Station

I'm sure the HD1 is running Alex FM. That's required. The question is what format will the HD2 be that will likely be on the translator? I must say I really like the recent trend of running independant programming on HD subchannels fed to translators to fill format gaps in markets. It's nice to have more choice on the radio dial. I actually do have a stock HD radio in my car and I think in time, HD radio popularity will pick up some as many car manufacturers have made it a standard feature in their vehicle's radio over the past couple of years.

poledo said:
WALX has no reason to go HD unless they plan to run an HD2 to program a translator. As far as I know all HD setups are capable of running an HD3 also.
Click to expand...

I agree and you are correct. If you are broadcasting in HD, you are capable of adding HD2 and HD3 subchannels as well and it's actually pretty simple to add one. There was a station in New York City (though I can't remember which one, and I don't think it is on anymore) that even had an HD4 subchannel. It was the only one that I know of that ever ran an HD4, but like I said, I don't think it is on anymore.

passtheword, I agree with you as well. This seems to be a long standing dream of his that I don't think he should ever give up on. Keep letting him guide you and he will make a way if it is his will!
 
Are HD transmitters replacement "all in one" units or do they run along side a standard analog transmitter? If they are an "all in one" piece of equipment it could be possible WALX picked up a used transmitter to upgrade their facilities. If it's separate, there's no reason for a Selma only station to run HD without plans to feed a translator or two.

RDP, more stations on the Selma dial means more opportunity. Assuming you are one of the more active people in your church perhaps you could negotiate a Sunday music/service broadcast on WALX's new translator for an affordable price... pick up a couple sponsors for the show that don't otherwise advertise with WALX or WJAM and you could have costs covered and start building goodwill with the station that may get you even more airtime..

Your signature mentions a lawn care business. You could try to barter for maintaince at the station and transmitter sites for air time.

It's a realistic and inexpensive idea to get in the game.
 
Let's scratch those thoughts and put down some new ones.

I'm ready to go.

1. My home Church has a spot on WHBB 1490 AM, every Sunday morning already.  I want to move the service over to my new radio presentation, should things work out for me.  I'll sweet talk WHBB into dropping the service and allowing me to pick it up, since I'm a life long member anyway.  Once they drop the service, then the black audience will gain them one more hour for their musical and/or Preaching presentation.  I just don't see Mr. Reynolds and Company putting on another White Oriented Church service, should we make our move to my new radio presentation.

2. Made a promise to my own Pastor, that I would carry our service, should my dream work out.  And yes I'll air the service for free.  However I'll let the listeners help pay for the airtime.

3. Stay very busy with the lawn care business anyway.  Don't need any new yards at this time. 

R.D.P. <><

P.S. To everyone that's helping me make my return, I still want to say thanks.  Still trying to work on that return.  Hope to have something in the works real soon.
 
poledo said:
Are HD transmitters replacement "all in one" units or do they run along side a standard analog transmitter? If they are an "all in one" piece of equipment it could be possible WALX picked up a used transmitter to upgrade their facilities. If it's separate, there's no reason for a Selma only station to run HD without plans to feed a translator or two.
Click to expand...

They can be standalone or seperate, using the same antenna or seperate antennas; there are several ways to engineer them. As for your previous comments, it is relatively easy to add an HD3 to a station with an HD2 BUT you've got to decide how to slice up the primary 96 kbps data pipe or use the extended carriers closer to the analog signal, which are not as robust, and only give 24 kbps for the HD3. With 32 kbps the minimum for an HD1, you could do 32 kbps for HD1, HD2 and HD3. This will sound just ok. The other opition is to do 48 kbps for the HD1 & HD2 then use the extended carriers for the HD3 at 24 kbps. This is popular with stations running music formats on HD1 & HD2 and rebroadcasting a talk format AM on HD3.



Bob
 
Bob, I thought it was determined that since a translator could "simulcast" an AM daytimer 24/7 in stereo that all translators could be fed directly.... effectively making an HD2 or HD3 a simulcast of the translator. Bandwidth/bitrate of the HD2 or HD3 could be minimized as long as it carries the same programming carried by the translator. This only works if the HD2 feed isn't being used as a STL for the translator.

Right? Wrong? Unknown?
 
Go for it RDP!

Obvious advice is keep making all the contacts in nearby radio that you can. You never know when you'll need some advice or help and the more professional friends you have the better. Whenever the FCC lets those LPFM 10 licenses out you may even find professionals from other stations wanting to have more freedom programming shows on your station. This could also afford you the ability to use another local station's production facilities for PSAs or pre recorded shows.

It's a tough business. I'm not in it because I can't see much money to be made and I'm not at a point in my life where I'm interested in an "expensive hobby".

Goodwill hopefully will get you where you need to be.
 
