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The Petitioner requests the allotment of reserved noncommercial educational television channel *12 to Waynesboro, Virginia in the Table of TV Allotments as the community's first local television service and its first NCE television service.

There’s a lot of excitement on Wall Street and from the broadcasting communities regarding some of the projects Xperi Corp.’s Connected Car business unit, which Joe D’Angelo maintains oversight of.

With strong momentum out of the CES conference in January and ahead to the 2024 NAB Show, the DTS AutoStage product, in particular, is poised to have a breakout year. But, what about HD Radio advancements? What’s new with the TiVo brand and how is that getting a Connected Car play? D’Angelo shares the latest in this InFOCUS Podcast, presented by dot.FM, in a fresh conversation with RBR+TVBR Editor-in-Chief Adam R Jacobson.

Listen to “The InFOCUS Podcast: Joe D’Angelo” on Spreaker.

While upgrading your station’s Emergency Alert System receiver may not be at the top of the GM’s to-do list this year, having clean audio and reliable reception of EAS sources is not only good for your listeners but is also required by the FCC. Unfortunately, the availability of broadcast-quality EAS receivers has dwindled over the past few years, leaving a sizable hole in the market. However, that just changed with the new 677 Triple Tuner from Inovonics.

Jeremy Preece

Released in December 2023, the 677 combines three discrete AM/FM/NOAA receivers into a sleek 1RU, half-rack unit. Designed primarily for the reception of EAS Local Primary (LP) stations, the 677 is the ideal upgrade to the outdated or obsolete receivers installed in racks today. 

The Inovonics 677 is equipped with three tuners, each capable of receiving AM, FM or NOAA weather channels, so configuring it to match your local EAS plan takes just a few mouse clicks. Of note for certain areas: The 677 is not able to receive other VHF/UHF frequencies or DTV audio.

On the rear panel you will find three separate 75-ohm F-type jacks, so it is easy to use multiple antennas or share one with a splitter.

The audio for each tuner is brought out to its own balanced analog-mono (L+R summed) XLR male jack. There are six configurable GPO closures for alarms and an RJ-45 network port for remote access. The unit even includes an extra power port if you wish to add a redundant 12VDC power supply. The simplicity makes physical installation quick and efficient, and I was delighted to finally do away with the terminal block audio connections on the old receiver I decommissioned in the process.

The front offers an orange LED display that is easy to read and navigate, three red indicators for active alarms, an audio meter for the selected receiver, and a 1/8-inch headphone jack.

The default display provides a summary with band, frequency, signal strength and audio activity of all three tuners. Configuration of the receivers’ frequencies, audio output levels, GPO triggers and IP address can be accomplished through the front panel, while more advanced features are setup via the web interface.

The 677 features a bright LED display that is easy to read.

As internet connectivity of some variety moves toward being standard at broadcast facilities, having every device in the rack capable of remote access is a must. The 677 is equipped with the same rich, responsive web interface we see on other modern Inovonics models. 

Navigation through the menu structure is simple and intuitive, so much so that one can set up and install this device without ever opening the plastic wrap on the user manual. 

While the 677 can certainly be a “set it and forget it” EAS receiver, the web interface provides a lot of data to the station engineer through both desktop and mobile browsers. Details on each receiver’s performance are available at a glance on the home page, and histograms are offered to help fine-tune reception and troubleshoot issues.

The unit can provide an Icecast or UDP stream of any one of the tuners (selectable through the web interface) for instant or continuous remote monitoring on an internet radio, such as the Inovonics 611, or any web browser. The stream audio is encoded using HE-AACv2 and has a user-selectable range from 18 kbps to 64 kbps, so it is bandwidth-friendly even on cellular and VSAT connections.

The LED display shows the frequency, signal strength and audio level of each tuner.

One thing missing from the 677’s streaming options, which is found on other Inovonics receivers such as the 568 Sophia, is the ability to push audio to Dante and AES67 devices. While the absence of this feature certainly reduces the cost of the unit and is perhaps not a broad need at this point, as more air chain devices are virtualized and with the hope of a virtual EAS encoder/decoder down the road, the ability to have all rack audio in an AoIP environment is a big plus for broadcasters. 

The most important feature of any radio is its reception quality. With modern software-defined radios (SDRs) it is not uncommon to get excellent signal-to-noise ratios and rejection even in difficult environments. Even so, the 677 outshines its competitors in this area. 

For initial testing on the bench, I used an outdoor discone antenna with about 75 feet of RG-6 coax feeding an inexpensive three-way splitter to provide an RF source for each receiver input. I purposely tuned the 677’s receivers to distant AM, FM and NOAA weather stations. For comparison, I had an identical setup on the bench with another popular EAS receiver. To say the results were impressive would be an understatement. 

