[BC] Nighttime AM IBUZ NOW - Don't Wait

[Rich Wood]

------ At 04:25 AM 11/6/2005, Kevin Tekel wrote: -------

>This is already happening now that 1030 WBZ is running IBOC from 6 AM to
>6 PM.  Here in NJ, the hash completely obliterates 1020 KDKA's skywave
>signal as well as the local groundwave signal of 1040 WCHR, and leaves an
>annoying squealing hiss on top of 1010 WINS and 1050 WEPN.

Take a deep breath and repeat after me "we have been assimilated."The 
engineering departments of organizations greater than us have 
determined that this is acceptable. The NAB has deemed it acceptable. 
The fact that it hurts our ears and obliterates any intelligible 
information on a carrier isn't important. Profit for iBorg is.

>WBZ finally shuts off their IBOC about a minute before the end of the
>third clip, and suddenly reception of all the other neighboring stations
>returns to normal.  And listen to that loud hash (on 1020 kHz) in the
>first clip -- if nighttime IBOC is approved, that will unfortunately
>become a very, very familiar sound to all of us... SHHSSHHHHSHSSSSSHHSS!!

I've heard the loud hash on 1020. I've heard it disappear at 6pm and 
let a strong KDKA appear. Large broadcasters have approved of this 
system. I really believe that we need to take the plunge and fix the 
system after we've broken it. I say light it up. Approve nighttime 
operation and let Darwin work his magic.

It _IS_ going to happen. Now it's time to let the gaggle of engineers 
at the FCC determine who survives and who we bury. Let the lawyers 
make use of all that edumucation and try to at least get some 
compensation for this electronic eminent domain.

Instead of complaining about it on an Internet list, let's let the 
real world work its magic. Once KDKA advertisers begin to complain 
that the station is too noisy to air their spots, things will begin 
to happen. Now is the time I wish Mel were still running Infinity. 
Interference prevents that 8% increase in revenue, Mel goes bonkers 
and directs that something be done after the account executives and 
Sales Managers have been fired for falling short. It wasn't their 
fault, but they're scapegoats after the PD watches his ratings wither away.

That's mighty powerful incentive to get the "let's fix what wasn't 
broken" ball rolling. The fix is going to be extraordinarily 
expensive, both in legal and engineering costs. Let's get moving so 
all the costs won't have to appear in a single decade. That would be 
Hell on stock prices.

What I would suggest to small broadcasters who don't have Washington 
lobbyists is to form an organization to collect money to 
"incentivize" the political wizards. Since this administration has 
only 2 years to go I'd make the group flexible enough to include 
Democrats in their care packages. Current polls show we might be 
dealing with Democrats in the next administration. If the past two 
weeks are any indication we might see some significant changes. We 
need to be prepared. Be practical. Give to receive.

We have the best government money can buy. Make use of it.

Rich