Posted on 12/30/2006 9:02:48 AM PST by kiriath_jearim
Radio broadcasts on medium wave will end within a few years if a powerful coalition of commercial radio interests has its way.
Ofcom, commercial radio's regulatory body, will launch a debate in the coming months on the future of radio.
Many predict that it will result in the end of AM broadcasts as we have known them since the days of the Home Service and Light Programme.
The growth of digital broadcasts, either on radio, over the internet or through digital television, has left commercial AM broadcasts with only 3.8 per cent of the national audience this year.
While the BBC remains on the sidelines — the vast bulk of its weekly Radio Five Live audience of 5.7 million still listens on AM — leading figures in the commercial sector are determined to sound the death knell of medium wave.
The commercial stations are having to face up to the dwindling numbers tuning in to AM stations as people opt for FM broadcasts or, increasingly, the higher quality of digital broadcasts.
"The current AM licences are up for renewal in 2011 and 2012," an Ofcom spokesman said yesterday. "The question we have to address is whether or not these stations will be commercially viable by then."
Fru Hazlitt, the chief executive of Virgin Radio, is an outspoken critic of AM.
"We pay huge amounts of money to Ofcom for the AM licence," she said. "Within the next year or two we should switch it off. It just isn't worth it."
Andy Duncan, the chief executive of Channel 4, predicted that, over the next five to 10 years, AM and FM listening would wither away.
Capital Radio bosses have also been calling on the Government to set a date to switch off both AM and FM.
Not everyone agrees, however, that AM is a dead duck. Emap, whose Magic AM has been relaunched nationwide, believes there is still a place for medium wave.
Ofcom said it hoped to begin a wide consultation over the future of AM.
"There could be much more effective uses for this spectrum — it could be used for community radio," the spokesman said. "The growth of digital at the cost of analogue cannot be ignored."
I think you just described Free Republic. So why are you here reading "self-appointed smart guys yacking at you giving opinions framed as news"?
Part of the problem here in the US is that practically all modern computer switching power supplies interfere with the AM band, along with flourescent lights, televisions, rangetop stoves, computer monitors, medical equipment, etc. etc., the list is almost endless. But most nights I can pick up 650 WSM, the Grand Ole Opry, out of Tennesse loud and clear. Best heard on a big ole honkin' console from the 1930's.
What is this "television" device you speak of?
FM is a wasteland. Who listens to it? Everything good is on AM--Sports and talk.
A.M. radio is great (talk radio, etc) but the stereo never really took off, not much music being broadcast on a.m. anymore.
"I am sure there are some stations that have not gone digital but I don't happen to know of any."
I live in Rochester, New Hampshire and have analog FM radios. Every station is analog or at least works with my analog radios.
Are you referring to digital tuning or digital signals?
I never have and never will.
I simply hope to inform others that they need not be led like dogs.
I applaud you on your mastery of radio control, I hope it didn't take you too long to learn it.
Here in Indianapolis an FM station (93.9) just switched to conservative talk with Laura Ingraham, Savage and Hannity.
Just like the Clinton presidency put Rush on the map, Demo control of congress will revitalize talk radio.
Digital broadcasting in the USA is already in effect in some of the larger metro areas.It is called"HD Radio" You purchase a digital tuner and away you go. The radio even displays call signs, play list and artist. Can also display traffic reports.see link:
http://www.ibiquity.com/hd_radio
To read some news, just like most folks.
Not to listen to some egotistical blow-hard spout opinions.
Did you know you can actually copy, paste & share the written word?
As opposed to listening to some radio blow-hard, after which
you can say "I heard some smart feller say 'this or that'..."
Why are YOU here? Selling radio shares maybe?
I think that refers to "HD radio." Digital signals riding the FM signal as a carrier. The radio tunes to the FM signal and then switches to the digital signal if that is strong enough.
We have a few FM "talkers" too. In the past, FM was rarely used for talk radio. I guess the broadcasting of music on FM is getting to competitive. Voila! enter talk radio.
"Digital signals riding the FM signal as a carrier. The radio tunes to the FM signal and then switches to the digital signal if that is strong enough."
So all of those FM stations I'm listening to on my 1968 KLH model 27 receiver are also broadcsting digital signals?
It's something that people with minds don't understand.
Make that "cheap" switching PSUs. If you look in some of them, you might find silkscreening for capacitors that have just wires instead of caps.
Heck, I my PDA on battery generates static if I put it next to a pocket radio.
Thank you for your egotistical, blow-hard opinion, but I choose to follow my own counsel.
I don't believe it's much of a stretch to say that Rush Limbaugh single-handedly saved AM radio.....and keeps it alive through his broadcasts, along with those of his 'philosophical progeny'.
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