Question 1

What are some of the advantages of high definition digital radio broadcasting?

Accepted Answer

High definition digital radio broadcasting, often referred to as HD Radio, offers several advantages over traditional analog radio broadcasting. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Improved Sound Quality: HD Radio broadcasts in digital format, which provides clearer and more precise sound quality. The digital transmission reduces the noise and interference that are common with analog signals, resulting in a crisper and more enjoyable listening experience.

2. Multicasting Capability: HD Radio allows stations to broadcast multiple programs over a single frequency through subchannels. This means listeners can access more content, including different genres of music, news, and talk shows, all from the same station.

3. Enhanced Information Services: Digital radio can transmit data alongside audio content. This enables the display of additional information such as song titles, artist names, traffic updates, weather forecasts, and other relevant data on the radio receiver's screen.

4. No Subscription Fees: Unlike satellite radio, HD Radio broadcasts are free to receive. Listeners only need an HD Radio receiver to tune in to digital broadcasts without any ongoing costs.

5. Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure: HD Radio technology is designed to work with existing FM and AM frequencies, which means radio stations can upgrade to digital broadcasting without having to acquire new spectrum licenses.

6. Better Reception: Digital radio signals are less susceptible to fading, distortion, and signal overlap, which can often affect analog signals. This leads to more consistent and reliable reception, even in areas where analog signals might be weak.

7. Energy Efficiency: Digital broadcasting can be more energy-efficient than analog broadcasting, as it requires less power to transmit digital signals at a quality that is comparable to or better than analog signals.

8. Archival and Time-Shifting Features: Some HD Radio receivers offer features such as pausing live radio, rewinding, and recording. This gives listeners more control over their listening experience, allowing them to catch up on missed content or save favorite programs.

9. Increased Reach: Digital signals can be compressed and transmitted more efficiently, potentially increasing the reach of radio broadcasts. This can extend the coverage area of radio stations and provide access to listeners in more remote locations.

10. Future-Proofing: As technology advances, radio broadcasting is expected to continue evolving. Adopting HD Radio is a step towards future-proofing the industry, ensuring that radio remains a relevant and modern medium for information and entertainment.

Overall, HD Radio technology enhances the traditional radio listening experience by offering higher quality audio, more content options, and additional features that cater to the digital age.

Question 2

To counter the sharp reversal of fortunes, many broadcasters formed Local Marketing Agreements; describe how they work.

Accepted Answer

Local Marketing Agreements (LMAs) are agreements between two broadcasters in which one station agrees to sell advertising time on another station. This allows the two stations to share resources and programming, which can help to counter the sharp reversal of fortunes that one station may be experiencing.

Under an LMA, the station selling the advertising time retains control over the programming and editorial content, while the station buying the advertising time is able to reach a larger audience and generate additional revenue. This can be especially beneficial for smaller stations that may be struggling financially, as it allows them to continue operating while also providing value to the station selling the advertising time.

LMAs are subject to regulations from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that they do not result in anti-competitive behavior or consolidation of media ownership. However, when used appropriately, LMAs can be a valuable tool for broadcasters to navigate challenging economic circumstances and maintain their presence in the market.

Question 3

According to legend, Todd Storz and Bill Steward laid the ground work for what became Top 40 radio by observing what?

Accepted Answer

According to legend, Todd Storz and Bill Stewart laid the groundwork for what became Top 40 radio by observing the behavior of patrons in a bar. They noticed that people tended to play the same few songs repeatedly on the jukebox, rather than selecting a wide variety of different tracks. This observation led them to theorize that radio listeners would also prefer to hear a smaller selection of popular songs played more frequently, rather than a larger number of songs with less repetition.

Based on this insight, Storz, who owned several radio stations, and Stewart, who was a program director, developed a format that focused on playing the most popular songs of the moment in heavy rotation. This format was a significant departure from the then-common practice of playing a wide range of music and dedicating segments of airtime to different genres or styles.

The Top 40 format they pioneered quickly became popular, as it catered to the tastes of the largest possible audience by consistently playing the hits that were most in demand. This format revolutionized the radio industry and remains a dominant radio programming strategy to this day.

Question 4

Which of the following must be included in a radio station's public file?
A) Public and Broadcasting Manual
B) Advertising Logs
C) Quarterly Issues Lists
D) News Report Logs
E) All FCC Applications

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following must be included...

Question 5

Which of the following does NOT need to be included in a radio station's public file?
A) Public and Broadcasting Manual
B) Music Playlists
C) Quarterly Issues Lists
D) News Report Logs
E) All FCC Applications

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following does NOT need...

Question 6

Consolidation of radio ownership has had what effect on jobs in broadcasting?
A) No noticeable effect
B) Fewer jobs on all levels
C) More executive jobs
D) Increased on-air jobs

Accepted Answer

Consolidation of radio ownership has resulted in many job losses on all levels, from on-air talent to behind-the-scenes production and administrative staff. When companies merge or buy out smaller stations, they often eliminate duplicate positions, leading to staff reductions.

Question 7

In 2013, what was the biggest challenge confronting Internet presence, and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In 2013, what was the biggest challenge...