I now have a few questions I need to ask:

1. Are you planning on building a HD (2) and/or (3) broadcast WALX?
2. If so, what will the content be like?
3. Can someone like me buy some airtime, so I can help move my home Church from a weak AM WHBB station, to a better sounding FM WALX HD station?
4. When the 101.5 FM translator signs on, will it be officially located at your studio or will Radio Assist make an attempt to move it again, before building it out?
5. When that translator does sign on, will it officially rebroadcast a HD channel of yours?
6. Will you entertain the idea of allowing someone like me, to lease out a HD channel, so I can establish Selma's only voice for all things CCM?

(I already have big plans for this presentation, should things work out.)
(Yes I'll advertise heavy for this broadcast and do all I can to help keep it on the air.)
(That was my game plan for the LPFM broadcast.)

I may already know how each question will be answered but I'll wait and see what the response will be. 

R.D.P. <><

P.S. I know that starting up a new radio station is costly and takes time to get it going but I'm so ready to make my own return to this business.  Back when I was speaking on WAQU radio, there was a plan in place that called for me to take over as local contact person but nothing came of it.  So glad I didn't get that gig.  AFR is not my cup of tea any longer.  I detest what they stand for now.
 
Zach said:
It's neither here nor there but at least one HD4 is still on, via WJFK in Washington. They carry the other CBS sports stations in Philadelphia, New York and Boston, if I remember correctly.
Click to expand...

Thanks Zach. I didn't know JFK was running one too. I wish I could remember what station it was in NY that had one & what they were running on it. I'll have to look into it. Not that it really matters but its driving me crazy since I brought it up. Running an HD4 must really splice up the kbps pretty bad. I'm sure they have extended carriers in place though, but of course running cbs sports probably wouldn't need too much to sound ok to begin with. I'm sure Bob would know better than I though.
 
RollTide said:
Zach said:
It's neither here nor there but at least one HD4 is still on, via WJFK in Washington. They carry the other CBS sports stations in Philadelphia, New York and Boston, if I remember correctly.
Click to expand...

Thanks Zach. I didn't know JFK was running one too. I wish I could remember what station it was in NY that had one & what they were running on it. I'll have to look into it. Not that it really matters but its driving me crazy since I brought it up. Running an HD4 must really splice up the kbps pretty bad. I'm sure they have extended carriers in place though, but of course running cbs sports probably wouldn't need too much to sound ok to begin with. I'm sure Bob would know better than I though.
Click to expand...

If it's four channels of speech as with WJFK I guess it might be passable but I have had bad luck with the extended carriers. One of my local pubcasters runs it for an HD3 that carries a radio reading service. The HD1/HD2 are rock solid through the city but the HD3 only works when stationary. Even close by the tower, the HD3 is problematic. It took me forever to figure out "why" one sub was flakey but the others were rock solid.
 
Yea that kinda sucks. Who listens to HD radio while stationary right? The vast majority of people who have HD radio to begin with only have it in their cars. Tho you have a good point about WJFK. If they are all talk formats I'm sure extended carriers aren't really bothered with. Splicing it up by 32kbps HD1, 22kbps HD2, and 21kbps for HD 3 & 4 probably works out just fine.
 
RDP,

Surely you wouldn't expect WALX to answer those questions on a public forum..right?

If your church has a program on WHBB, the church media person would be the person to talk to,
NOT sweet-talking WHBB. Radio stations about to lose a paying program are going to be less than thrilled about that prospect. Why not offer the church the same deal with you that they have with WHBB?

It may be that someone in the church could help underwrite them..maybe they are going it now.

That being said, leasing an HD-2 and feeding a translator could be good..the coverage area would be quite a bit larger. LPFMs are maxed at 100 watts, translators are maxed at 250 watts. It is an idea that I wouldn't throw in the trash just yet.

You will have to meet someone from WALX in person to pull this off. I know nothing about WALX..but you guys will need to have some trust and a solid foundation between you, to pursue it.

God bless you as you pursue His will.
 
My Preacher is the one that got us on WHBB. I want to move the service, since I'm trying to return to radio broadcasting. Want this to be a surprise, if I can pull it off.

R.D.P. <><
 
RDP, do WALX or WJAM currently carry church services on Sunday?

If your pastor made broadcast arrangements with WHBB I don't believe you should go around trying to negotiate a new radio partner. You should be taking baby steps forging a relationship with WALX. You need to go to the owner, general manager, program director with your résumé in hand along with a letter from your pastor endorsing your ambition and letters from business owners that are members of your church stating that intend to sponsor the broadcast (including dollar figures). If these business owners do not currently advertise with WALX or anywhere (better!) that would be a plus.
If you can get through the hoops of moving your church's service up to an FM signal the next step would be to ask if there is any way you could do a CCM music show before or after the church service. You should have sponsors ready to write checks before you ask for this also. In addition, WALX is not going to turn you loose with a live microphone.... not going to happen (well, you are in Selma, I guess it could be possible). You are going to have to bring in enough revenue to pay a current WALX/WJAM jock to do the show with you, run the board so to say. It's probably going to be necessary to pre record any music show. This would be more efficient, economical, and make the owners more comfortable letting you on their airwaves.

