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Photo courtesy SPIE Belgium

Belgian infrastructure companies SPIE Belgium and Jacops NV are partnering to ensure DAB+ signals can be heard in tunnels across Flanders. The project was commissioned by the Agentschap Wegen en Verkeer, which is responsible for motorways, regional roads and cycle paths in the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium.

Tunnels always present a problem for radio waves, but the use of repeater systems and special antenna systems help keep drivers entertained and informed as they travel underwater and underground. For AWV, ensuring digital radio broadcasts are received in tunnels means being able to easily target drivers with emergency information, including with visual warnings on in-dash displays.

“This project is an important step in the modernization of the road infrastructure in Flanders. In addition to optimizing the sound and radio frequency range, DAB+ will bring tangible improvements in road safety thanks to targeted emergency notifications in tunnels,” stated Norman Kabir, business development manager at SPIE Belgium.

Previously the tunnels were fitted with repeater systems for ASTRID, the Belgian public safety communications system for police, fire, and other emergency services and first responders. The DAB+ project covers installation of repeater systems for DAB+, as well as maintenance and upgrading of these radio systems.

SPIE Project Manager Michael Spronck said that an engineering study for the Leonardtunnel in Tervuren is being finalized and four other tunnel radio renewals are in the planning stage.

The post Flanders Bringing DAB+ to Tunnels appeared first on Radio World.

USSI Global, known for its customized network and digital media products, has been awarded ST Engineering iDirect 2024 North America Gold Partner Status for its broadcast division.

What does this signify? USSI Global will manage sales, customer service and technical support for ST Engineering iDirect broadcast solutions in the United States and Canada, including the new MCX8000 multi-carrier satellite gateway.

USSI Global will also support ST Engineering iDirect’s business operations, including service agreement renewals.

USSI Global and ST Engineering iDirect have a long-standing partnership on broadcast and satellite initiatives including the FCC’s C-band transition, now in the final stages of clearing spectrum for 5G mobile services.

USSI Global installed ST Engineering iDirect modulators, redundancy switches and conversion equipment as part of their turnkey services for moving broadcasters to new C-band frequencies.

Broadcasters that install ST Engineering iDirect hardware products will have access to USSI Global’s 24/7 monitoring and preventative maintenance services, including oversight of third-party systems in the ecosystem.

Darren Ludington, Regional Vice President/Americas for ST Engineering iDirect, commented, “Satellite remains an essential distribution and contribution platform for broadcasters, especially where terrestrial and broadband connectivity is limited or non-existent. For those areas with connectivity challenges, satellite is the preferred broadcast distribution path. Additionally, satellite is the ideal redundancy model due to its unmatched availability, uptime and reliability. Our MCX8000 satellite gateway supports these and other important requirements for broadcasters today, and USSI Global has a thorough understanding of how ST Engineering iDirect’s solutions function in the broadcaster’s headend. As we move toward adding a service layer to our hardware model, including native IP over satellite distribution, USSI Global’s experience in managed services and broadband network infrastructure will help to extend our broadcast and satellite offerings to more customers at a higher service standard.”

USSI Global VP of Business Development Lincoln Biederbeck added that the partnership is already paying dividends. “We have secured initial deals for new ST Engineering iDirect installations and have been working with existing clients to renew service level agreements,” he said. “The latter is especially important to developing a model with customers that will also lead to more managed services and future upgrades to ST Engineering iDirect’s forthcoming generation of solutions. We are thrilled to be partnering with ST Engineering iDirect and working to serve our common customers in exciting new ways ahead.”

— Reporting by Brian Galante, in Boston

The two companies will highlight their partnership along with the MCX8000 at NAB Show 2024, where they will share space in a West Hall hospitality suite (W4772). The event, which takes place from April 14-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, marks USSI Global’s first return to the NAB exhibit floor since 2008.

DETROIT — AI video advertising firm Waymark is entering the 2024 NAB Show, which begins in full Sunday at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with partnerships in hand with broadcast, cable, radio and streaming platforms covering more than 90% of the nation’s DMAs.

