Industry News

Thus far, the release of first quarter 2021 earnings reports from audio-focused media companies has yielded one not-so-surprising trend: digital growth is booming, while core advertising dollars are mired in a long, slow recovery from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Entravision, digital is driving the company’s revenue. Now, Townsquare Media is on the verge of having digital become its biggest revenue generator.

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Lawo has issued a software update for users of its radio mixing consoles, Power Core mixing engines and On-Air Designer configuration software.

“The new radio software, v6.6 PL-003, represents a major upgrade to On-Air Designer, the configuration software used to customize the functions of Lawo’s radio mixing consoles and audio cores,” including the ruby radio console, it said in its announcement.

The ruby console (the company writes its name in all lower-case) provides snapshots for recall of saved parameters and settings, with motorized faders that automatically recall saved positions and context-sensitive user keys that can be customized using On-Air Designer software.

“The new software adds the ability to selectively load snapshots using extended logic functions, enhanced AES67 stream tuning tools, and integrates control of Lawo A__line audio I/O devices into the radio workflow,” Lawo stated.

This update also adds features to the configuration web pages of Power Core, Lawo’s Ravenna / AES67 mixing engine and I/O gateway device, as well as enhancements for Lawo’s VisTool GUI Builder Software.

It was announced by Senior Product Manager, Radio, Johan Boqvist. Radio v6.6 software applies to  Lawo radio products including ruby, sapphire, sapphire compact, crystal and crystalCLEAR mixing consoles, Power Core and Nova17 MK2 engines, VisTool MK2 GUI Builder software, and the On-Air Designer console customization tool.

Release notes and a software download are available at the Downlinks link at the Lawo website.

The post Lawo Issues Software Upgrade for Radio Products appeared first on Radio World.

Univision Communications has priced its offering of $1.05 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.500% senior secured notes due 2029.

The offering is expected to close on or about May 21, subject to customary closing conditions.

The Notes will be general senior secured obligations of the company and will be guaranteed by all of Univision’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the obligations under the company’s existing senior secured credit facilities, existing senior secured notes and its expected new term loan facility.

The offering is part of the financing for the proposed business combination of Grupo Televisa with Univision’s businesses, announced on April 13.

Upon consummation of the offering, the net proceeds of the offering will be deposited into a Univision escrow account and Univision will deposit into this escrow account “an amount of cash that, when taken together with the net proceeds of this offering, would be sufficient to fund a special mandatory redemption of the Notes on the applicable escrow outside date.”

Should the Televisa-Univision business combination not be consummated on or before the applicable escrow outside date or prior to such date the Transaction Agreement is terminated, the company will be required to redeem all of the Notes at a redemption price equal to 100% of the issue price of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of redemption, and, in such event, the escrowed property will be applied to fund such redemption price.

ENCO Systems has announced several improvements and updates to its WebDAD and enCaption products.

WebDAD is an HTML-5 browser-based native remote control companion to the DAD automation and playout system. “Across both the DAD and WebDAD products, passwords with special characters are now supported, which will help many use a more secure password to better conform with their station’s data security policies,” Media Solutions Account Manager Bill Bennett said.

[Check Out More Products at Radio World’s Products Section]

“Along those lines, we’ve added button and deck security within WebDAD so the log-in follows button security for normal DAD users.”

For those who like to edit arrays and libraries and manipulate assets within the WebDAD interface, they can now download library cuts via the HTML client directly to their remote computer. And WebDAD’s user interface has also been updated.

enCaption is an automated captioning and transcription platform used by television and radio broadcasters to make their programming more accessible. Bennett said the system now inserts a chevron into captions to indicate when someone new is speaking.

“We’ve also integrated a powerful new punctuation detection feature that inserts commas, exclamation points, periods and question marks automatically, based on voice characteristics.”

To change input and output signal mapping across various types of sources, or to change between sources across live and file-based content, the user can now save each configuration mapping as a unique profile and call it back up, manually or by API call. enCaption also now has improved word filters and an updated optional CEA-608/708 Embedding capability.

Info: www.enco.com

The post ENCO Updates enCaption and WebDAD appeared first on Radio World.

Larry Langford is the owner of WGTO AM in Cassopolis, Michigan, and W246DV South Bend, Indiana. He can be reached at larrylangford@aol.com.

Shall we sweeten the pot to entice single- mode AM digital?

I was and still am very opposed to Hybrid AM digital (IBOC).

