A chance for radio to shine — NAB Radio 2002

Aug 1, 2002 12:00 PM

NAB Radio Show Exhibitors615 Music Library619Advertising Edge428AKG Acoustics523Andrew916Arbitron405Armstrong Transmitter319Audioarts Engineering1025Auditronics1025BE Radio Magazine102BIA Financial Network810BMI919Broadcast Electronics616Burk Technology216CGA910Coaxial Dynamics912Communication Graphics514Computer Concepts510Comrex526Dalet806Dielectric Communications807DMarc Networks331Enco Systems225Energy-Onix327Envoy Productions427ERI-Electronics Research809EWeather201FamilyNet915First MediaWorks109FirstCom Music512Gepco International323Harris605Ibiquity Digital732Inovonics220Intl. Communications Products532Jampro Antennas/RF Systems1015KD Kanopy702Keystone Studio106LakeSoft832Larcan USA425Logitek Electronic Systems332LPB900LR Enterprises635Marketron825Media Professional Insurance423BMediatouch1019Miller, Kaplan, Arase913MobilSign1039Moseley Associates300Musicam USA315Nassau Media Partners525NRSC922National Weather Service631Nautel925NPR Satellite Services520Olympus Flag and Banner326OMB920Orban/CRL611Pinnacle Media Management424Powergold Software819Primedia Business102Propagation Systems1013Prophet Systems Innovations206Radio Express917RTNDA426RadioSoft536RCS624Roll a Sign1011Royal & SunAlliance423ARules Service Company534S.W.R.328Salem Radio Network202SCA Promotions905Scott Studios801Shively Labs613Sierra Automated Systems815Smoke and Mirrors219SpaceCom Systems909Staco Energy Products432Stardraw.com531Stratos Global527StreamingHand Service535Studer431Superior Electric931The Album Network935The Media Audit632Tieline America836U.S. Air Force Advertising215U.S. Tape & Label609V-Soft Communications400Valcom Limited921VMS Voice Trak324Wheatstone1025Wicks Broadcast Solutions415World Division621

The NAB Radio Show allows the radio industry the opportunity to shine on its own without being lost in the shadows of other media segments. Its core focus is on delivering audio entertainment to a mass audience. However, the event goes beyond the borders of traditional radio by integrating information about non-traditional radio topics, such as streaming and a station’s online presence.

The event returns to Seattle this year, which was a successful location for the convention four years ago. Discussions before the show always speculate as to the success of the event, but the true measure of a show’s success must be measured by the individual attendee.

The sessions and show floor offer something for almost everyone at the station. BE Radio’s NAB Radio Show preview provides plenty of useful information to help you get the most from the convention.

Insight on sessions

By Chriss Scherer, editor

The NAB Radio Show continues to carry the misconception that it is only a sales and programming convention. The reality is that there are three full days of technical sessions. Unfortunately, the complete schedule does not appear in all the promotional materials for the show, making it difficult for engineers to show their managers that attending the convention is important for the technical staff as well.

In addition to the technical program, there are other sessions in the management track that cover radio technology. Between the exhibit floor and the sessions, attendees will have plenty to do to keep busy for three days.

Technically speaking

The Technical Workshops concentrate on radio transmission for analog and IBOC digital systems. Each full-day workshop features speakers who are recognized as experts in their field. The sessions provide practical and theoretical information that should help attendees improve their stations today and prepare for the changes tomorrow. Workshop attendees also receive a certificate signifying their attendance. Attendance may also be used to earn SBE recertification points.

Workshop Schedule

Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
AM/FM Antenna Certification Workshop

AM Session Description: The first part of the workshop will cover the RF components of AM directional antenna systems, bandwidth optimization concepts for AM transmission, keeping an AM directional antenna system in good repair and tactical troubleshooting for AM directional antennas.

AM Segment Presenters: Ron Rackley, vice president, du Treil, Lundin and Rackley; Benjamin Dawson, president, Hatfield and Dawson.

FM Session Description: The two parts of this segment are FM Antenna System Design and Implementation Basics, which addresses antenna-bay spacing, array factors and array-factor design, terrain effects, cavity filter systems and directional antenna pattern development and design criteria; and FM Antenna Maintenance, which will focus on antenna inspection requirements, antenna repair, tower access plans, the effects of tower movement on antenna performance and antenna lifetime, FM signal strength measurements and RFR measurements.

FM Segment Presenters: Tom Silliman, president, Electronics Research Inc.; Bob Surette, manager RF engineering, Shively Labs.

Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Digital Radio Certification Workshop

Session Description: Produced in cooperation with Ibiquity Digital, this workshop will highlight the status, station benefits, implementation and latest cost information about IBOC. Presenters include representatives of companies that offer IBOC equipment. They will discuss options and estimated costs of transition.

