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It’s business focus is the same. But, the technology infrastructure company founded in May 2019 as Public Media Group has rebranded.

PMG is now Signal Infrastructure Group (SIG) while it recommits to delivering ATSC 3.0-focused products to public and commercial broadcasters.

“As a company, we serve the entire broadcast industry,” said SIG CEO Joe Chinnici, who believes the company’s old name limited its potential consumer reach. “We feel it is important that our name reflects our mission to serve both commercial and public
broadcasters with our physical and digital infrastructure.”

Having recently launched a new software platform, SIG’s products now include those designed to improve facilitating market transitions; designing, building and operating Single Frequency Networks to enhance signal density; workflow orchestration software to manage and configure the flow of information; and products designed to allow broadcasters to launch new interactive, NextGen applications.

Users of the FreeWheel Strata ad management platform now have access to a single source of insights, giving them greater knowledge of how to budget for a cross-media campaign from the Comcast Company-owned system.

Introducing the Strata platform Data Warehouse, which Comcast says is interoperable with agencies’ existing business intelligence solutions.

“Advertisers have historically faced several challenges when accessing and analyzing insights into their advertising campaigns,” Comcast says. “They often pull insights from multiple locations and platforms, which provide a fragmented look at their media performance. The process of multiple data interfaces can also be cumbersome and time consuming even for the most seasoned data analysts.”

Strata Data Warehouse users are promised a simple, consolidated multimarket cross-media report, something FreeWheel Chief Revenue Officer Mark McKee says is a “must” in today’s ad environment.

“This is valuable time that can be used to put these new insights to work to power the planning, execution, and optimization of their media campaigns,” he says.

Data Warehouse will be available to all Strata users in April and is currently being used in beta phase by five Strata agencies, including Harmelin.

Cooper-Smith, a full-service media agency headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, has also been using Data Warehouse to access and analyze campaign data.

Later this quarter, FreeWheel will be launching the next phase of Data Warehouse that will include deeper analytic tools. These capabilities, says Comcast, will provide “extensive functionality to all agency users – from buying and planning to finance teams. The tool will provide visual reporting options, drag and drop functionality and customization based on users’ needs.”

German converter manufacturer Ferrofish has added the new +24dBu I/O model to its Pulse16 Series of AD/DA converters. The new modification increases the maximum input and output level from +20dBu to +24dBu, an important upgrade for American broadcasters requiring proper headroom.

“One of the core components at Ferrofish is providing end-users with cost-effective, high-performing converting solutions,” said Derek Badala, Director of Sales for the Americas for Synthax, the regiona distributor of Ferrofish products. “This new modification is no different, offering US broadcasters with the tool they need to help them get the best possible audio experience.”

With the new Pulse16 +24dBu I/O modification, maximum input and output levels are increased from +20dBu to +24dBu (in steps of 1 dB), complying with the American SMPTE guidelines which call for +24dBu levels for the analog portion to keep all analog and digital levels uniform.

The Pulse16 is a high-density converter providing 16 x 16 balanced analog TRS I/O. Thanks to its Cirrus Logic converter chips, the Pulse16 operates with an active digital jitter elimination, which compensates shifts or jitters in the audio signal and provides audio engineers with the highest-quality audio possible. The Pulse16 family now includes the Pulse16 DX, Pulse16 MX and the original Pulse16. The new +24dBu I/O model is available for all Pulse16 versions.

In addition to the new Pulse16 +24dBu I/O model, Ferrofish also recently announced a new Pulse16 CV Out, perfect for users working with modular synths using CV/Gate technology.

For more information, visit ferrofish.com.

In American broadcasting SMPTE guidelines call for +24dBu (decibel) levels for the analog portions of audio in order to keep all analog and digital levels uniform. This new Ferrofish Pulse16 model’s input and output levels are increased from +20dBu level (what the old version was) to the new +24dBu level to comply with SMPTE’s guidelines.

