[BC] IBOC

[Scott Cason]

>> As FM transitions to digital, how many LPFM's, and
I mean the REAL local ones, can afford IBOC?


Again, I don't understand this prevailing attitude that everybody MUST put
an IBOC signal on the air NOW.  "It seems to this reporter".....that IBOC is
like FM stereo.  Put it on the air when you get ready to and don't worry
about what the other guys are doing.  There was an FM station in Eastman
Georgia (you know who I'm talking about Jay) that didn't have FM stereo as
late as the mid to late 80's.  Why are we letting the big suits work us up
into a frenzy over this?  Clear Channel, Cox and the other big corporate
owners have IBOC on as many stations at they can right now.    I'm happy for
them.  Glad they are willing to take the arrows in their backs while the
rest of us watch.  And happy for the opportunity to help one of the Cox
stations here put IBOC on his signal.  But I feel that if the smaller
operators are lying awake at night wondering how they can "afford" IBOC,
they are wasting their time for now.  If I were a small owner (and I hope to
be someday) I would be waiting on two things before I put IBOC on my signal.
One, when there is enough receiver penetration in my market and two, when it
made economic sense for ME.  Not my competition.  If I were a LPFM operator,
IBOC would be the furthest thing from my mind right now.

Scott Cason
President
LaGrange Communications, LLC
502-213-0024
www.lagrange-com.com