Fybush: Hot 97 (87.7) raided, shut down

[Scott Fybush]

What would save radio is a forth band... Local, free and works!

Someday, FM will be the AM to a new band, and the new band will be cramped too.

Isn't Pulse Modulation basically the same thing as FM? Can't we utilize that?

(Here I go sounding like a complete imbecile again, right?)

FM and AM are modulation schemes. They are not "bands." Without a clear understanding of the difference between a modulation scheme and the frequency band in which it operates, your question makes no sense.

In North America, AM transmission (and the proprietary "HD Radio" digital transmission scheme) is used in the medium-wave band (540-1700 kHz), while FM transmission (and now the proprietary digital "HD Radio" transmission as well) is used in the VHF band, 88-108 MHz.

In Europe, Africa and parts of Asia, AM transmission (and the DRM digital transmission scheme) is also used in the long-wave band. By international treaty, that band is not used for broadcast in the Americas.

It is extraordinarily unlikely that any new frequency band or modulation scheme will be opened for broadcasting in North America in the foreseeable future. This is partially a result of the massive base of existing AM/FM receivers that would be unable to receive a new broadcast band (making it a huge economic challenge to any broadcaster hoping to find an audience there), and partially a result of regulatory policy that mandates spectrum auctions.

Many solid-state AM transmitters (Nautel's AMPFET series, for instance) are based on pulse-width modulation designs.

[w9wi]

Isn't Pulse Modulation basically the same thing as FM? Can't we utilize that?

Not really.  You're probably thinking of Phase Modulation which is, more or less, the same as FM.  (and using it instead of FM will have absolutely no effect on band crowding)

"Pulse Modulation", in itself, really is too vague.  It means that you turn the RF on & off in pulses.  What it accomplishes depends on what pattern you use to turn it on & off.  As Scott says, many AM transmitters use pulse *width* modulation, where the length of each pulse -- how long you leave the transmitter on -- depends on the amplitude of the audio signal.  You can also do pulse *code* modulation -- this is basically what's used for digital TV -- where the height & pattern of each pulse relates to a code being sent.  And pulse *amplitude* modulation, which is basically AM broken up into pulses...  And a few more. 

Any transmission that isn't compatible with existing receivers is going to fail.  Even if every new radio sold immediately covered the new technology, it would take more than a decade to distribute enough radios to make it worthwhile. 

[RadioPhillyFan]

Ah, thanks Scott... I'm learning about this more, I should take a college course on it if I ever can.

And it's true, it would take about a decade for it to become worthwhile, and it's unlikely such would happen in North America. But, eventually it will. More then likely not in my lifetime.

More or less, nothing's going to solve the cramped FM problems.

[dumber than a box of hair]

Everyone complains that young people don't listen to radio and these guys proved them wrong.

And again I ask:   Where's your proof?

(Hint:  "Me and my friends" doesn't count.)

[dumber than a box of hair]

I somehow have my doubts that this was an FCC raid. There must be a reason that they decided not to go back on the air and just maintain an internet presence.

Scott Fybush is a journalist who has sources for information like this.  What are your sources?

[danikayser84]

Like I've said, Boston just doesn't have the market for an Urban or Urban AC, on FM at least... although there *is* a Rhythmic CHR, Jam'n 94.5, they are essentially the same as Kiss 108 only with a Rhythmic lean

[N.E. Streetz]

WOW !!! HOT 97 Boston was more popular than I thought . Look at this thread and how many times it was read . Just like Howard Stern, Love them or Hate them, People did listen to them . I hope 97 come back on the Legal side ( maybe take 1090 off Crappy One hands or a 24 hour legal signal ).

[Tom Wells]

This is an interesting discusssion. 
The FCC need not say what the intent of the laws are or what enformcement means.
If the intent of the laws are specifically protect a "band" of frequencies to specific users, as in
the commercial bands, then the theft idea is valid, but then incriminates those who have given up public service.

If the intent of the laws are to provide management such that the commercial bands are useful,
theft is not a issue at all. From some perspectives, it could be said the FCC has "managed" the spectrum in
ways directly contrary to the best needs of all, except that of political expedience.

Something that can't be owned physically is difficult to lay claims to.
The intent of FCC law is to define a managably useful service for most users.

Obviously some laws have never worked and never will be enforced, such as the unintentional radiator (noisemaker)
provisions in FCC Pt 15 laws.

It is good to see there are others who see clearly that radio is a service.
As much good as it does to provide reggae (or whatever) radio to their neighborhood, if
they're so sure this music needs to be on the air, they really should put a SW signal on.
There are people interested in all kinds of music in all kinds of places.
It is sad that computers seem to be doing a better job of bringing diversity in music to people than radio.
I loved it when radio did that.

[fccman]

Why is Touch 106.1 still on the air?

[carmen]

computers seem to be doing a better job of bringing diversity in music to people than radio.

even in genres covered by pirates i find that true

SOCA the stations that play it divide time between hip-hop/dancehall/r&b so we're talking an hour or two a day. and its generally the latest trini 'hits' or essentiallly a smal playlist of a few tunes. cursory perusal of julian's youtube, bajantube & islandmix reveals tons of tunes that are never making it onto the local airwaves at all. some of them quite quirky and raw, all less 'pop' than the token tunes DJs put on choice/vibe/city when theyre giving away tickets.

Hip-Hop hot97 played all that drake/jeezy/wayne pop stuff which is just.. nauseating after a while. consistently the only place ive heard interesting hiphop on FM is the one or two nights a week WBRU and WHRB play it. odd, challenging, interesting stuff.

Dancehall wheres the 80s digi-dub? froggy maybe a decent selectah but he just plays his 'Hot Water Riddm' basically 24/7 lately. its  good riddim.. but after a few licks i'll go back to Dr Auratheft mixes and forgot your station ever existed

thats why i named a post "Automated Profits". its really just a vehicle to promote events, not really anything like a good source of music.

oh yeah, Haitian massive. i really like the 'raboday' mix stuff coming out, which is essentially rara in a techno era. besides an hour on concorde at 2am i didnt hear *any* of this despite there being about 15 stations to choose from. once again, youtube and soundcloud were my options. even to hear dusty Tropicana/Shleu-Shleu slabs it is grabbing an Africa Kabisa archive off WMBR's website or walking over to my pile of records