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Action Continues Commission's Efforts to Modernize Its Media Rules

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Commission adopts NPRM seeking comment on whether to update the methodology for determining whether a television broadcast station is "significantly viewed" in a community outside of its local market

Wyoming Public Media is among the radio organizations building new pathways and processes for broadcasting from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paul Montoya is director of engineering for WPM, which is part of the University of Wyoming and located in Laramie. It operates 45 transmission facilities; WPR channels covers 90% of the state.

Radio World: I’m told you’ve been doing some live shifts from home yourself. What technologies and products are you using and how do the pieces plug together?

Fig. 1: Control Room Zetta screen via secure VPN

Paul Montoya: This is something we have been working on for the last year, primarily for remote broadcasts. The goal has been to control the equipment back at the studio as if you were sitting in front of it. In the past, the most we could do is have someone bring up the remote location on the control room console, then fire “next event” closures when needed to play underwriters announcements, promos or other elements.

So to do this properly you really needed two screens at the remote location — one to remotely control the mixing console at the studio and the other to fully control the automation system. We use a Telos Axia Element console at the studio. For automation we use the RCS Zetta system. At our studios we use the Raritan Dominion KX III KVM to control workstations in all of our studios. This is an IP-based system so devices can be accessed via web browser.

So, to put everything together we first access the Control Room Zetta screen via secure VPN remotely on one screen. We now have a full-function version of the same screen an operator would be using in the studio (Fig. 1). Now we need some way to control the levels, inputs and channel on-off functions of the console.

Fig. 2: Telos SoftSurface

Telos Axia makes a piece of software called SoftSurface that accesses remote control of any LiveWire-based Fusion or Element console in a graphical format (Fig. 2). With this software on my second screen I can now control any function on the studio console from a computer on the LiveWire VLAN. Because I don’t want to extend my AoIP VLAN out of the studio, I run SoftSurface on another computer connected to the LiveWire VLAN. I can then access this computer through the secure VPN tunnel (or TeamViewer or GoToAssist).

Fig. 3: Comrex BRIC

The final element is a Comrex BRIC for getting my audio back to the studio console (Fig. 3). Now any audio at my remote location can be put on the air. In the case of the studio in my home this gives me access to a CD player and turntable. Now I can pretty well do anything that I could as if I was standing in the studio.

We always been prepared to use a setup like this for a campus emergency such as an “active shooter” situation. Never did we think it could also be used for a worldwide pandemic.

RW: What has the impact of the crisis been on air talent and other staff?

Montoya: We have four audio channels that we deliver. WPR Main (NPR, News and Information), Classical Wyoming, Wyoming Sounds (AAA Music) and Jazz Wyoming. Classical and Jazz have been no problem as they are satellite-delivered formats. Wyoming Sounds has gone 90% voice track with announcers being able to voice-track easily through the Zetta2Go interface that can be accessed through secure VPN. We have been able to do remote programming for live segments through the process I explained earlier.

The WPR Main Channel has been our biggest challenge because of the varied and ever-changing elements of the format, including White House press conferences that come at a variety of times and almost never seem to start on time. Between accessing the Zetta automation system remotely through our secure VPN and changing Axia Livewire audio routing remotely, we have been able to keep up with most functions remotely and safely. “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” in the afternoons are still being hosted live, however we have made plans to host these shows remotely and still have a live feel to the programs.

[Related: COVID-19: WAMU’s Game Plan]

Fortunately these two programs have fixed clocks and timed breaks so filling these elements remotely isn’t too terribly difficult. The host can record their local newscasts, weather and other timed show elements remotely. These can then be uploaded via secure VPN to an mapped ingest folder for our automation system. Then working in cooperation with our programming and traffic people these can be placed remotely into the proper location in the log. We have not had to try this yet, but it should work.

Reporters have been producing their stories remotely then dropping their stories into “Shared Audio” folders at the studio via secure VPN. Staff meetings are being conducted weekly using Zoom. We do “audio only” Zoom sessions as some people call in by phone. We haven’t found video to be necessary.  So far this has worked quite well.

RW: What is the strategy of the WPM technology team to react to the coronavirus, as far as its overall operational and technical processes are concerned? 

Montoya: We had a pretty good idea that COVID-19 virus could affect our operation about late February. We had received a copy of a plan put together by Northern California Public Radio that seemed to be similar to the plan we knew we would need. Working with our General Manager Christina Kuzmych, our program director and our news director, I was able to put together a plan that should hopefully get us through this crisis.