It kills other stations. It sounds bad and the coverage is lousy. But just like late night TV commercials say, “Wait there’s more!”

Of course, the more is — single-mode digital.

[Read: A Cumulus AM Near NYC Will Go All-Digital]

Now that is a horse of a different color. How does it sound? Great!

How is the coverage? Better than analog and, yes, it is stereo.

But as we also know the biggest drawback is the rather pesky problem of rendering analog radios obsolete.

That reminds me of the story of radio pioneer RCA engineer Edwin Armstrong and FM. Armstrong was a giant in the industry who gave us the super regenerative circuit and his work on the superheterodyne receiver (apologies to Lucien Levy!) When tasked with finding a way to get rid of static in radio reception while at RCA, he created the noise-free transmission method of frequency modulation (FM). RCA boss David Sarnoff was happy until he found out it would obsolete every radio already sold. So, his answer to Armstrong was, NO!

Well, there is no David Sarnoff in the game now and AM digital seems to be the way to go if the AM band is to remain an active player in the media game. But we still must face the problem of rendering millions of radios as nothing more than doorstops or white noise generators.

I have read the data that shows that newer cars are being equipped with radios that will play AM digital and given a few years, market penetration in cars should be reasonable. But for the mom-and-pop stations that still rely on analog to cover the market it is just not worth it yet to sound good for a few and be gone for most.

The best scenario for AM operators, especially small- to medium-sized stations is to have a good FM translator. If coverage

mimics the analog AM coverage, it’s a no brainer — turn off the analog and switch to digital!

But that is not good for everyone. While some of the AM stations in major markets own or have partnered with a full power FM to carry the AM programming, smaller AM stations may have only one translator and need another to even approach the coverage of the analog AM. And there are a number of AM stations that missed out on the window to move a translator into their market and have none. Going all-digital takes some investment and the FCC should do what it can to encourage putting analog AM to  sleep, while making the change viable for those who have struggled so long.

Well, here comes the sales pitch. I would ask the FCC to make an offer AM operators cannot refuse.

If a licensee agrees to go full-time single-mode digital for a minimum of five years with no switch back to analog, the commission will allow a limited window to acquire and move an existing licensed translator from a 250-mile radius into the coverage of the AM station going digital as long as the 60 dB contour is within the 5 mV contour covering the city of license. And the 60 dB contour does not overlap an existing translator that currently has the AM station as the primary. The parameters are of course negotiable, but the point is to allow AM stations willing to make the digital leap a safety net to remain viable as the digital radios increase in the market.

In this way your smaller AM stations could get another chance to cover the old analog area with FM while the automobile market catches up to the new all-digital method. I would also offer a sunset provision that would force the AM stations to surrender the translator after, say, seven years, depending on market penetration of AM digital. LPFM groups would have first dibs on getting the surrendered translator frequencies.

Look, we are going to have to be creative to keep AM owners alive while the newer digital ready radios gain market share. It is not going to happen overnight and AM stations making the leap need assurances   the hometown still gets something analog radios can hear. Allowing a move window for 250-mile import of translators will help solve the problem while getting some spectrum grabbing network “satellators” moved and repurposed to support AM digital and in many cases open up LPFM opportunities where “satellators” were originally parked.

It is a win-win as I see it. Small AM stations get another shot at a translator to cover the analog listeners, we can get rid of some “satellators” that are keeping LPFMs from serving local areas and AM stations start making the big migration to single-mode digital, saying goodbye to static, poor frequency response, lack of stereo and most importantly, the listening public finds a real reason to listen to the AM band again. This to me would be the best example of AM revitalization where it is the actual AM band that gets the makeover!

The post Sweeten the Pot to Entice AM Digital appeared first on Radio World.

Newman-Kees Consulting Engineer Frank Hertel always has one or two innovative tips to share.

He recently came across an interesting compound that can help you when you need to remove concrete or rock.

You drill holes in the concrete, then take Dexpan Expansive Demolition Grout, mix it with water and pour it into the holes.

The chemical reaction with the water expands the compound, exerting 18,000 psi expansive strength into the drilled holes. The force breaks up rock or concrete slabs, even if rebar is present.

The process is amazing, watch the time-lapse video at dexpan.com to see the “after” photo.

For anyone who has demolished concrete with a jackhammer or even a sledge, you’ll be amazed at this efficient alternative method. A bucket of the compound is less than $50 and is available from Amazon or Home Depot. Enter “Dexpan” in the search block.

