HD Radio is an exciting advancement for the US broadcast Industry. Back in the 1990’s, a digital broadcast system was proposed moving FM Radio to an entirely new segment of the radio spectrum. This was developed in Europe and called DAB.

Those of us who planned to stay in the radio broadcasting business were confronted with a dilemma. Our existing analog FM service was excellent, and there were no complaints about the quality of analog radio service. At the same time, Satellite Radio was coming on stream with digital technology, and it was attacking terrestrial radio as being old-fashioned analog technology. Digital became a buzzword and a perception was circulated that terrestrial radio was a horse and buggy technology that was doomed to fade away. It is ironic that Satellite Radio is now on the verge of bankruptcy, and except for the problems of the economy affecting all advertising media, in my opinion, broadcast radio is holding its own in popular acceptance.

The reality in the 1990’s was that broadcast radio had to respond to the perception of digital technology. But the new band, DAB, approach was not the answer. Moving radio to a new set of frequencies, and making obsolete hundreds of millions of existing analog receivers was not the answer. This is borne out by the fact that more than a decade later, DAB radio in Europe and Canada has not been successful. Adding a digital system of radio to the existing structure, which retains existing radios and stations, with an evolution to all digital operation, was a practical solution. The same path was followed in adding UHF to television, color to television broadcasting, and stereo to mono audio.

Does HD Radio work. The answer is yes. There are technical problems that are being overcome. People forget that FM radio had initial issues such as multipath that were overcome. Stereo initially had issues. Hybrid autos are now going through developmental problems. In time, issues with HD will be resolved. As an industry we have failed to inform the public that a good receiving antenna is required to maintain desirable reception. No one would expect a TV set to work properly without an appropriate antenna. HD radio works well with an appropriate antenna. Future advancements will reduce the issue of the antenna installation.

Several years ago, KKGO (105.1) began broadcasting with HD technology, with an investment of a quarter million dollars. We have listeners who are pleased with it. I have no regrets. We are achieving our goals.

Saul Levine
Mount Wilson FM Broadcasters, Inc.