The plan consisted of three stages. Essentially Stage 1 was a readiness stage that took preventive measures to keep areas clean. Stage 2 included non-essential people working from home. The only people in studio would be live on-air personnel. Stage 3 would include all personnel working from home.

RW: How “virtual” can your operation get, and how?

Montoya: The plan is that by Stage 3 we would be 100% virtual with little knowledge by the general public that we were operating any less effectively. We have taken the attitude that we are an essential lifeline of information to the Wyoming public during a time of crisis. So far we have not had to operate at a Stage 3 level but I feel that we could.

RW: Any other specific technical obstacles have you encountered?

Montoya: Much of what we are doing, absolutely could not be done just a few years ago. A secure VPN was important. Access to our office VLAN for sharing and exchanging information was very important. Total remote control and access to our automation system was also important. The icing on the cake was remote control of the main mixing console. Access to these systems was very important, but we needed to accomplish this in a secure fashion.

RW: What lessons can other engineers and technical managers learn from what you’ve been doing?

Montoya: Preparing for any crisis is important to station operations. I’ve heard it said by other broadcast engineers that by simply looking around your plant (including transmitter sites) and just trying to imagine what can be done to stay on the air in a variety of emergencies is the first place to start. Just by stepping back and asking yourself, “If my studio was swallowed up by an earthquake, is there any way to stay on the air?”

Sharing your ideas with other station department leaders and general manager to make sure everyone is on board with any emergency is the final element in being prepared for any emergency. You also have to realize that it is almost impossible to plan for every situation and you may just have to “MacGyver” things in some situations.  They used to call this a “can do” attitude. Most engineers are quite skilled at this.

RW: Do you think these infrastructure changes will be permanent in any way?

Montoya: I would say that almost everything done during this crisis will stay in place. There is always another crisis looming on the horizon. We may collect up all the extra laptops we have distributed to staff members, but we will hang onto them to keep ready.

We’re looking to tell your story about solving radio technical challenges during the coronavirus crisis. Email us with your story idea at radioworld@futurenet.com.

The post In Wyoming, a Game Plan for COVID-19 appeared first on Radio World.

Digital audio workstation software developer Tracktion Software has launched Waveform Free, a new version of its professional flagship DAW that is free to all music creators.

The new DAW is released with no restrictions, offering unlimited track count, the ability to add as many plug-ins as the user wants, and a sizable feature set. The new DAW is suitable for all three major desktop operation systems; Windows, OSX and Linux as well as the Raspberry Pi.

[Check Out More Products at Radio World’s Products Section]

It is compatible with current-day expressive instruments and also supports MPE. Waveform Free includes many of Tracktion’s recent offerings and features, such as the MIDI Pattern Generator to create synchronized melodies, chord progressions, bass lines and more, the 40SC Virtual Synthesizer and Micro Drum Sampler.

The DAW is supported with a dozens of tutorial videos as well numerous templates such as EDM production; band recording and mixing; location recording for churches, schools and others; and more.

Info: www.tracktion.com

 

The post Waveform Free DAW Debuts From Tracktion appeared first on Radio World.

Radial Engineering has introduced a new device, the USB-Mobile, a digital interface and direct box for mobile devices.

Usable with typical consumer mobile devices, including smartphones, tablets, and other media players, the Mobile-USB digital interface and direct box allows users to connect a device directly using a USB cable. The result is that users can provide high-quality playback, sending two channels of balanced analog outputs over XLR connectors to feed a PA system or a set of powered speakers.

[Check Out More Products at Radio World’s Products Section]

The unit provides a USB-A input connector and stereo XLR outputs, as well as a level control to operate the DI in mic or line level. It also auto connects to most mobile devices.

The USB-Mobile is iOS compatible, and has the added benefit of charging the devices while they are used for audio playback. The unit is priced at $299.

Info: www.radialeng.com

 

The post Radial Debuts USB-Mobile Interface/DI appeared first on Radio World.

The business of managing radio facilities is more important than ever, while technology introductions roll on, even without a physical NAB Show. In this issue we bring you stories about trends that would normally have been discussed at the show, but with readers at home in mind — even including exhibitor listings so you can learn about their new product introductions. Also: Mark Lapidus explores the crucial role of apps for radio; Roger Lanctot comments about radio’s tenuous hold on the dashboard; and of course, there’s the coronavirus.

Read it online here.

Prefer to do your reading offline? No problem! Simply click on the Issuu link, go to the left corner and choose the download button to get a PDF version.

