[BC] DTV's on low band BHF channels...

[Mark Humphrey]

If the stated purpose of AM IBOC is "to give AM stations FM-quality
sound", why are we messing around with technology that has so many
drawbacks, rather than simply letting AM stations migrate to FM?

Here's what needs to be done (quickly):

1)  Smaller, community-minded AM broadcasters need to organize  -- and
form an effective lobbying group, because the NAB doesn't seem to care
much any more about independent small-market owners.

2)  Use of Channels 5 and 6 by FM translators (simulcasting local AM
stations) should be proposed on a secondary, non-interference basis to
the full-service TV stations that remain on those channels.  (This
spectrum is already allocated to "broadcasting" in North America, so
there shouldn't be any international treaty issues with shared use by
radio stations.)

3)  Receivers must be introduced that can tune the entire range from
76-108 MHz.   It has already been mentioned that this plan requires no
new technology; as long as the receivers  are based on conventional
analog FM, there are ZERO patent, royalty, licensing or other
"IP"matters to be dealt with.  The chip suppliers and radio
manufacturers must make a minor change, then the technical issues are
solved.  (Example: Expanded AM band receivers, which were introduced
in 1997.  Ten years have passed since then; is it still possible to
buy a new receiver that stops at 1600?)

4)  Conflicting applications would be resolved by giving preference to
daytimers and Class C stations, especially licensees who commit to
retaining significant local program content, particularly news,
sports, emergency info, etc.   The lobbyists must present this plan to
Congress (and the FCC) as the public interest "quid pro quo" to be
used in lieu of an auction.  With a Democratic majority, I expect
there's a good chance it can pass.

5)  Revisit the situation in ten or fifteen years and determine how
many members of the public are listening to the FM translators, rather
than the parent AM stations.  If the plan succeeds, then the AM
transmitters can be shut down and the FMs will become primary users.

Mark