Radio Engineering: You Have Questions, We Have Answers


The National Association of Broadcasters and Radio Advertising Bureau have joined forces to produce the enhanced Radio Show which will be held September 29 through October 1 in Washington, D.C. The Radio Show will allow radio broadcasters and industry colleagues to come together to share knowledge, discover the latest innovations, network with industry leaders and explore creative business strategies to help radio flourish in the digital age. The show will also feature an exclusive vendor resource and networking destination: The Marketplace.

The NAB Science & Technology Department has developed a series of sessions for the Radio Show called Ask the Experts specifically for radio engineers and others interested in the future for radio broadcasting from a technology perspective.

Ask the Experts will bring high-level technical and product development teams from leading companies to the Radio Show. The sessions are designed to be interactive – won’t shy away from controversy – and will put you face-to-face with the leaders and innovators in the areas of technology most important to radio broadcasters. These sessions are designed for you because you need to know what advice to give, what investments to make, what technology developments will affect your future, and what your peers may be doing to insure their future.

And don’t forget, new innovations often equate to new revenue opportunities.

Ask the Experts creates a perfect environment to interact with major broadcast suppliers. But there’s more. Ask the Experts will put you in front those who are changing the rules, crafting new ones and enforcing compliance. Whether you handle technical operations at a small station, are in charge of a station group, or a consultant in the radio industry, Ask the Experts will offer a unique opportunity to join your colleagues and peers grilling our speakers for accurate answers to your most pressing questions.

Wednesday – September 29, 2010

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Ask the Experts: Building a Radio Station
Proper planning and an eye to the future will save time and money on your office, studio and transmitter projects. Today’s radio facilities should be streamlined, flexible with IP audio and environmentally friendly. Architects, engineers, planners and other experts will offer their experience and knowledge to answer your questions about property research, budgeting, contracting and moving into your new or upgraded facilities.

1:00 – 3:45 p.m. National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) Meetings
The NRSC is a cooperative effort by the NAB and the CEA. The objectives and goals of NRSC committees are to develop and foster technical standards for the betterment of radio broadcasting. For over 25 years the NRSC has brought broadcasters and manufacturers together under its umbrella. If you are interested in the technical future of radio, you should definitely put this meeting on your schedule. (Open to all except press.)

4:00 – 5:15 p.m. Radio Show Opening Program plus Digital Super Session

5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Reception in The Marketplace

Thursday – September 30, 2010

7:30 – 8:45 a.m. Breakfast in The Marketplace

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Radio Show Goin Mobile Super Session

10:00 – 10:25 a.m. Coffee Break

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Ask the Experts: Technical/Regulatory/Legal/FCC
In case you haven’t noticed, the radio industry is changing! Broadband, LPFM, translators, digital transmission, interference concerns, EAS/emergency alerting, FAA and environment issues are now in the forefront of our industry. In fact, it’s difficult for anyone to keep up to speed on all these rapidly changing issues. Our team of expert FCC staff, communications attorneys, engineers and broadcast consultants will answer your questions on these topics and brief you on Federal compliance matters you need to know to protect and grow your business.

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Advertiser Luncheon

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Ask the Experts: AM/FM/Digital Transmitter Manufacturers
Radio transmitter manufacturers have a lot to talk about. This is your opportunity to ask questions about new RF technology, digital radio power levels and maintenance, capital budgeting, facilities upgrades, saving money on power bills, multi-transmitter sites, preventative maintenance, remote control, safety issues, STLs, etc. Bring your toughest questions with no reservations.

3:00 – 3:15 p.m. Coffee Break

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Ask the Experts: The iBiquity HD Radio™ Team
We are bringing a full team of experts from iBiquity to the Radio Show to answer your questions – positive or negative – about HD Radio. This is a rare chance to ask about the future of this technology, what new implementations are in the works, and what receiver manufacturers are doing. Get the real story on where AM digital is headed, increased digital power, interference concerns and new concepts and products that are planned for the very near future.

6:00 p.m. Marconi Awards Dinner and Show

Friday – October 1, 2010

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Breakfast in The Marketplace

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Ask the Experts: Creative Audio Processing
The careful maintenance of your station’s sound is critical to your listeners and the success of your format. Whether you “roll your own” audio processing or use the latest boxes, this is your opportunity to talk with the experts about your experiences and learn what they recommend. Does your station need an audio signature? Find out here!

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. Coffee Break

10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Ask the Experts: The AM Antenna Modeling Gurus
AM antenna computer modeling is now recognized by the FCC as a valid methodology for maintenance of a directional pattern. Have you tried modeling your system? If so, you probably have questions. Our experts will offer advice and guidance on what software is best, the potential pitfalls of do-it-yourself modeling and what you need to know in order to comply with FCC requirements.

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Radio Luncheon

Additional information on registration and housing for the Radio Show is available on radioshowweb.com.

Reminder: Operation of Wireless Microphones in
The 700 MHz Band (channels 52 – 69) is Prohibited After June 12, 2010

All wireless microphones and other low power auxiliary stations (such as wireless intercoms or IFBs) operating in the 700 MHz band (i.e. channels 52 – 69) must cease operation no later than June 12, 2010 – five days from today. This is per an order issued by the FCC on January 15, 2010. For background on this issue see Radio TechCheck from January 25, 2010. An FCC public notice reminding licensees of this deadline is here. For more information visit the FCC’s wireless microphone Web site at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones/.

June 7, 2010 Radio TechCheck is also available in an Adobe Acrobat file.
Please click here to read the Adobe Acrobat version of Radio TechCheck