The 677’s rear panel provides discrete RF inputs and audio outputs for each tuner.

The 677 was able to provide reasonably good audio on a weather station with an indicated RSSI of 2 dB. The competitor’s receiver returned only static. AM and FM performance was similar, where weak signals were received with acceptable noise for this application. Our Sage Endec easily decoded alerts from these sources during the course of a couple of weeks of testing. 

Under the category of “why not,” I slid a paper clip into one of the F-type antenna jacks and tuned a local FM station. I was greeted with full-quieting audio and an indicated RSSI of 31dB. And similarly, with the same paper clip, I was able to pick up a 5 kW AM station about 10 miles away with only some light crackle and hum — satisfactory for EAS reception. Simply stated: If you have a site where reliably receiving your assigned LP is challenging, the 677 may be your solution. 

Another unique and notable feature of the 677 is that it can trigger a GPO, SNMP or email notification when EAS tones are received on any of the monitored sources. This is especially helpful when tracking down a missed alert or simply verifying the Endec is configured properly. If you only have two LP sources to monitor, consider using the third tuner to monitor your own station to validate that your alerts are being transmitted. 

The well-designed web interface is simple but rich with features.

The 677 includes SNMP, which can be easily interfaced to a modern station remote control, allowing a centralized location for alarm captures and logging. It can also send customized email notifications to up to 10 recipients. An alarm for RDS PI Code Error is included, the idea being a means to verify that the source you are supposed to be receiving is what you are receiving. The received PI code is viewable only in the alarm configuration, but no other RDS data is brought out to the web UI or front-panel interface. While not required, the ability to see FM RDS data would be a nice touch to this otherwise novel feature. 

Can the 677 Triple Tuner be used for more than just an EAS audio receiver? Absolutely. If you have a couple of signals to keep tabs on while working in the engineering office, the 677 provides a simple way to monitor three stations at once. The individual audio outputs could easily be interfaced to a speaker switch and the mono output works great for a single Fostex 6310B sitting on the workbench. And with the built-in streaming and comprehensive alarm capabilities, using the 677 as a remotely steerable multiband radio could make sense when your stations are a long way from home.

Overall, the 677 Triple Tuner is a fantastic little box that reveals how Inovonics continues to listen to and support the needs of the industry. Simple, easy to use and packed with a host of powerful features to help ensure your EAS reception is the best it can be, the 677 will make a great addition to your station rack.

[Check Out More Product Evaluations in Our Products Section]

The post Product Evaluation: The New Inovonics 677 Impresses appeared first on Radio World.

In April 2023, a radio station owner not to be confused with a Canadian media operation completed its acquisition of six radio stations, an AM and an FM translator in small Illinois cities from the Studsill family.

Now, the company led by John Rung and dialed up another radio station deal. This time it involves the group led by Mary Quass, and the brokerage services of Kalil & Co.

 

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A Colorado-based company known for a proprietary AI platform for audio identification, classification and related technologies that seeks to reinvent how consumers engage with AM/FM radio, podcasts, and other audio content, is not moving forward with its previously announced purchase of an AM/FM radio streaming app.

Auddia shared today that it has withdrawn a S-1 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission designed to secure financing for the acquisition of Radio FM.

Explaining the company’s decision, Auddia Executive Chairman Jeff Thramann said, “We have been pursuing an aggressive AM/FM streaming app acquisition strategy by negotiating with three targets simultaneously. It is now clear that market conditions are unfavorable for securing the largest acquisition as our first target. As such, to optimize shareholder value we are withdrawing the current S-1 on file that contemplates the Radio FM acquisition.”

The company expects to continue to advance discussions with the remaining two targets under letters of intent and reiterated that a purchase agreement for “target #2” is expected to be signed before the end of June 2024.

Auddia CFO John Mahoney added, “As we executed the purchase agreement for Radio FM and began to explore financing options in the current market, it became clear that a far more capital efficient process would be to proceed with acquiring target #2 followed by target #3, both of which require substantially less cash at closing. Once these targets are successfully integrated and synergies are demonstrated, we will be in a stronger position to pursue larger opportunities in our space.”

Auddia plans to “reengage” with Radio FM in the future should the opportunity arise.

Auddia gained industry attention in 2023 for its subscription-based Faidr app, a paid offering that deletes over-the-air commercials with music and other exclusive programming.

