New Digital Radio Rules Effective Sept. 14th

Brendan Holland has a summary of the new FCC rules concerning "HD Radio."  He writes:

• FM stations may commence digital operations without prior authority from the FCC and may use separate antennas for the digital and analog signals without the need for an STA.
     
• Stations may operate in extended digital hybrid mode, permitting additional capacity.
     
• AM stations may operate during nighttime hours.
     
• FM translators, boosters, and LPFM stations may operate digitally.

These new operational rules will become effective on September 14, and along with them the following rules regarding policy issues will also go into effect:

• Stations that chose to broadcast in digital must provide a free digital stream that simulcasts the programming of the analog channel.
     
• Stations have the flexibility to provide multiple programming streams, provide data services, or provide the highest quality audio service.
     
• Stations may lease the unused portion of their radio spectrum to third parties.
     
• The existing rules, such as EAS, political, sponsorship ID, and station identification, are extended to all the free streams of programming provided by a station. ...
  

Link:  Broadcast Law Blog.  --Dennis