From: john@zygot.ati.com (John Higdon)
Subject: Re: Am stereo
Originator: wdp@gagme
Organization: Green Hills and Cows
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1992 05:50:01 GMT


klopfens@andy.bgsu.edu (Bruce Klopfenstein) writes:

> GM did this with Delco, I believe.  I did some research on the subject
> of AM stereo, and the manufacturers leaned hard on car manufacturers
> to install it.  I also understand that there is a real incentive for
> car manufacturers to put the AM stereo radio in....the list price is
> far above the actual cost.

This is hilarious. Of course other markets may be different, but as
mentioned in a previous article, the number of stereo AM stations has
declined substantially. In essence, the car radio manufacturers are
selling nothing and charging through the nose for it. That "extra cost"
in the Bay Area buys you the ability to listen to KSFO and KEEN in
glorious stereo.

And if I have anything to say about it, it will go down to one. KEEN is
in the process of moving its transmitter and towers. Since it will be
necessary during the adjustment and proof process to have both sites
fully operational, the new site will be decked out with all brand new
equipment. As the person exclusively responsible for the
transmitter/tower maintenance, I am going to lobby heavily that this
move be used as a convenient opportunity to can the stereo.

KEEN was one of the first stations in the area to sport a stereo signal
(ignoring KFRC, a station that used to have much more money than sense)
on the AM band. It first used the "Harris" system but quickly converted
to C-QUAM when such radios started showing up in GM cars and trucks. As
an engineering type, I found the idea of stereo on AM fun and
interesting. Over the years, I have gained much hands-on experience in
the care and feeding of an AM stereo transmission facility.

But what did it REALLY benefit the station? Apparently, very little.
Country music aficionados could probably discuss at length what the
station has done right or wrong over the years, but that is another
matter. As it stands, the station is now wedged in battle with two FM
country stations who are doing quite well. KEEN has never had lower
ratings than it does now. That the owners are actually moving the
facility (rather than turning it off) speaks to their dedication (or
their lack of a full deck depending on to whom you speak).

But stereo? That is worth a bucket of sand at the beach. And if my
twenty years of association with the owners means anything, you can
count the days that KEEN will remain in stereo.

[Moderator's Note:  While I have the utmost respect for Mr. Higdon's
technical prowis, and general common sense, it pains me a bit to hear him
speak of 'lobbying heavily' against the stereo signal on his station.  I know
that stereo AM is inferior to FM, which is inferior to CD's etc.  I also
realize that the market (read: stations and public) got screwed by the lag
time between the advent of stereo AM broadcasting and receiver availability.
But is stereo AM really inferior to MONO AM?  From what I have heard, I think
not.  Now that stereo AM receivers are beginning to pop up more and more,
should the last few remaining stereo AM's pull the plug and (IMHO)
reverse-screw the market again?  I mean, first there were stations and no
receivers, now receivers are starting to show up, and fewer stations to
listen to.  What benefit would KEEN gain by dropping the 'existing' stereo?
Mr Higdon mentions the existance of competeing FM in the market programming
country.  I personally see no benefit in eliminating the existing stereo,
even though keeping it might have only marginal benefit.  I am sure John will
set me, and us, straight in short order :-)]
  
-- 
 John Higdon  |   P. O. Box 7648   |   +1 408 264 4115     |       FAX:
 john@ati.com | San Jose, CA 95150 | 10288 0 700 FOR-A-MOO | +1 408 264 4407

Newsgroups: rec.radio.broadcasting