[Swprograms] Digital shift is the sound wave of the future.

[Joel Rubin <jmrubin@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>From the New York Daily News, July 27, 2004

WFUV.ORG is the listener-supported station at Fordham University in
the Bronx. Of course, it can't be much of an influence on the market
but Clear Channel is one of maybe three 800-pound gorilla of radio
broadcastings in the U.S. (Viacom/Infinity and Disney/ABC would be the
others)

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/story/215967p-185906c.html

By DAVID HINCKLEY
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER 
 
WFUV (90.7 FM) has begun digital transmission - a technological step
that doesn't affect the average listener now, but points to a future
where, in a few years, many or even most broadcasts will offer
CD-quality sound.
The shift from analog to digital signals - known as "high definition"
or HD Radio - got an even bigger boost last week when Clear Channel,
which owns 1,200 radio stations, said it will convert 1,000 of them to
digital, with almost all major market outlets on line by 2007.

In New York, Clear Channel owns WAXQ, WHTZ, WLTW, WKTU, WWPR and WALK
on the Island.

"Digital transmission means your radio broadcast sounds like a CD,"
says Ralph Jennings, general manager of WFUV. "It's a difference you
will notice."

Digital broadcasting carries another potential bonus for the
listeners: It will allow existing stations to create their own second
channel, so they can offer two entirely separate stations.

WHTZ, for instance, could continue its top-40 programming on its main
channel, then create a channel of alternative rock.

The second-channel matter is before the FCC, which is formulating
rules and regulations. Bob Struble, president and CEO of Ibiquity
Digital, which markets digital transmission, says he expects a
decision by early next year.

Second channels are an extraordinary opportunity to expand broadcast
radio's range of offerings, notes Jennings, because in urban areas
like New York all the available dial space is taken.

It could help broadcasters compete with satellite and Internet radio,
too, says Struble, though some broadcasters are not eager to rush into
a second channel until they have assurances that additional revenue
would cover the cost of additional programming.

The switchover to digital also depends, naturally, on listeners buying
new HD radios.

Right now there are only three HD models, ranging in price from $499
to $999. But Struble says Clear Channel's announcement should spur
further production, and he suggests that in a year or two, home and
car models should be moving down toward the more standard $299 range.

One other matter also may need to be resolved before HD becomes
common.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), in conjunction
with a number of industry groups, has asked the FCC to require that
copyright protection devices - anti-copying chips - be installed in
all HD radios.

Otherwise, the RIAA argues, the CD-quality sound would make it
possible for people to burn CDs right off their radios, further
crippling already slumping sales.

An FCC ruling is expected this year.

Jennings isn't convinced such a "blocking" device would have much
impact. 

"The horse is already out of the barn on that one," he says. "I don't
think digital radio will induce more people to make copies than are
already doing it." 

Struble notes that other groups involved in the digital switchover,
including electronics manufacturers, have different views from the
RIAA, with some feeling no protection is needed and others favoring
different types of systems.

"If and when the industry reaches a consensus, we will certainly work
with them on the enabling technology," he says. "But it's important to
note, now, that even the RIAA has not suggested slowing down the
development." 

For now, he says, having Clear Channel on board is an accelerator.
"Expect more announcements," he says, "very soon." 

Originally published on July 27, 2004 
 


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