After you've done this for awhile in a commercial radio environment you hopefully will leave a positive impression with those in charge. No telling where you could go from there. Possibly a live/local Sunday music show, maybe a full time job.
 
They already do. 

WALX and WALX HD (1) does First Baptist Church
WJAM does two Black Churches

Now for the way they run things currently.

WJAM does most of their programming from The Touch radio network, outside of the local Church services, Doug Banks, Tom Joyner and nighttime Gospel show with Dr. Feelgood.
WALX is automated and does that one Church service, along with Rick and Bubba.

Thanks for the tip and advice.  I may run with it.  However if my own LPFM thing works out, plan on moving the Church service over to my radio station.  Catch is, I won't charge the few members we have to carry the broadcast.  I'll pass the cost off to the audience and supporters.

Also if I get back into this business, I won't take a pay check.  My fixed income prevents me from doing it.  However I'll use the money I get, to help keep the program and/or outlet on the air.

R.D.P. <><

P.S. If I'm able to make this move, I know he'll be one happy camper.  Already promised him to carry the service over my presentation and/or future radio home.  When I told him, I could tell he was excited over it.
 
Okay. You've got some plans, but you need to drop the public discussion of taking your church's broadcast away from WHBB. If/when the FCC puts the LPFM-10 licenses up for auction/sale you can start by simulcasting your church service, followed by an afternoon and evening replay... perhaps even a daily prayer or inspirational message from your pastor. WHBB will have a better coverage area than a new LPFM-10, so it will obviously be benificial to keep the broadcast on the largest signal feasible. Assuming your church is paying for time on WHBB, reading that your trying to take money out of their pockets in the poor economy of central Alabama isn't smart.

I was going to ask if you attended First Presbyterian or First Babtist of Selma. You just answered that question. Obviously those two chuches would have significant leverage in getting airtime on the better stations. An independent church is going to have to put some work in obtaining radio coverage on any station not affiliated with a powerful member.

Keep in mind that I dropped out of College radio and Pirate radio nearly 20 years ago. I am far from an expert so what I'm saying is just things I believe you need to have sound answers for before you go to work. Some of the folks that chimed in on this thread are in the industry or recently retired from commercial radio. Take whatever they add as gospel!
If the FCC auctions a LPFM-10 license for the Selma area it should be affordable... In the hobby or ham radio price range to operate. The unknown would be the legal and engineering expenses in getting on the air. Ownership of a LPFM-10 license might be more appropriate for your church, with you being the station's manager. With income restrictions you also have to be careful about your assets. I have a cousin in a situation involving income restrictions. This cousin actually owns 500,000$ worth of farm land that he refuses to accept title to. I won't let his brother have the land because then it becomes an asset that he could loose in a divorce or lawsuit.... business isn't easy and rarely makes sense.
 
In closing I'll say this:

I see the move as a plus for us.  I say that because WHBB doesn't have an online stream.  Besides they're trying to cater to a mass market audience, which consists of various musical styles and programming.  Little old me however will be all Gospel all the time and wants to stream the broadcast for the whole world to hear. Besides, I can carry this fine worship service at 11 A.M. on Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday, since I'll have nothing better to do anyway.

Anyway I want to thank you Mr. Poledo for sharing your ideas and thoughts with me.  I appreciate it. 

R.D.P. <><
 
In doing a quick look at Selma there are multiple frequencies available for 100 watt LPFM stations.
If LPFM is the goal, there will be a short filing window this fall, looks like October is likely when it will happen. You will have to have your application ready to file before then, and it will have to be filed electronically through the FCC website. I am told that the form will be changed/updated before the filing window.

An LPFM can be built for $10k or so if you stick to the essentials. They will be required to have an EAS
in place. The FCC has been inspecting stations for this. You are not required to retain a public file for LPFM.

Placing programming on a particular station like WHBB can make sense if a church wants to reach those outside of the Christian community. Non-Christians will seldom listen to all-Christian station
programs outside of music. There ARE exceptions, but you and the pastor have to know who the intended target audience is. It makes a difference.

Poledo has also given you sound business advice.

I was in local radio from 1979 to 2004 and have owned and operated an Internet station since 2001. Even with that experience I feel like I still have a lot to learn. Radio is extremely competitive and market situations change all the time.

Your real hurdle is not the programming. It is getting the engineering, non-profit corporation and FCC matters taken care of. The FCC has a page regarding LPFM that can give you the basics.

I agree with poledo about not saying anything about changing the church's media outlet on here.

Being a DJ is one thing, and owning and operating a station is another. Especially in a little town.
Hopefully you know we're pulling for you. You need a clear vision of what is needed for Selma and your community. Things can always be tweaked as you go, but a definite clear plan will help you.
 
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