[BC] Alternative reality

[Dana Puopolo]

Canada is MUCH more forward thinking-look at how they're in the process of
moving most of the AM's over to FM. And YES, they are using things like
terrain blocking, directional antennas and variable power levels (like we have
with AM) to do it. Then look at us in the USA-we still use purely mileage
separations, a fixed (30 meter) terrain variable, non directional antennas,
and only a few power levels. Our method of FM allotment is a JOKE! The FM band
for the most part is mature, and creative methods need to be be used to help
AM stations migrate there. As an example of how bad it is, look at the hoops
that Clear Channel is jumbing through in Denver! Their FM stations there are
on a foothill East of the Rockies, and to the East of the site (where Denver
is) they have a HUGE HAAT, but to the West the Rockies cut it in half. As a
result, when you look at HAAT with all 8 radials, it's a lot lower due to the
Mountains. Some other stations have a "Denver waiver" which grandfathers them
to full class C status. Those stations goththeir waivers almost 30 years ago.
Problem is, these waivers keep other FM stations (on the West side of the
Rockies) from being allotted (because since we use purely mileage separations,
the fact that the Rocky Mountains completely block FM signals doesn't factor
into the equation). Clear Channel has spent almost a million dollars to fix
this somehow. In Canada there wouldn't even HAD BEEN a problem-Canada simply
would have allotted them as class C's and required them to use  irectional
antennas aiming east. Other stations to the West would do the same in
opposite. Problem solved!

The USA is decades behind Canada in allotting FM's!  The major reason why is
they have ENGINEERS making decisions instead of lawyers!

-D


------ Original Message ------
Received: Sat, 06 Oct 2007 11:34:06 AM EDT
From: "Dave Dunsmoor" <mrfixit at min.midco.net>

 > HOWEVER, I also believe that something needs to be done to give AM 
stations something more.

The "something more" that's needed has been hashed up and turned over and
over here many times would be INTERESTING, intelligent content. I cite the
CBC as one example of programming that is usually interesting to listen to.
For me anyway. There the programs are well thought out and produced. They
actually provide entertainment or education (or both) that's worth listening
to.