It also happens to be rolling out a new self-serve plug-in tool, along with capabilities en español.

Waymark’s automated plug-in is designed as “a turnkey tool” to allow media publishers to integrate the AI video creator into their own platforms. The plugin is the basis of a recent strategic partnership with Sweden-based DanAds, which provides global publishers and media owners with a fully automated, white-labeled self-serve advertising infrastructure.

“Our mission is to democratize access to TV-quality creative,” says Hayden Gilmer, VP of Revenue at Waymark. “With the rise of Connected TV and the industry’s rapid adoption of self-serve advertising platforms, we see a tremendous opportunity. Combining a la carte ad buys with instant video creative is a winning formula.”

Waymark is also introducing Spanish-language capabilities to its AI-powered video platform, enabling users to generate “high-quality commercials with professional voice-over in just five minutes or less.”

The update allows for the creation of full video ads with on-screen Spanish copy and fluent Spanish voice-overs, featuring localized synthetic AI accents. “This update opens potential new revenue opportunities for businesses looking to connect with the growing Spanish-language segment,” Waymark notes.

Waymark enjoys signed deals with The E.W. Scripps Company, FOX TV Stations, Spectrum Reach, Gray Television, Beasley Media Group, and Morgan Murphy Media. It also expanded its global footprint through a significant partnership with Nine, Australia’s leading broadcaster and UK-based publishing company National World plc.

NEW YORK — Consulting, consumer intelligence and activation firm Magid has a new Chief Brand and Communications Officer, and it is an individual who will serve as a member of the group’s executive leadership team, reporting direct to CEO Brent Magid.

Earning the role is John Rood, who has until now led a marketing consultancy advising media companies, agencies and tech start-ups on strategy and business development. Before that, Rood was widely known as SVP/Marketing for Disney Channel, and had been at The Walt Disney Company for some 15 years.

Before that, Rood spent a decade at Warner Bros., serving as EVP/Sales, Marketing and Business Development for its DC Comics unit before jumping to Disney.

“Magid was a powerful partner of mine while I was at Disney/ABC Television, helping us devise winning strategies for a number of our businesses,” said Rood, who will appear often in Magid’s New York and Minneapolis offices but will be based in Los Angeles. “In the years since, I have witnessed the Magid reputation grow even further, in stature, in its product suite and in industries served. If ya know, ya know – brands who partner with Magid today are experiencing the very best combination: legacy credibility and modern innovation. I am thrilled to be joining these great people at this great company.”

Broadcast TV station owner Gray Television has announced when it will release its first quarter 2024 earnings report.

What can holders of “GTN” expect to hear from Pat LaPlatney, Hilton Howell Jr. and the rest of the executive leadership team?

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Three familiar names in the radio broadcast supply industry are merging. MaxxKonnect, Angry Audio and Logitek have combined to form Triple Helix Technologies.

MaxxKonnect, Angry Audio and Logitek become wholly owned subsidiaries under the new company, with the official headquarters listed as Pelham, Ala.

Josh Bohn

Josh Bohn of MaxxKonnect becomes CEO, Mike Dosch of Angry Audio heads product development and Tag Borland of Logitek heads technology. The three are equal co-owners of the company.

“This trio represents some of your favorite brands,” they said in a joint press release, “including MaxxKonnect Wireless to bring reliable connectivity anywhere, StudioHub to make wiring your facilities a snap, MK Technical Services to help you reach your goals in building or remodeling your studios and transmitter sites, Angry Audio with gadgets and gizmos to solve common studio challenges, and Logitek bringing new affordable audio over IP systems to the table.”

Triple Helix will hold a press conference at the NAB Show in Las Vegas about their plans.

The company is positioning itself as a provider of “cost-effective products and services that punch far above their

Mike Dosch

weight, offering major market performance for small market budgets.”

Josh Bohn said in the announcement that the company wants to make technologies like AoIP accessible to more broadcasters.

“For example, Logitek is bringing out new AoIP consoles that offer major-market performance at small-market pricing.” Those include the Jet67 mix engine, MixIt, Helix and the Helix Studio soft surface. 