RADIO FUTURE
NAB Radio Technologists Look Ahead

We asked correspondent Davide Moro to report on David Layer’s presentation at the Digital Radio Summit 2020 in Geneva, which doubles as a kind of state-of-the-industry technical report for U.S. radio.

NAB SHOW 2021
Massive LVCC Expansion Is Underway

If we had gone to Vegas in April, we’d all be ogling dramatic changes at the convention center. Here’s what we can expect when we finally go back.

HISTORY SPECIAL:

• Broadcasters Get Behind All-Digital AM Option
• Health Crisis Challenges All of Radio
• Exploring the Inovonics 674 Monitor Receiver

The post Inside the March 31st Issue of Radio World appeared first on Radio World.

Podcast Radio is the United Kingdom’s first radio station devoted exclusively to podcasts. Launched in London, it broadcasts on DAB+ digital radio, showcasing podcast content from around the world. In this issue, we look at the station’s strategy and studios. In addition, we share tips to help you transition to AoIP; provide information on a new DRM shortwave service for Siberia; reveal the latest advances in transmitter technology, and more. Read the April issue of Radio World International here!

Prefer to do your reading offline? No problem! Simply click on the Issuu link, go to the left corner and choose the download button to get a PDF version.

DIGITAL SHORTWAVE

Russia Returns to DRM on Shortwave

Radio Purga targets Chukotka, the country’s northeasternmost region

EBU DRS 2020

Radio Is More Than Linear

EBU’s annual meeting highlighted radio’s future with a feature-rich menu of podcasts, multiplatform content

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

• How to Transition to AoIP in Five Steps
• Buyer’s Guide: Transmitters
• Barix and Digigram Asia Announce Partnership for APAC

The post Inside the April issue of Radio World International appeared first on Radio World.

The FCC has no plans to postpone its planned auction of C-Band spectrum.

That is according to senior FCC officials speaking on background Monday (March 30) about the impact of COVID-19 on FCC processes and actions.

The C-Band is the midband spectrum currently used by satellite operators to deliver network programming to broadcasters and cable operators.

[Read: C-Band Plan Aims to Limit Broadcast Disruption]

The officials said there was still plenty of “bandwidth and time,” even given the move of the 3.5 GHz (CBRS) auction. They said it was still important to transition the C-Band to 5G use, but that, of course, if there was a compelling reason to adjust that timeline they that is still on the table.

Currently, the FCC plans to auction 280 MHz of the spectrum for advanced wireless beginning in December.

It announced earlier that it had postponed the auction of those CBRS spectrum licenses, but that had been scheduled for June, and it has only been pushed back a month.

The officials said there were no plans for blanket extensions of waivers or comment deadlines due to the coronavirus, but that the FCC would continue to respond flexibly to individual requests for more time on a case-by-case basis.

 

The post FCC: C-Band Auction Still “Go” for December appeared first on Radio World.

Paul Kaminski is a frequent Radio World contributor and president of SBE Chapter One in New York. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Society of Broadcast Engineers has asked chapters to meet virtually, and Chapter One hosted a teleconference meeting on Tuesday. Radio World reached out to Kaminski to learn more.

Radio World: SBE Chapter One just conducted its first virtual meeting at the request of the SBE national office. Overall, how did it go?

Paul Kaminski: Our chapter was able to connect members across our geographic area (Southern Tier of New York). SBE board member and past-President Vinny Lopez joined us on the teleconference. I would rate it a nine out of a possible 10.

RW: Describe the logistics for those who might not be familiar. What platform did you use to host the event? How did you notify members?

Kaminski: Our chapter vice chair, Jim Pratt, arranged for a call-in number with Zoom teleconferencing. We set a time, called in and gave our member and certification numbers for the meeting roster that is transmitted to the national SBE office. An email was sent to our members in good standing; Jim posted the reminder on our Chapter One Facebook page.

RW: How was attendance compared to normal monthly meetings? Were there any changes in your agenda or structure due to the virtual nature of the event?

Kaminski: Chapter One is a small chapter; attendance was on par with most in-person meetings. Because people joined the conference at different times, Robert’s Rules of Order were somewhat modified to fit the situation.

RW: Were there any challenges, anticipated or unexpected, technical or otherwise?

Kaminski: Other than the joining at different times, no technical glitches were noted. Zoom also has the ability to record the meeting; I received a copy from Jim in my Dropbox.

RW: What feedback have you received from others in Chapter One?

Kaminski: The attendees seemed to be pleased with the result; I hope the next meeting will attract more of our members.

RW: What advice do you have for other chapters who will be doing the same soon?