At present, Auddia trades on one Nasdaq market with shares valued at just 3 cents (AUUDW), and its more commonly traded shares priced at $3.38 as of 12:44pm Eastern on Thursday. Trading as “AUUD,” Auddia stock has seen significant share erosion since a June 2021 burst sending prices as high as $185.50. On February 27, it moved ahead with a reverse stock split at a 1-for-25 ratio, designed to assist Auddia in meeting Nasdaq continued listing standards.

A newly released analysis by media buying firm Guideline finds that linear TV ad spend decreased significantly in the fourth quarter.

In fact, it marked the biggest dip since the company began ad spend tracking in 2017.

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Women holding the General Manager position in 2023 increased from last year, showing healthy gains from 2004. However, lingering industry challenges point to the need for continued growth in gender equity, new data released Thursday by Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc., show.

MIW annually compiles and analyzes the number of women in radio broadcasting who are rising to the ranks of management. Data gathered for an annual MIW Gender Analysis Study specifically tracks the progress of female professionals holding General Manager, Sales Manager, and Program Director/Brand Manager positions.

The latest data show 22.17% (2,356 stations) had women holding the General Manager position in 2023. This is almost 2 share points of growth from last year. But, MIW says, this continues to show growth from 2004, when the percentage of female General Managers was 14.9%.

In the Top 100 markets, 23.96% (828 stations) were managed by women. This, MIW says, is also more than a full percentage point up from 2022 and still continues to run a bit higher than the national average.

SALES PROWESS

Overall, the best management opportunities for women in radio continues to be in sales management. Some 34.37% or 3,476 stations had a female Sales Manager in 2023.

Yet, that number is basically flat from 33.45% in 2022.

In the Top 100 markets, although the numbers run slightly higher than the national average, the story showed a 3-point percentage drop for 2023. Some 35.16% or 1,379 stations had women serving as Sales Managers in 2023, versus 38.05% in 2022.

The greatest challenge for women in radio management continues to be in the area of Program Directors/Brand Managers. Women currently program 11.50% AMs/FMs (1,173 stations). This, too, is flat from 2022.

In the Top 100 markets, the news was even more grim as female programmers now represent only 10.14% of the total number of Program Directors/Brand Managers.

This, MIW says, reflects a drop of over 3 share points from 2022.

MIW Board President Ruth Presslaff commented, “Navigating today’s landscape poses unique challenges for both the industry at large and women in particular. Our commitment to fostering change remains unwavering. Through MIW’s array of mentoring initiatives, we not only recognize but also amplify the voices of women. We are beyond grateful to the companies and individuals who champion our mission. As we press forward, we eagerly anticipate seizing new opportunities to empower even more women in the year ahead.”

The MIW Gender Analysis Study, based on raw data collected by PrecisionTrak from all US-based commercial radio stations, has been released every year since the organization’s start in 2000. The figures and percentages shown below represent the calendar year 2023 and are reflective of 11,215 AM and FM radio stations across America, as accounted for by PrecisionTrak as of December 31, 2023. All information provided by PrecisionTrak is subject to limitations of data provided by radio companies. The analysis is dependent upon the accuracy and completeness of PrecisionTrak (Precisiontrak.com) data as of December 31, 2023.

One year ago today, the FCC’s spectrum auction authority expired as it was not extended by Congress, for the first time ever.

Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel took note of that unwelcomed anniversary, issuing a statement that put a spotlight on the potential next steps “in light of this reality for the agency.”

“For more than thirty years, the Federal Communications Commission’s authority to auction the nation’s airwaves proved to be an indispensable tool for harnessing the promise of new wireless technologies while also spurring economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening our national security and international leadership,” she said on March 7. “However, in light of the reality the agency has faced for almost a year, we are now compelled to ask what we can do with our current unassigned spectrum in order to keep innovation moving ahead in a global market for wireless that is not slowing down. I remain hopeful that the FCC’s auction authority will be restored quickly so that this important program is once again able to produce results for consumers and the economy. The agency stands ready to work with lawmakers to ensure we don’t find ourselves in the same place next year.”

Given the agency’s current lack of spectrum auction authority, the Commission on Thursday (3/7) opened a docket to explore how its existing regulatory tools and current statutory authority could provide the public with access to its inventory of currently unassigned spectrum in bands previously licensed for wireless services through auctions.

In doing so, Rosenworcel said she remains committed to working with Congress to restore the agency’s auction authority as originally outlined in Section 309 of the Communications Act.

In the energy sector, companies such as Devon Energy Corporation in recent years have turned to variable dividend payments in response to quarterly cash-generation fluctuations. Now, radio industry pure-play operator Saga Communications has followed a similar path, as its Board of Directors on Thursday (3/7) declared a healthy variable dividend.

