Graham Brock, Inc.
Broadcast Technical Consultants
Vol. IX, No. 11
November 2002
While the FCC will now allow FM stations to install and commence operation with IBOC digital technology, stations are faced with major economic decisions on how and if they will proceed. Since there are various methods for operating digitally along with its analog counterpart, each has its associated costs. The low level combining of analog and digital at basically the exciter level requires an amplifier with flat response across the baseband. With the power requirements of the analog and digital, this usually requires the replacement of the transmitter system with the added cost of the digital exciter. An alternative is a high level combining system that adds a combiner between the analog transmitter and the main antenna system. Then the digital transmitter connects to the combiner, thus sharing the same antenna system and line. There is some insertion loss that will require an increase of power out of the analog transmitter to compensate. The digital transmitter must also be sized to allow for the insertion loss and the gain and loss of the antenna system and transmission line. A future option may be to install a separate antenna for digital by inserting the bays between the antenna bays of the analog transmission system. At this point, however, the FCC does not allow separate antennas for digital. Stayed tuned.
In July we noted that effective October 1, 2002, the fees for submitting applications to the FCC were to increase. However, the Commission is required to publish these type of changes in the Federal Register before the change can become effective. In this matter, they failed to publish the increase, therefore, the old fees are still in effect. For example, the fee for submitting a minor change application remains $755, whereas the new fee will be $800 when it goes into effect. The new fees are now scheduled to become effective December 5, 2002.
We are sad to report the recent passing of our friend, John Allen. Many know John as one of the country’s foremost Aeronautical Consultants. He was the one to call when the FAA said no to a proposed tower. John passed away on November 6th after a brief battle with cancer. The company that bears his name will continue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to The Optimist Club of Fernandina Beach (Florida), J.P. Allen Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 296, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035. John will be missed.
Beginning November 18, 2002, the FCC will require TV stations to electronically submit applications for both analog and digital licenses, FCC Forms 302-TV and 302-DTV. No paper forms will be accepted after November 15th, unless accompanied by a waiver of the electronic rules.
The FCC has extended the comment and reply comment period in its ongoing review of the multiple ownership rules. This extension was to accommodate the review of numerous media studies that have only recently been submitted as part of this proceeding. The Commission feels the extension is warranted based on the delay of the submission of the studies and requests from other interested parties. Comments in the Biennial Regulatory Review of Commission’s Media Ownership Rules are due January 2, 2003, with replies due on February 3, 2003.
We at Graham Brock, Inc. (Stu, Jeff, Marilyn, Kewanna and Cliff) thank each of you for your continued support of our company, and we wish you and yours a wonderful holiday as we all give thanks for our many blessings!