2000's The Digital Signal?
2000
January 20, 2000 FCC adopts rules creating a new Low Power FM (LPFM) service.
FCC begins to accept filings for a Low Power FM service - over 700 applications were recieved in the first filing window, and 473 in the second filing window
August The FCC approves the 23 Billion dollar merger of AMFM and Clear Channel Communications. Once the deal is closed, Clear Channel will own close to 1000 stations.
October 2000 Since March of 1997, 88 AM broadcast stations have been eligible to apply for construction permits in the expanded AM band...26 are actually on the air.
The U.S. House of Representatives passes the "Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000" to tighten the FCC rules that will govern LPFM. FCC Chair William Kennard expresses disappointment and says over 80% of the LPFM apllications will be eliminated as a result of this bill.
November The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) challenges the FCC's Low Power FM initiative in Federal court.
2001
July The U.S. Court of Appeals decides that the FCC can not make non-commercial educational FM applicants bid for their licenses at auction even when they are in the commercial portion of the band.
The largest satellite TV provider, EchoStar Communications announces it will merge with the second largest Satellite TV provider DirecTV.
XM Satellite DAB starts service.
2002
Jan 7th President and CEO of XM Satellite Radio announces that "after being fully national for only 56 days, XM has over 30,000 paying subscribers"
Feb 8th A Federal appeals court strikes down the FCC's decision banning anyone who once operated a "pirate" radio station from obtaining a LPFM license.
February 14 Sirius Satellite Radio begins limited service in four markets, Denver, Houston, Phoenix and Jackson, Miss.
What will the new millennium bring for radio?
When will Digital Audio Broadcasting overtake analog broadcasting?
Is technology moving too fast for consumers to keep up?
What is the future of broadcasting as we know it... in light of satellite radio services?
Is small town radio in trouble? Or, are the local 'full-service' stations the only traditional broadcasters with any future at all??
You tell me what you think the future will bring.
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