The Video Division has before it a petition for rulemaking filed November 27, 2020 (Petition) by Gray Television Licensee, LLC (Petitioner), the licensee of KFVS-TV (CBS), channel 11 (KFVS or Station), Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Petitioner requests the substitution of channel 32 for channel 11 at Cape Girardeau, Missouri in the DTV Table of Allotments. In support of its channel substitution request, the Petitioner states that the Commission has recognized that VHF channels have certain propagation characteristics which may cause reception issues for some viewers, and also that the ``reception of VHF signals require larger antennas . . . relative to UHF channels.'' According to the Petitioner, ``many of its viewers experience significant difficulty receiving KFVS-TV's signal'' and its channel substitution proposal will allow KFVS ``to deliver a more reliable over-the-air signal to viewers.'' The Petitioner further states that operation on channel 32 will not result in any predicted loss of service and would result in a substantial increase in signal receivability for KFVS viewers. We believe that the Petitioner's channel substitution proposal warrants consideration. Channel 32 can be substituted for channel 11 at Cape Girardeau, Missouri as proposed, in compliance with the principal community coverage requirements of the Commission's rules at coordinates 37-27-46.0 N and 89-30-14.0 W. In addition, we find that this channel change meets the technical requirements set forth in our regulations. We believe that the Petitioner's channel substitution proposal warrants consideration. Channel 32 can be substituted for channel 11 at Cape Girardeau, Missouri as proposed, in compliance with the principal community coverage requirements of the Commission's rules at coordinates 37-27- 46.0 N and 89-30-14.0 W. In addition, we find that this channel change meets the technical requirements set forth in our regulations.

Widelity describes itself as a “provider of business and network engineering consulting services for broadcasting and telecom service operators.”

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

It is pointing out a need that many broadcasters are encountering in the COVID pandemic — lack of staffing for fulfilling online public information file (OPIF) maintenance requirements. It is offering itself as a third-party contractor for such services.

The consultancy offers many FCC-related services for broadcasters such as license renewal assistance, compliance audits, EEO compliance monitoring and more.

Widelity’s Mike Lasky and Jim Glogowski specialize in helping stations maintain and keep current on filings.

Info: https://widelity.com/

 

The post Widelity Targets Public File Compliance appeared first on Radio World.

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Issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture in the amount of $3,500 to Lighthouse Ministries of Northwest Ohio failure to timely file a license renewal application and unauthorized operation of Station WKJH-LP, Bryan, Ohio

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Media Bureau Grants Requests of Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, and ESPN for Audio Description Exemption and Issues Related Public Notice

Radio and television broadcasting companies publicly trading on U.S. financial markets mostly enjoyed a strong start to the new week.

Monday’s trading saw gains of significance for Salem Media Group, Sinclair Broadcast Group, ViacomCBS, Disney and Cumulus Media.

That said, Veritone Inc. suffered another dip of significance, falling $4.29 to $28.92 to continue a retreat from a recent growth trend for the audio attribution technology company actively seeking TV and radio clients.

 

The FCC has issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture to the licensee of a low-powered FM radio station in Bryan, Ohio, for the apparent willful violation of section 73.3539 of the Rules, resulting in the willful and repeated violation of section 301 of the Communications Act — the broadcasters’ regulatory Bible.

What, exactly, went wrong? This LPFM’s license renewal application was sent in too late.

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Radioplayer said its metadata will be used starting next year in new BMW cars in Europe.

“The partnership will see BMW Group using official broadcaster metadata from Radioplayer’s Worldwide Radioplayer API (WRAPI) to help create a brilliant radio interface,” the nonprofit group said in its announcement.

Radioplayer has an existing partnership with Audi/VW Group.

“BMW Group and Radioplayer will be delivering the best possible radio experience in the car, by keeping broadcast radio at its heart, enhanced by complementary metadata delivered over the internet. This guarantees a rich digital experience in BMW Group cars, while also being easy to use, with radio station search via an A-Z list, and high-resolution station logos on the screen.”

The announcement was made by Radioplayer Managing Director Michael Hill.

He said, “Together we will be delivering the next-generation smart radio interfaces that listeners expect. The agreement with BMW Group is based on our unique Radioplayer model, collaborating through us with our thousands of international member stations to keep radio strong.”

Related:

“Radioplayer Expands in Europe”

“Radioplayer Demos Three-Way Hybrid App”

The post Radioplayer, BMW Working Together appeared first on Radio World.

On Thursday (3/4), RBR+TVBR was first to share just how Salem Media Group successfully turned its financial fortunes from shaky to sturdy. Digital and publishing revenue growth fueled the impressive Q4, which sparked investor interest.

