FCC OKs All-Digital AM

• The FCC recently approved an order allowing AM radio stations the option of voluntarily adopting an all-digital signal. As the FCC statement reads, in part, “Analog AM radio stations currently face many hurdles in today’s competitive media marketplace, including lower audio quality compared to other radio formats and interference from electrical devices. And while AM stations may currently operate in hybrid mode –using analog and digital signals at the the same time — hybrid analog/digital operation has not been widely adopted due to the technical constraints of the AM band. All-digital broadcasting has the potential to significantly improve the audio quality and listenable coverage of AM transmission compared to analog or hybrid analog/digital broadcasting, and provide additional services to which FM or satellite radio listeners are accustomed, such as song and title information. Therefore, the Commission issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to allow AM broadcasters to use an all-digital signal on a voluntary basis.”

In response to that FCC approval, NAB President & CEO Gordon Smith commented, “We applaud the FCC for approving this order allowing AM radio stations to voluntarily transition to all-digital service. The order provides AM stations with essential flexibility to provide interference-free broadcasts and attract new listeners. Radio broadcasters are grateful to Chairman Pai for championing AM radio during his tenure at the FCC and thank him for successfully implementing policies to help revitalize AM stations.” The complete FCC Report and Order is posted online for your reading pleasure.