NAB Files Comments Supporting All-Digital AM Radio Rules

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, March 9, 2020

NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters has submitted comments to the FCC in support of All-Digital AM Broadcasting and All-Digital Mode of HD Radio for AM Stations. The Commission is proposing to allow AM broadcasters to voluntarily broadcast in the MA3 all-digital mode of the HD Radioin-band/on-channel (IBOC) digital radio system. NAB wrote that it "strongly" supports these proposals and "applauds" the Commission for its continued efforts to help revitalize AM broadcasting.

NAB wrote that experimental testing to date has demonstrated the viability of all-digital AM service, the penetration of HD Radio-capable receivers already in the marketplace is significant, and broadcaster interest in pursuing all-digital service is evident. Allowing stations to voluntarily transition to all-digital AM service, the trade group wrote, will benefit listeners with enhanced AM service and improve AM broadcasters' ability to succeed in the increasingly competitive audio marketplace.

NAB agrees with the Commission that allowing AM stations to voluntary transition to all-digital operation may help to reduce or even reverse a variety of technical challenges. Digital broadcasting is generally less vulnerable to interference and provides improved audio fidelity and a wider audio bandwidth. Accordingly, AM broadcasters will be able to reach more listeners with a more pristine, reliable signal and expand their content offerings including a higher sound fidelity and a broader array of programming.

Read the entire filing here.