Technology Law’s Post

Ofcom's New Licence Renewal Proposals - What They Mean for Local Radio: The Media Act 2024 has introduced notable shifts in the regulatory framework for local analogue commercial radio licences. With the introduction of a new route for licence renewal, Ofcom is now consulting stakeholders to refine how these changes will be applied.

Question: You mention that DRM saves spectrum. Is this a marginal save or “for real”? Answer: The narrow channel requirements of DRM (100kHz minimum on VHF frequencies), half of the FM 200kHz requirement) allows for more radio stations to be accommodated. Coupled with DRM’s ability to be deployed as a ‘single frequency network’ across multiple transmission locations makes spectrum planning simpler. Any new standard would need a complete revisiting of national frequency allocation, and this remains a huge task for any regulator. DRM save spectrum while giving listeners a far superior listening experience as they move around the area covered by their favourite radio broadcast.

Innovative saving measures of Swiss radio: after shutting down all national FM stations 11 days ago, DAB+ apparently also delivers its part: two stations are now sent over the same frequency. (This also allows to follow two emissions in parallel without zapping...)

Standards: Part 24 - Timed-text & Subtitles Overview. Carriage of timed-text must be closely synchronized to the AV stream to ensure it is presented in a timely manner so here we describe the standards that enable this for both broadcast and internet delivery. https://buff.ly/404DmvC

The magic to ALL Radio - non-comm and commercial - is smart spending! Control costs and get the most from experienced staff and facilities.

As IP and ST 2110 become the foundation for modern broadcast workflows, standards and equipment from professional broadcast are making their way into pro AV, as well. 💡 Learn more about what's accelerating the convergence in Samuel Recine's article for Pro AVL Asia: https://lnkd.in/edYxAg9p

Standards: Part 7 - ST 2110 - A Review Of The Current Standard. Of all of the broadcast standards it is perhaps SMPTE ST 2110 which has had the greatest impact on production & distribution infrastructure in recent years but much has changed since it’s 2017 release. https://buff.ly/43PW22A

It starts. Ziggo is yet another platform operator that has moved its primary service to pure IP. The question that every single broadcast/traditional TV platform should be asking themselves is ... why have we not started the transition? On the other side, investment in broadcast platforms should be questioned because this transition will be characterised by major inflexion points as consumers find the consumption via IP to be easier, particularly as this is a consumer led transition.

Good news for radio broadcasters! The FCC is proposing lower regulatory fees for AM and FM stations to better align with current agency and industry economics. Public comments are welcome until July 29, with fees due by October 1. Stay tuned and plan ahead! #RadioBroadcasting #FCCUpdate

Radio and TV transmitters broadcast signals but differ significantly in the type of signals they transmit, the bandwidth they require, and the complexity of their systems. 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬: Primarily transmit audio signals using AM (Amplitude Modulation) or FM (Frequency Modulation). They require narrower bandwidth compared to TV transmitters, with AM stations typically using 10 kHz and FM stations around 200 kHz. Microphone/Input Sources captures sound. Then it Modulates the audio signal onto a carrier frequency. Amplifiers boost the modulated signal to the necessary transmission power. The antenna radiates the signal into the air. Transmission range will vary from a few miles to several hundred miles, depending on power and frequency. Generally simpler in design compared to TV transmitters, focusing mainly on audio quality and transmission strength.