Presenters: Ibiquity Digital Rollout Strategy and Status, Scott Stull, director, broadcast business development, Ibiquity Development, Field Testing and Regulatory Update Glynn Walden, vice president broadcast engineering, Ibiquity

Wireless Data Business Opportunities Pat Walsh, vice president wireless data business development, Ibiquity

Wireless Data Opportunities in a Mobile Environment Bill Whikehart, senior technical specialist, Visteon Tom Wroblewski, strategy and implementation engineer, Lincoln Mercury Engineering

Manufacturer Implementation Panel I Moderator: Jeff Detweiler, Ibiquity Panelists: Eric Wandel, ERI; Bill Gould, Harris/Intraplex

Manufacturer Implementation Panel II Moderator: Jeff Detweiler, Ibiquity Panelists: Bob Surette, Shively; Dave Chancey, Moseley

Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
AM/FM Transmitter Certification Workshop

Session Description: This three-part workshop focuses on maintenance issues at the transmitter site. The session workbook is a reference that can be used long after the session. The workshop will also feature a session on preparing a transmitter site for IBOC.

Basic Troubleshooting will concentrate on diagnosing practical transmitter problems and developing a logical strategy to correct these problems.

A Discussion With the Transmitter Manufacturers is an opportunity for attendees to talk with representatives from several transmitter manufacturers. This interactive session offers a chance to learn about various transmitter manufacturers’ design approaches and recommended maintenance and troubleshooting suggestions on specific transmitter models.

Living Through the Nightmare-You’re Off the Air will be a discussion of some real off-air experiences. Attendees will learn how other stations made it through the experience and what lessons were learned from it.

Instructor: John Bisset, Harris

Still more to do

Outside the technical workshops, several sessions cover topics that may appeal to BE Radio readers.

Thursday
2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

FCC Rule Enforcement

An update on rule changes and common violations

2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

WWW: What’s With Our Website?

A look at website strategies and profit plans

Friday
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

The FCC’s Audio Service DivisionSpeaks

Covers issues of FM allotments, new filing requirements and more

3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Radio Station Streaming

Looks at sound recording royalties, music licensing fees and substitutions

4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Satellite Radio: Us vs. Them

Provides insight into the satellite broadcasters and what stations can do to stay competitive

9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

IBOC Rollout � Across TheIndustries

IBOC implementation from the retailers’ and broadcasters’ perpectives

Saturday
10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Internet Study IX

The results of the latest Arbitron/Edison Media Research study

Andanother thing

If the sessions and exhibits aren’t enough to keep attendees busy, the convention will also hold the Radio Opening Reception on the exhibit-hall floor on Sept.12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., The FCC Policymakers’ Breakfast on Sept. 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., and the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Reception, Dinner and Show on Sept. 14. The reception begins at 6 p.m., dinner and the show begin at 7 p.m.

Out and about

By Kari Taylor, associate editor

If you have some spare time while visiting Seattle for the NAB Radio Show, take a look around the city. Here are of some points of interest that might pique your curiosity:

The Space Needle at the Seattle Center is the recognized symbol of Seattle. The tower stands 605 feet (184 meters) tall and boasts fabulous views of Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges and, of course, the actual city itself. Built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the Space Needle celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Eat dinner at the revolving restaurant, SkyCity, or visit the observation deck, which is 520 feet (52 stories) high. The Observation Deck is open daily from 8 a.m. to midnight and a ticket costs $12 for adults. Visit www.spaceneedle.com for more information.

South of the Seattle Center is the Seattle Waterfront on Elliott Bay. This used to be the last stop in the states for gold prospectors heading to Alaska. Now, it is a good place to ride a trolley or eat some fish and chips. The Waterfront is also where you will find the Seattle Aquarium and the Omnidome Theater. Washington State Ferries also depart from the Seattle Waterfront carrying passengers and cars to Bainbridge Island and the Olympic Peninsula. Cruises to Victoria, British Columbia, also leave from the Seattle waterfront. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go parasailing here.

Pioneer Square is home to many of Seattle’s art galleries, eateries and Web development companies. Pioneer Square is rich in history so take the Underground Tour that visits the sunken storefronts of what was ground-level Pioneer Square before the Great Fire of 1889. Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park is a small museum that recounts a time a century ago when gold-seekers came to Pioneer Square on their way to the Yukon. This historic district becomes an entertainment district after dark. But when the sports fans and the club crowds depart, Pioneer Square is a good place to shop, especially for books.

Speaking of sports, don’t forget the NFL football season will have started so you can always watch the Seattle Seahawks play Arizona on Sept. 15. Beginning in 2002, Seahawks football will be played in a new stadium, designed with a 67,000-seat capacity and a roof that covers 70 percent of the seating area. Buy your tickets now � if they are not already sold out.

Booth information current as of July 24.
Issue advertisers are shown in bold.