Kaminski: Know that the Zoom teleconference number is not a toll free number. Get the call-in conference number and meeting code to the members quickly. Do the due diligence with Zoom before making the arrangements. Have a mechanism to share the meeting with those who could not/ didn’t attend.

Just like in-person meetings, teleconferences need to be relevant and interesting to the membership. As an example, I would reach out to the SBE board member who is responsible for the chapter and ask them to join the teleconference, if possible.

There is nothing that would stop chapter leadership/program chairs from requesting subject matter experts on relevant topics (AoIP, remote origination, transmitter care and feeding, audio/video best practices, etc.) to join, if those experts
were given enough notice.

RW: Anything else RW readers should know?

Kaminski: I realize many of our SBE members (me included) are in the age cohort that could easily be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. We should be following the CDC guidance, and use good common sense, as we work to keep broadcast and multimedia facilities operational.

The post SBE Chapter One “Zooms” to Successful First Virtual Meeting appeared first on Radio World.

That podcasting is on the rise should come as a surprise to no one. But the Jacobs Media Tech Survey 2020 gives this trend some granularity. According to their research, more than one in four now listen to podcasts weekly, or more often.

That number is led by millennials with 43%, followed by Gen Z at 37% and Gen X with 28%. Overall, this group has grown steadily from 20% with TS2016 to 26% with TS2020.

The research goes on to say that this number is led by listeners to alternative and sports radio formats, with 41 and 38% respectively.

Listening to podcasts can be habit forming, even addicting, according to Jacobs research. They say that among those who to claim they listen to podcasts and on-demand audio more over the last year, millennials are in the lead with 48%, followed by Gen Z, 43% and Gen X with 42%.

The platform of choice for listening to podcasts is clearly smartphones, in the lead with 80% of respondents, according to Jacobs research. Trailing way behind, computers get 35%, in-car audio systems at 27%, tablets with 22% and smart speakers trail with 11%.

Despite all of these upwards trends, the research says there is still a whopping 44% who never listen to podcasts. Why is that? Jacobs research found several reasons. Among AM/FM radio listeners, the research says that 53% just aren’t interested. Thirty-two percent are more specific and say, “I’m not interested in listening to talk programs.” Nineteen percent don’t have time and 18% say that they just don’t know how to do it.

[Read: AM/FM Holds Fast in a Volatile Media Landscape]

Technical issues seemed to be the reason the research found for the 16% who said they didn’t know how to find podcasts, the 9% who said there’s not a podcast app on their phone and the remaining 7% who claimed it was a hassle. Perhaps the most surprising response the research uncovered is the 8% who said, “I don’t know what a podcast is.”

 

The post TechSurvey 2020 Looks at Podcast Growth appeared first on Radio World.

The author is vice president of engineering for Spanish Broadcasting System.

MIAMI — As one of the largest Hispanic-controlled station groups in the U.S., the Spanish Broadcasting System Inc. operates 18 Spanish-language radio stations in top U.S. Hispanic markets including Miami, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Puerto Rico, along with the AIRE Radio Network, several TV stations and two internet portals. 

In the Miami area, we operate three FM stations — WCMQ(FM)/Zeta 92.3, airing salsa, WRMA(FM)/Ritmo 95.7, airing Cubatón/Reggaeton and WXDJ(FM)/El Zol 106.7, airing Bachata and tropical music — making it a particularly hot radio market for us. 

Last fall, we moved our transmitter facilities to the top of the Panorama Tower, a new 85-story skyscraper in Miami’s trendy Brickell district. Compared to our previous Miami high-rise site, this exceptionally high perch — the tallest south of New York — is especially advantageous for over-the-air coverage.

By December 2019, we completed the construction of our new transmitter building atop the Panorama Tower, which now houses three new GatesAir Flexiva FAX-20 kW solid-state transmitters, one for each of our Miami stations. Two of these units serve as main FM radio transmitters for WCMQ and WRMA, while the third serves as a backup for WXDJ. We procured the transmitters and additional gear through SCMS, which provided outstanding customer support and service through the entire process. SMCS also brought in the experts from Klein White Engineering of Phoenix for installation services.

After evaluating the top FM radio transmitters on the market, we chose the 20 kW GatesAir Flexiva FAX20 solid-state air-cooled transmitters, primarily because their inherent PowerSmart Plus architecture enables greater energy efficiency. Over time, we expect that this energy efficient design will result in substantial energy savings that will contribute to a solid return on investment. 