“Logitek’s Jet67 engine and other products will natively speak AES67, Livewire, Ravenna and (optionally) Dante so no matter what existing standard a facility may be using, or even if they have yet to venture into AoIP, these systems will drop right in.” 

Tag Borland

Josh Bohn founded technical services and connectivity company Bohn Broadcast Services in 1998 and rebranded it as The MaxxKonnect Group in 2021. Previously he held engineering positions with Main Line Broadcasting, Clear Channel, Radio One, Cumulus and Delmarva Broadcasting. It is based in Pelham, Ala.

Michael “Catfish” Dosch started as a console designer with Pacific Research & Engineering and became its VP/COO. He later was founder/president of the Axia Audio division of Telos Alliance, then joined Lawo, where he served as product manager for their radio group. He founded Angry Audio in 2018 and left Lawo in 2019 to run it full time. Angry Audio is in Franklin, Tenn.

Tag Borland co-founded Logitek Electronic Systems in 1979; in addition to leading the company he has continued during that time as its principal equipment designer. It is based in Houston. He oversaw the company’s move to a new manufacturing location in 2021.

The press release announcing Triple Helix was distributed by Shane Toven, who has joined as technical marketing director after recently leaving Educational Media Foundation.

The company’s website will be http://3helix.tech.

[For More News on the NAB Show See Our NAB Show News Page]

The post Three Industry Suppliers Form Triple Helix Technologies appeared first on Radio World.

Radio World is checking in with business and technology leaders about the state of the industry as radio prepares for the NAB Show this weekend.

Ray Miklius is vice president of technology at GatesAir.

Radio World: What is the most important technology issue or trend for radio engineers and facility managers in 2024? 

Ray Miklius: The traditional broadcast engineering model has been shifting for well over a decade. Most young engineers coming into the business possess a strong IT skillset, which is essential to modern broadcast operations. RF expertise is less common, and with the older generation of RF engineers cutting back or approaching retirement there is concern about finding skilled engineers to take care of the RF plant. 

This conversation has been percolating through the industry for more than a decade, but over the past year we are seeing that change unfold at a swifter pace. These changes have inspired us to develop GatesAir Care, an enhanced premium service offering that addresses an increasingly urgent industry need for preventative maintenance and problem resolution inside the RF plant.

RW: In what way(s) will AI-based tools change radio broadcasting workflows most substantially?

Miklius: The first wave of AI innovation in radio appears to be focused on the production and workflow side, with content generation and program scheduling solutions coming to market. We believe there is opportunity to develop AI applications outside of production, such has revenue maximization within traffic and billing operations.

At GatesAir, we see strong possibilities in how AI tools can enhance the monitoring and analysis of RF system performance. We believe that effective AI applications may be quicker to recognize patterns in the data that warn of an upcoming fault that takes the station off the air, or worse leads to an expensive failure.

RW: What news will your company feature at the convention — any new products or services? 

Miklius: We will provide the details of our three GatesAir Care packages at our booth. These are service level agreements that range from basic to premium. We also continue to build on our established Flexiva transmission and Intraplex networking brands. We have added a new 2 kW model to our Flexiva GX FM transmitter line, and our Intraplex IP Link 100n codec will debut in North America following its launch at IBC. The 100n is the third entry in the new generation of IP Link solutions, which includes the IP Link 100c half-codec and 100e module for Flexiva transmitters.

All three codecs feature integrated 10-bit audio processing, which is new to this generation. We are also preparing to announce new Intraplex software for these products that will provide broadcast networks and syndicators with targeted advertising capabilities on a geographical basis.

RW: Are there any other important technology trends that you’d like to comment on? 

Miklius: We are working with ATSC 3.0 technologists on potential alternatives to GPS that we think can make a difference for our customers. There is more futuristic and looking beyond the current trends which, when it comes down to it, are essentially all about AI. As noted above, expect more from GatesAir when it comes to bringing AI into the monitoring and analysis space.

RW: What else will you be watching for at the convention?