Now, an influential Wall Street blog declares that the company focused on Conservative Talk radio programming and Christian-themed content “is possibly approaching a major achievement in its business.”

That would be a profit.

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It’s been said that less fluctuation means more continual participation, breeding a group of believers — rather than experimenters.

That seems to be scenario shaping up at spot radio, the latest Media Monitors Spot Ten Radio report suggests.

With Indeed in the lead among fully paid advertising campaigns, by play count, Progressive, Babbel, GEICO, ZipRecruiter and Allstate have established strong commitments to audio advertising via AM and FM radio.

That said, the auto insurance category remains one of the most consistent, while there’s more fluctuation in other categories for Radio as the end of the first quarter of 2021 reports.

Here’s the latest Spot Ten Radio report, in full:

Yes, GEICO and Liberty Mutual Insurance are ahead of Progressive for yet another week, showing the continued dominance of auto insurance specialists in the Spot Ten TV report from Media Monitors.

That said, new activity is seen from a health and beauty aide brand, and from a furniture retailer.

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“SuperFrank” Copsidas has made a name for himself in New York State, in the Deep South, in the Hoosier State, and across New England for his investment in low-power television operations.

Now, the producer of the TV series “Pop Up Psychic,” “Just Eat It” and “Ghost Rapper” is adding another television station to his roster of LPTV facilities.

Copsidas’ MOTV LLC, referencing the state of Missouri, is agreeing to acquire KEFN-CD in St. Louis.

KEFN is a Class A station serving the Gateway City on Channel 20. As of 2019, it was using an ERI Model AL8N-20-PLC circularly polarized AL PLUS Series UHF television antenna with a narrow cardioid azimuth pattern.

Until now, KEFN had been an EWTN member station, licensed to Eternal Family Network. On March 18, 2020, KEFN went silent under an STA; its agreement to use its licensed transmitter site was “terminated.”

Now, it is poised to return to life, but with a different ownership arrangement.

Eternal Family Network wishes to continue its mission of the sharing of the Catholic Faith and “traditional values” through multimedia but is unable to do so without “the benefits obtained through entering into this agreement.”

That agreement will see EFN team with kNow Media in forming a new limited liability company, “MOTV, LLC.” Copsidas will oversee it, while MOTV will be a partnership majority owned by EFN (taking 55% equity interest).

kNow and EFN will then divide all income received with respect to the operation of the station 60/40, after expenses. Such revenues and expenses are subject to audit at the sole expense of the party requesting it.

What if KEFN is sold, or is permitted or required to participate in a reverse auction at the FCC? EFN will get $650,000. Then, kNow and Eternal will split the remainder of any proceeds 60%/40%.

For EFN, EWTN will return, with ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 broadcasts contractually guaranteed by Copsidas. The benefit for him? Digital multicast access, and the pending NEXTGEN TV data capability, which presents broadcast TV with a new revenue-generation opportunity.

All is contingent, however, on getting KEFN-CD 20 back on the air by March 18. If that doesn’t happen, the deal is off — and the station’s license is deleted and cancelled by the FCC.

The Chairman of CBS Sports has been selected to deliver the opening keynote at the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE)’s virtual conference devoted to “The Business of Live Sports,” a new event set to take place later this month.

The new event will be held across three hours of March 23.

To register, go to https://www.natpe.com/sports/attend/

 

Topics slated to be covered include the promotion of live sports, the distribution of live sports to streaming fans, the changing playing field of sport sponsorship, the power of pay per view, as well as the rise of sports gambling, international fandom, local broadcasters, and sports.

While Sean McManus of CBS Sports gets top billing, he’ll be participating in a virtual event that also includes appearances by Wyatt Hicks, the Managing Director of Digital Media at NASCAR; and Miheer Walavalkar, the CEO of LiveLike. Both will be discussing the ways of engaging fans around live sports in 2021.

Additionally, Jennifer Storms, the Chief Marketing Officer of Entertainment and Sports at NBCUniversal, will speak on promoting live sports viewership while Telemundo Deportes President Ray Warren will join a panel of other programmers and streaming service providers to discuss the benefits of distributing live sports to streaming fans everywhere.

Julian Mintz, Head of West & Central Brand Sales at Roku, and John Stainer, Managing Director of North America at Nielsen Sports, will also take time to discuss trends in where the money is flowing in live sports.