Question 8

Radio Station websites offer what advantages?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Radio Station websites offer what advantages?...

Question 9

Describe the trade organization that represents radio and lobbies in Washington.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the trade organization that represents radio...

Question 10

What are considered to be popular listening sources as an alternative to broadcast radio?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What are considered to be popular listening...

Question 11

The Communications Act of 1934 resulted in the establishment of what government agency? What were its predecessors?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Communications Act of 1934 resulted in...

Question 12

A microradio movement surfaced in the 1990s; these stations are referred to as LPFM; describe this broadcast alternative.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A microradio movement surfaced in the 1990s;...

Question 13

A microradio movement surfaced in the 1990s and raised the ire of both broadcast regulators and the industry; these microstations are referred to as:
A) LPFM
B) HDFM
C) MPX
D) AOR

Accepted Answer

LPFM stands for Low-Power FM, which refers to microradio stations that operate on a low wattage (between 1 and 100 watts). These stations emerged in the 1990s as a form of community radio, but faced opposition from regulators and the broadcasting industry due to concerns about interference with existing FM broadcasts.

Question 14

What new technology constitutes the most popular mobile services for listeners?
A) Transistor radios
B) Compact discs
C) Audio implants
D) iPods, iPads and Smart phone apps

Accepted Answer

iPods, iPads and Smart phone apps are the most popular mobile services for listeners in the current times. They offer convenience, portability and a wide range of options for accessing and streaming music and audio content. Transistor radios and compact discs are older technologies that have been largely replaced by digital formats. Audio implants are not a widely available or popular technology.

Question 15

The trade organization that represents radio and lobbies in Washington is:
A) AFTRA
B) ASCAP
C) NASCAR
D) N.A.B.

Accepted Answer

The National Association of Broadcasters (N.A.B.) represents the interests of radio and television broadcasters in the United States and lobbies on their behalf in Washington, D.C.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a listening source as an alternative to broadcast radio?
A) Pandora
B) iTunes
C) VH-1
D) Sirius/XM

Accepted Answer

VH-1 is a television network, not a listening source. The other options listed all provide audio content and can be used as alternatives to broadcast radio.

Question 17

With nearly _____________ radio stations in the United States, radio is the most available source of entertainment, companionship, and information.
A) 1500
B) 15000
C) 150000
D) 1500000

Accepted Answer

According to the latest data from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), there are approximately 15,000 licensed radio stations in the United States, making it the most widely available source of entertainment, companionship, and information for listeners.

Question 18

Who is known as the "father of FM"?
A) Edwin Armstrong
B) William Pailey
C) Heinrich Hertz
D) David Sarnoff

Accepted Answer

Edwin Armstrong is credited with the invention and development of FM radio technology, earning him the nickname "father of FM."

Question 19

What happened to the radio industry in WWII?
A) Attracted more listeners
B) A freeze on construction was put in place.
C) All of the above
D) None of the above

Accepted Answer

During World War II, the radio industry experienced a significant increase in listenership as people sought news and entertainment during the conflict. Additionally, a freeze on the construction of new radio stations was implemented to prioritize resources for the war effort.

Question 20

Who is said to have sent out the "Radio Music Box" memo - discussing the future possibilities of the radio?
A) Nikola Tesla
B) Heinrich Hertz
C) David Sarnoff
D) Guglielmo Marconi

Accepted Answer

David Sarnoff, an employee of the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), sent out the "Radio Music Box" memo in 1915, which discussed the potential of using radio for entertainment purposes rather than just wireless communication. This memo laid the groundwork for the development of commercial broadcasting in the United States.

Quiz 3: Programming

What are some of the advantages of high definition digital radio broadcasting?

To counter the sharp reversal of fortunes, many broadcasters formed Local Marketing Agreements; describe how they work.

According to legend, Todd Storz and Bill Steward laid the ground work for what became Top 40 radio by observing what?

Which of the following must be included in a radio station's public file?

Which of the following does NOT need to be included in a radio station's public file?

Consolidation of radio ownership has had what effect on jobs in broadcasting?

In 2013, what was the biggest challenge confronting Internet presence, and why?

Radio Station websites offer what advantages?

Describe the trade organization that represents radio and lobbies in Washington.

What are considered to be popular listening sources as an alternative to broadcast radio?

The Communications Act of 1934 resulted in the establishment of what government agency? What were its predecessors?

A microradio movement surfaced in the 1990s; these stations are referred to as LPFM; describe this broadcast alternative.

A microradio movement surfaced in the 1990s and raised the ire of both broadcast regulators and the industry; these microstations are referred to as:

What new technology constitutes the most popular mobile services for listeners?

The trade organization that represents radio and lobbies in Washington is:

Which of the following is NOT considered to be a listening source as an alternative to broadcast radio?

With nearly _____________ radio stations in the United States, radio is the most available source of entertainment, companionship, and information.

Who is known as the "father of FM"?

What happened to the radio industry in WWII?

Who is said to have sent out the "Radio Music Box" memo - discussing the future possibilities of the radio?