Miklius: NAB last year was a true return to form after a tepid return in 2022. We are interested to see how this year’s show compares. If we were to predict this year’s interest by those who have confirmed attendance to our customer event, the signs are very optimistic. NAB offers many great things, but the networking opportunities are among its most powerful benefits. We count on strong attendance from our partners and customers to make the most of it.

GatesAir NAB booth: W2730

[For More News on the NAB Show See Our NAB Show News Page]

The post Miklius: Let’s Protect the Future of Our Industry appeared first on Radio World.

From Northern Virginia through the Garden State and across the Delaware Valley, Verizon FiOs is a major provider of cable television services. As such, it has shared its thoughts with the FCC regarding a plan that would provide rebates to customers in the event local television stations are blocked, by law, from viewing due to the lack of a retransmission consent agreement.

In short, the MVPD says the Commission is overstepping its authority in requiring consumer payouts should a “blackout” transpire.

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From La Crosse and Tomah to Janesville, Whitewater, Reedsburg, Green Bay and the Portage Region, Dave Magnum and his Magnum Media has amassed a collection of commercially licensed radio stations ranging from “La Más Grande” in the Sturgeon Bay Region to a Country FM in the Milwaukee-Racine DMA.

Now, Magnum is adding a noncommercial FM translator in La Crosse.

 

When it comes to learning opportunities that give you clear-as-day insight on the ROI that comes through targeting Hispanic audio content consumers, there’s no better event than the Hispanic Radio Conference, presented by Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink.

Join in the conversation and reserve your seat today by clicking here!

 

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From 2010 to 2022, the nation’s foreign-born population increased by 15.6%.

That’s the topline finding from a new Census Bureau report that could greatly benefit broadcast radio and television station owners, given the long-term opportunities from targeting multicultural consumers — and those who may prefer to consume media in a language other than English.

 

When it comes to learning opportunities that give you clear-as-day insight on the ROI that comes through targeting Hispanic audio content consumers, there’s no better event than the Hispanic Radio Conference, presented by Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink.

Join in the conversation and reserve your seat today by clicking here!

 

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A conversation with Jay Tyler and John Davis of Wheatstone about trends in studio infrastructure planning.

A director of engineering audits his company’s metadata and shares what he found.

Buyer’s Guide looks at audio processing tools.

And six experts discuss radio’s biggest business challenges.

Read it here.

The post Read the April 10, 2024 Issue of Radio World appeared first on Radio World.

The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Inc. non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting has a President-Elect, and she will begin her term on January 1, 2025.

Taking the role from Ruth Presslaff is a woman who most recently served as SVP of Sales Acceleration for Audacy.

That individual is Sheila Kirby, whose previous roles include those of SVP/Talent Development at Tribune Sales Solutions and President of Strategic Sales Development at Interep. Additionally, Kirby served as the CEO and the owner of sales consultancy Morrison and Abraham. Streamline Publishing’s Radio Ink has named her one of the “Most Influential Women in Radio,” highlighting her significant impact and influence.

“Kirby’s dedication to professional development and her commitment to advancing the role of women in radio make her an ideal fit for the MIW organization,” MIW said. “In her role as President-Elect, she will continue to champion the mission of MIW, supporting and empowering women across all facets of the radio industry.”

Kirby commented, “Nothing is more meaningful to me than helping women advance in their careers, especially at a time when women in various industries are finally having a well-deserved surge of recognition.”

Presslaff has served as MIW Board President since 2020 and will serve as Past President. She said, “Working with our extraordinary board to become a 501 (c)(3) and create new mentorships for programming, engineering, on-air and our Speak Up program, as well as multiple state Association partnerships has been immensely rewarding. I know under Sheila’s incredible leadership, MIW will continue to soar and serve.”