Since the rooftop transmitter building is only 26 by 15 feet, choosing transmitters that would pack all the features and functionality we needed into a compact size and footprint was paramount. In fact, we chose the air-cooled Flexiva FAX model because liquid cooling was not practical given that the site does not have sufficient space to accommodate the necessary plumbing.  

With the Flexiva’s low-maintenance design, we also find it easy to perform routine maintenance on the transmitters just by opening the front panel of their cabinets. Inside the transmitter, we can replace key components, such as power supplies and amplifiers, without having to interrupt the air signal because these modules are hot-swappable. 

EXCITERS

Our GatesAir package includes Flexiva software-defined exciters, which promote the reliability and stability that 24/7 operations require. With their inherent SNMP connectivity, this Flexiva transmitter model can be closely monitored from a remote location by our technicians. In fact, the system triggers alarms and notifications whenever immediate attention is required. 

While WXDJ is already airing in HD Radio on its main transmitter, located at another site, we plan to enable HD Radio on its back-up transmitter in the near future. The other two stations, WCMQ and WRMA, will soon offer HD Radio for the first time. To facilitate this, our new GatesAir equipment package includes the Flexiva FMXi 4g HD Radio platform, which comprises companion HD Radio Importer and HD Radio Exporter software. 

Our HD Radio programming originates from our broadcast studios in Miami’s Medley district, and the signals are transported to the transmitter site nine miles away via GatesAir Intraplex IP Link 200 codecs. These IP STL codecs use our two high-performance WAN services — AT&T and Atlantic Broadband — simultaneously, which permits signal failover to a redundant path whenever necessary. That is made possible by GatesAir’s Intraplex Dynamic Stream Splicing software built into the codecs.

Once transported to the Panorama site, the program signals first pass through an Orban audio processor, which feeds them to the GatesAir HD Radio Importer/Exporter software that is downstream. At the transmitter site, our stations share a Shively broadband panel antenna. With its two-input antenna panel design, this Shively antenna can broadcast RF signals according to two different profiles, such as omnidirectional and unidirectional, simultaneously.

COMBINATION

In order for our three separate stations to share the same antenna, their respective Flexiva transmitter outputs must be delivered to the antenna via a complex workflow that performs high-level combining and bandpass filtering. WCMQ and WXDJ combine into a single RF signal that is broadcast in an omnidirectional pattern radiating from the Miami metro and Boca Raton south to Key Largo. WRMA’s signal, which combines with the other two after passing through a bandpass filter, is broadcast from the antenna’s hybrid side in a single direction, north towards Broward County. 

With the Flexiva’s compact, energy-efficient design, GatesAir enabled us to transition from our older, tube-based transmitters to this next-generation solid-state technology. And coupled with the other GatesAir RF products we’ve installed, this solution saves valuable space, streamlines routine maintenance, supports our HD Radio roadmap, and boosts overall signal quality and reliability.

For information, contact Keith Adams at GatesAir in Ohio at 1-513-459-3447 or visit www.gatesair.com.

The post User Report: SBS FM Stations See Efficiency With GatesAir appeared first on Radio World.

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Orban describes its XPN-AM/HD is its state-of-the-art AM/MW/SW processor.

The company says that it uses the latest generation MX limiter and provides unparalleled processing capability.

The processor is software-driven and controlled. One instance of XPN-AM software realizes a stereo AM and stereo HD Radio/netcast audio processor.

[Check Out More Products at Radio World’s Products Section]

Each processor consists of the following cascaded processing elements: input DC removal, stereo synthesizer, mono bass, left/right phase skew corrector, stereo enhancer, two-band defeatable AGC with window gating, ratings loop-through, equalizer/high-frequency enhancer, subharmonic synthesizer, multiband compressor, peak limiter, automatic loudness controller (HD only), transmitter equalizer (AM only) output.

The AM and HD processors split after the ratings loop through. An input/output delay allows for correlating processing delays. Processing handles 44.1, 48, 96, or 192 kHz sample rates.

Orban had planned to demo XPN-AM/HD with a Nautel NX-5 transmitter running MDCL (Modulation Dependent Carrier Level) with AMC of 6 dB at the NAB Show. In recent field tests with Nautel and TownSquare Media, Orban demonstrated that through aggressive processing with the XPN-AM, they were able to significantly reduce the transmitter’s power without impacting fringe coverage and without adding significant distortion to the signal. In one test, the NX5’s power consumption was reduced by more than 50%.

Info: www.orban.com

 

The post Orban Offers AM Processor appeared first on Radio World.