EXB is a better use of the spectrum than stuffing a handful of digital TV stations in there, that’s clear (“BMC Hopeful About EXB Band Proposal,” Sept. 22).
But expanding an existing technology (one-way local radio) and ignoring new technology (IP distribution via the public Internet) isn’t going to help local radio adapt to the new environment we’re entering. The public is rapidly adopting smart phone technology that is inherently interactive. One click and you’ve got audio, video, downloads, links to other services, blogs, et cetera, all in one place. Pandora and similar services provide customized, on-demand music.
If local radio doesn’t “get” that, in time it won’t matter what channel it’s on. There won’t be any “listeners” left. Old-fashioned, over-the-air distribution still has an advantage in terms of data use on wireless networks, but without the other features being built-in, and the audio commercials left out, it’s not very useful to a lot of people even now, and that’s not just youngsters.
If the EXB party happens, will the public show up?
Gary O. Keener
Keener Technical Services
San Antonio, Texas