The 2024 Mentoring & Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. Board of Directors includes Lindsay Adams, General Sales Manager for Good Karma Brands Chicago; Angie Balderas, Senior Vice President, and Market Manager with Entravision Communications; Becky Brenner, Consulting Partner at Albright & O’Malley & Brenner Consulting; Erica Farber, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Radio Advertising Bureau; Lori Flowers, Manager, Integrated Marketing and Project Management for Radio One; Tricia Gallenbeck, Regional Vice President of Reno & Eugene, OR for Cumulus; Brittney Jackson, Director, Integrated Marketing for Radio One + Reach Media; Haley Jones, Head of Independents for Luminate; Sheila Kirby; Dawn Krause, Vice President of Finance for Midwest Communications, Inc.; Maria Laing-Smith, Senior Vice President of Mr. Master; Jenna Miller, Play by Play Marketing Consultant for Good Karma Brands; Randi P’Pool, CEO of P’Pool Media; Ruth Presslaff, President of Presslaff Interactive; and Leslie Scott, Vice President of Digital Audio Content for Audacy.

The FCC’s proposal to prioritize licensing and application procedures for stations providing a Commission-approved amount of locally originated programming has received a pair of “don’t move forward” suggestions.

And, they happen to come courtesy of the NAB and NPR.

The Commission proposal would reward radio stations that dedicate at least three hours per week to local content, and that has ignited a debate about its potential impact and effectiveness.

The National Association of Broadcasters has voiced strong opposition to the proposal  saying, “The Commission’s prioritization proposal will do nothing to incentivize broadcasters to provide more local journalism or generate other locally originated programming because it fails to grasp the fundamental economic and competitive realities underpinning broadcasters’ programming decisions.”

Emphasizing the unique obligation of broadcasters to offer free services to the public, the NAB contends that the proposal will not effectively incentivize the intended boost in local journalism or programming. Highlighting the challenges of providing local content, including high costs and diminished advertising revenues due to digital media proliferation, the NAB urges the FCC to adopt policies that enhance broadcasters’ ability to compete and invest in local content rather than complicate the application review process.

NPR, while supportive of the FCC’s goal to enhance local journalism, similarly expresses concerns that the proposal offers little to benefit public radio stations. NPR highlights the significant role public radio plays in delivering local content, especially in rural and underserved communities.

“The Commission’s proposal offers little support for public radio stations,” the largest secular audio noncomm operator notes. “Though NPR supports the Commission’s efforts to promote local journalism and other locally originated programming, we urge the Commission to take further actions to encourage local content from public radio licensees.”

NPR suggests the FCC develop more tailored incentives and consider reducing regulatory burdens.

In contrast, the musicFIRST Coalition and Future of Music Coalition stand in support of the FCC’s proposal, seeing it as a step towards fostering local engagement.

Despite recognizing the concerns raised by KLOVE and Air1 Christian music noncomm networks parent Educational Media Foundation about potential penalties for stations not meeting the local programming criteria, musicFIRST views the proposal as a straightforward method to encourage a minimal level of local programming engagement.

The Coalition previously used the NPRM to join FCC Chairwoman Chairwoman Rosenworcel in questioning the efficacy of the removal of the Main Studio Rule.

As the debate unfolds, it is clear that while there is a shared appreciation for the importance of local content, opinions diverge on the best approach to incentivize its production and distribution. The FCC’s proposal has sparked a broader conversation about the role of broadcasting in serving community needs and the regulatory frameworks that can best support this goal.

— Reporting by Cameron Coats in Troy, N.Y.

 

Sinclair Inc. has announced when it will share with analysts, investors and the general public its first quarter 2024 financial results.

What can they expect to hear from the owner of broadcast television stations, tower company Dielectric, ad sales entity Compulse, and MVPD-distributed offering Tennis Channel?

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Cable Operators May Adjust Their Rates

Radio World’s “Guest Commentaries” section provides a platform for industry thought leaders and other readers to share their perspective on radio news, technological trends and more. If you’d like to contribute a commentary, or reply to an already published piece, send a submission to radioworld@futurenet.com.

Dominique Valdez serves on the board of directors of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, and as chair of the NATE Safety & Education Committee. Valdez is also the VP of Operations for Wireless Construction Solutions in San Antonio, Texas. She can be reached via e-mail at dv@dgjpholdings.com.

