[BC] IBOC "secrets" and my opinions.

[Jonathan E. Hardis]

>Just because [the] FCC has spoken doesn't make it right.

With all due respect, guys, your frustration is misplaced.

The NAB is the principal trade association of the broadcasting 
industry, and the CEA is the principal trade association of the user 
equipment (receiver manufacturing) industry.  Both asked repeatedly 
for permanent IBOC authorization, and whenever both ask for the same 
thing, the FCC takes notice.  It is presumed that each accurately 
represents the wishes and best interests of their constituency.

You cannot blame the FCC for its decisions if you do not provide them 
with significant input leading up to them.  (And I don't mean the 
anecdotal reports that showed up on the docket from time to time.) 
You cannot blame the FCC for lack of analysis when one presumes that 
NAB and CEA -- representing those with skin in the game -- have 
already done the analysis.  These organizations, in theory, would not 
be advocates for something that would cost radio its audience or be 
bad for their long-term prospects.

There are how many thousand small radio stations out there?  Would it 
have been too much to ask for the owners of a thousand or two to have 
signed and filed a well-written petition (or done anything indicative 
of a trade association) if IBOC was really not in their best 
interest?  (Did any owner even send a "Dear Colleague" letter to 
other owners to gauge interest in collective representation?)

It is not the function of the FCC to save the broadcasting industry 
from itself.  It got what it wanted, as evidenced by the weight of 
the comments.  And if you don't like your representation in 
Washington, you're free to change it.

   - Jonathan