The Future of AM and FM

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FCC Approves IBOC Rules

The FCC approves the underlying technology for HD Radio (PDF): Until this point, digital audio broadcasting (DAB) using iBiquity's IBOC (in-band, on-channel) approach has been approved on an interim measure. The order from the FCC makes this change permanent.

The order has several parts. Most significant? AM nighttime broadcasting is now authorized, and petitions to reject IBOC for DAB were rejected. The order also avoids any mention of a broadcast flag, which would have restricted what content could be recorded digitally by requiring encryption on all broadcasts, and allowing rightsholder to embed whatever restrictions that they wanted, inclusive of any legitimate personal recording.

And, as I read it, FM stations are no longer required to simulcast their main analog broadcast as a digital one. Instead, they are required to have at least one digital multicast channel of as good a quality as their analog broadcast.

The other parts are also interesting. The order "refrains" from putting a timetable for conversion to digital in place. That's been an issue all along: DAB in the US doesn't mean the forced end of analog broadcasts at any time in the near future. This makes sense, as with digital TV, the idea was to free up a huge amount of spectrum to be sold. With AM/FM, there's no suggestion that broadcasters give up their analog spectrum (yet).

The FCC now authorizes multicasting (multiple digital channels) by FM stations without additional waivers or filings.  The order lets radio stations be flexible with how they use their bandwidth, too, and to sell unused digital bandwidth to third parties, with some restrictions in place. This will be an additional line of revenue for radio stations.

A variety of other issues were settled, too, including applying all regulatory and statutory restrictions that affect regular analog broadcasts. Some input is requested on public interest requirements and on how to limit subscription offerings.

iBiquity put out a press release that sounds like them exhaling a sigh that's been held in for several years. The approval of IBOC, notably nighttime AM, means that all the stations and radio makers that wanted to make sure HD Radio was "real" will now consider moving forward.

I don't think, despite my coverage of HD Radio for a couple of years, that I realized how significant this day would be for the industry. I wondered at the hesitancy of equipment makers, and whether the underlying technology had flaws that, once revealed, would scuttle or push back the efforts. The FCC's blessing means that HD Radio, with any warts it may contain, now moves forward.

Posted by Glenn Fleishman on March 22, 2007 12:40 PM | Permalink