In the ever-evolving landscape of safety standards, staying abreast of changes is paramount for professionals across various industries, including broadcast and wireless telecommunications.

The recent updates to the ANSI A10.48-2023 Standard, though directly applicable to construction and rigging activities, hold significance for those involved in projects concerning radio and broadcast structures. Let’s delve into the key changes and their implications.

Transition from “Should” to “Shall”

To align with OSHA criteria and enhance regulatory compliance, the language throughout the document shifted from permissive “should” to more restrictive “shall.” This change signifies a tightening of regulations, emphasizing mandatory adherence to safety protocols. Making this key change now allows OSHA to incorporate by reference portions of the A10.48-2023 standard.  

Name Change from Rigging Plan to Construction Plan

Recognizing the need for precision in terminology, the standard underwent a significant name change. What was formerly known as a “Rigging Plan” has been rebranded as a “Construction Plan.” This shift underscores the comprehensive nature of the plans encompassing all construction activities beyond just lifting operations.

Updated Language and Definitions

The 2023 version saw updates and reconciliations with existing A10 chapters and other relevant standards in the telecom industry. One notable change was the change to the term for a JHA from “Job Hazard Assessment” to “Job Hazard Analysis” to fall in line with the terminology OSHA uses. Redundant content was replaced with a reference directly to existing standards.  

Consolidation of Rigging Plans and New Documentation Mandate

Class 1 rigging plans were merged into Class 2 plans, doing away with the only class of plan without a documentation requirement. Now, all construction plans must be documented and reviewed with all relevant stakeholders.

Introduction of New Exceptions and Operational Requirements

The update introduced a lightweight hoisting exception for light loads attached to an appurtenance with a redundant connection back to the main structure. The gin pole and structural sections were revamped to focus on operational requirements and safety considerations.

Addition of Electrical Safety Section

Recognizing the inherent risks associated with electrical hazards, a new section was added to address electrical safety, directing users to existing information in the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In conclusion, while the updates to the ANSI A10.48-2023 standard primarily target construction and rigging activities, their implications extend to projects involving radio and broadcast structures. By fostering a culture of safety and standardization, these changes aim to mitigate risks, enhance regulatory compliance and ultimately contribute to safer work environments across industries. To purchase a copy of the updated standard, click here. 

[Read More Guest Commentaries Here]

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NEW YORK — CBS News 24/7 is the new name for CBS News’ national stream, which is expanding its live coverage starting April 22. It’s part of an effort designed to  “capitalize on CBS’ leadership in the digital news landscape, whose 14 local streaming channels are collectively No. 1 in streaming minutes versus in-market competition.”

That’s a claim CBS News bases on data derived from the Comscore Video Metrix Multiplatform, looking specifically at Total Digital Audience, Total Video Content and Ads, 2023, U.S., when custom-defined to include CBS, NBC, FOX and ABC owned stations and affiliates in CBS Stations’ 14 owned markets.

New programming and twice the amount of live hours are at the heart of the rebrand and content expansion, says Wendy McMahon, President/CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures and one of RBR+TVBR’s 2024 Broadcast Television’s Best Leaders.

With the rebrand to “CBS News 24/7” comes an eponymous live newscast offering world news across an hour, starting in June.

There are other changes, too. CBS News Chief Political Analyst and Senior National Correspondent John Dickerson will see his “Primetime with John Dickerson” morph into “The Daily Report with John Dickerson” and shift to the 6pm Eastern hour each Monday through Thursday. An expansion to a 90-minute show will come later this spring, CBS News says.

On April 22, the “America Decides” politically focused news and commentary program expands to an hour, and takes the 5pm Eastern slot.

Also later this spring, for late-night audiences and West Coast viewers, is a visual interpretation of CBS News Radio’s long-running World News Roundup. This version will air at 10pm Pacific.

Meanwhile, at 7pm Pacific The CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell will stream each weeknight.

Lastly, a summer 2024 rollout for a program identifying and reporting on misinformation produced by the newly created CBS News Confirmed team is in the works.