The payment reflects the company’s quarterly earnings performance for the final three months of 2024, which also arrived on Thursday morning.

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As Comscore CEO Jon Carpenter sees it, 2023 had both highs and lows for the business. Unfortunately, the audience measurement company’s fourth quarter brought a big earnings surprise that led shareholders to sell their stock in “SCOR” on Thursday.

Revenue missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.46%, while the EPS was significantly below expectations.

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On October 18, one of Australia’s leading media companies — home to the LiSTNR app and brand, the Hit and Triple M radio networks and regional television stations — received a “non-binding indicative proposal” from another media company and its financiers.

Southern Cross Media Group Limited on Thursday formally responded to the unsolicited offer by rejecting it — for now.

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Auddia has dropped its effort to acquire the AM/FM radio streaming app Radio FM.

It released a statement from Executive Chairman Jeff Thramann: “We have been pursuing an aggressive AM/FM streaming app acquisition strategy by negotiating with three targets simultaneously. It is now clear that market conditions are unfavorable for securing the largest acquisition as our first target.”

Faidr app promotional image

Auddia is an AI-based company whose stock trades on NASDAQ, though it has recently been taking steps to avoid being delisted.

CFO John Mahoney said, “As we executed the purchase agreement for Radio FM and began to explore financing options in the current market, it became clear that a far more capital efficient process would be to proceed with acquiring target #2 followed by target #3, both of which require substantially less cash at closing.”

Auddia had hoped to add 4.6 million users through the deal. Completion of the agreement was subject to financing.

The acquisition was priced at $13 million cash with an additional $2 million paid in six months if certain performance milestones are met.

The two parties terminated their purchase agreement. Auddia said it hopes to “reengage” with Radio FM later.

The company recently completed a 1-for-25 reverse stock split to avoid being delisted on NASDAQ. In December it named a new CFO, John Mahoney, to succeed Tim Ackermann, who resigned last summer.

It owns the audio app faidr, which allows listeners the ability to listen to any AM/FM streamer with added personalized content and no commercials, as well as podcasts with an interactive digital feed.

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The post Auddia Drops Bid to Acquire Radio FM appeared first on Radio World.

Congressional legislation that would require the U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in motor vehicles, and for other purposes, is one step closer to getting approved in the House of Representatives.

The AM For Every Vehicle Act has reached the number of co-sponsors needed to pass the legislation through the lower body of Congress.

Now, it is up to the House of Representatives to schedule a vote on the House version of the bill, introduced by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.).

While Gottheimer took time to note that his proposed legislation had reached 218 co-sponsors, as of Thursday morning (3/7) a total of 223 co-sponsors have signed on to H.R. 3413, introduced in the House in May 2023.

There were four new co-sponsors that signed on to the bill on Wednesday — a sign that lobbying by the NAB and state broadcaster associations on Capitol Hill yesterday proved successful.

The newest House Members to sign on to H.R. 3413 are Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.), Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.), and Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.).

Since February 23, House Members have given an abundance of support to H.R.3413. Since then, Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Tex.), Rep. Michael Turner (R-Ohio), Rep. Brian Babin (R-Tex.), Rep. Gabe Amo (D-R.I.), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), as well as Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah), Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) have signed on to the legislation.

Stacey Plaskett, Delegate to the U.S. Virgin Islands District at Large, also contributed her support; she is a non-voting member of Congress.

The Congressional version of the AM For Every Vehicle Act, led by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Tex.) and Ed Markey (D-Mass.), is only three co-sponsors away from its own simple majority of 51. The measure has been waiting to be scheduled for a vote by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) since July. The majority of votes is needed, after Kentucky Senator Rand Paul blocked a bipartisan-driven majority consent vote in November. Paul is seeking to override the AM mandate and instead use the legislation to end electric vehicle subsidies under the American Vehicle Tax Credit.

As the bill gets nearer to its goal, the agency led by Buttigieg is ready to implement the act once signed by the president. Speaking recently on Nexstar Media Group’s WGN-AM in Chicago, Buttigieg addressed the Act, saying that he is “ready to run with [the Act] the moment Congress gets it done.”

The Act has garnered mass public support, with more than 400,000 emails, letters, and social media posts directed to Senators and Representatives.

— With reporting by Cameron Coats, in New York

A principal NPR and PBS Member serving the Commonwealth of Virginia has received the FCC’s blessing to add a channel to its Table of Allotments for a city between the college town of Charlottesville and Staunton, along the busy I-81 corridor to the south of the home of James Madison University.

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