Satellite radio has proven to be a topic of interest to our readers
Satellite radio not fit for marketplace
For some time now I have emailed about the one weak link in satellite radio that is being overlooked: according to an instructor in an RF Safety course this year, he told the class that the biggest radio frequency radiation contributor currently are the satellite radio guys who operate on experimental licenses which presently pre-empt them from the ANSI RFR limits, especially on the many building tops around the big cities of the USA. He cited several examples, some that exceeded the rooftop and entered other floors of the buildings or adjacent property. I questioned an installer for the satellite radio company who told me they he was not aware of RFR measurement during installation (not required) due to nature of licensing. I also was given a job opportunity, which for about a day and a half I thought about, given that I use satellite radio as a back up to bad local radio. The real pain to these things with 25kW and higher levels is that they, in some cases, will eventually limit service and access to these rooftop sites. Some would say this comment is sour grapes. I equate it to open borders that benefit companies who want to use cheap labor to cut costs for their products and services while putting the burden of social responsibility and safety on the majority of the population who must pay for their costs of doing business. Satellite radio enters the marketplace, changes the rules as it goes, and with temporary licenses (experimental grants) breaks safety and access rules that others are left to correct. I have a satellite radio and aside from the obnoxious audio on the talk channels and MPEG compressed sound of the music, it is wonderful. Yes, basic free radio has too many shipping labels attached to the formats to be sold at the farmers market-just too dated, picked green and frozen for microwave processing to qualify for homegrown and point of purchase impact. Mel, for money would defend Saddam Insane and call him a market leader. Just as the US public still makes long-term decisions on its own, satellite radio and digital commercial broadcasting will garnish a seasonal share or two. But basic radio in markets not stolen by the corporate handlers will continue to grow and create an audience. Let's hope that somewhere there exists a few folks in this business unwilling to cave in to hype and propaganda who will refuse stock options and contracts in such endeavors and costly downgrades in quality and access into the marketplace without the proper labeling and game rules for the long haul. I see no "available for a limited time" on their labels. I hope free radio does not become the silent majority. And yes, when one speaks out against the dangers of the "mass media sheep training institute" there are conflicts. Keep your lawn mowing job working and prepare to travel.
Jerry Smith,
broadcast technical consultant,
Jacksonville, FL
[email protected]
Are you reading this from a forwarded email?