Wayne Eckert is with the Rural Florida Communications Cooperative. He spends a lot of “hands-on, in-the-field” time dealing with communications issues.

In the Oct. 28, 2020 issue we talked about asking your tower riggers to check for problems while they are the structure to change bulbs. As an example, we ran a picture of a cable that had pulled free from a liquid-tight electrical box.

Wayne says the photo revealed an installation problem waiting to cause a serious light/electric failure.

Looking closely, he believes both cables were installed improperly and that the connectors were sized incorrectly or were not intended for supporting flexible cable.

The cable on the side of the electric junction box was bending tightly under its own weight, which, after a while, will cause the jacket to crack and permit moisture to enter the cable, compromising the insulation of the conductors.

A much better solution would be to use a connector with a strain relief, as shown in Fig. 2. These connectors look like a standard liquid-tight connector with a stainless steel loom added to it.

Wayne said the stainless steel loom works like a Chinese finger trap: Stick a finger in each end, and when a child tries to pull them out, the loom tightens up holding the fingers in place. Great fun, unless you are the kid with the stuck fingers!

The connector works the same way. Pull the loom back, and push the cord up and into the connector, leaving enough slack to be spliced in the box. Then release the loom. It grips the cable evenly over the entire length, securing it tightly to the box.

The loom will also prevent the cable from forming a tight bend, eliminating the potential for insulation to crack.

To select the correct size, note that the cable outer diameter may be listed metrically, thus 3/8-inch equals .375 and 1/2-inch equals .500. Also consider the size of the knockout hole on the junction box.

Wayne cautions that dust-tight connectors are for dry, indoor use. Deluxe grips are liquid-tight for outdoor use but can also be used indoors.

The Hubbell Company manufactures these products. Find wire mesh grips and strain relief grips at www.hubbell.com.

We recently featured a photo of a tube tester on display at the California Historical Radio Society museum in Alameda. Commonly seen in drug stores back in the day, they were available for customers to check their vacuum tubes at no charge.

Dave Costanza, CBNT, works in the video facility of the Pennsylvania Senate. The picture reminded him of a similar but smaller tester that his father built from a kit in the early 1950s.

Shown in Fig. 3, this tester is in remarkable condition. Dave says one of these days he’ll “fire it up” and test a few tubes.

Dave joins scores of other readers who thanked us for the memory.

Speaking of memories, New England broadcast engineer Bob Meister saw our mention of the lifetime guarantee for Realistic vacuum tubes.

Workbench readers may remember that Motorola two-way radios also had a lifetime warranty on the “PermaKay IF filter” used in the receivers.

Bob wonders, “Whose lifetime were we talking about? The part’s lifetime, or the company’s?”

John Bisset, CPBE, has spent over 50 years in broadcasting and is in his 31st year of Workbench. He handles western U.S. radio sales for the Telos Alliance and is a past recipient of the SBE’s Educator of the Year Award.

Workbench submissions are encouraged and qualify for SBE recertification. Email johnpbisset@gmail.com.

The post Workbench: Blast Through Concrete Silently appeared first on Radio World.

The author is executive director of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters. NFCB commentaries are featured regularly at www.radioworld.com.

The Federal Emergency Management has confirmed a date for the next national test of the Emergency Alert System, this summer. For the last month or so, there has been chattering about a 2021 EAS test. FEMA says this year’s test will happen on Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 2:20 p.m., Eastern. A backup date on Wednesday, Aug. 25, has also been rolled out.

For radio stations, it is time to prepare, and even catch up on things you may have forgotten about during the pandemic.

[Read: Community Broadcaster: Reopening Radio]

Blanked on the EAS test? You’re likely not alone. With remote work taking over radio everywhere, surely some of you may have wistful memories of that old EAS gear. Consider the next few months as your time to get reacquainted.

What do stations need to do in the months leading up to this summer’s test?

Updating firmware for your EAS equipment is a top priority. Sage and other manufacturers have posted firmware updates over the last 12–18 months. In a few instances, getting the newest version may require your station to be current with its support subscription. However, no one can blame you if those subscriptions lapsed during the shutdowns brought on by the pandemic. So, it would be prudent to skim your email archive and office mail bin to ensure your relationship with your equipment provider is current.

Your next step will be to dust off and review your EAS processes and policies. For some stations, EAS tests are automated, but others prefer, or have by circumstance, manual runs of weekly tests. Does your staff need a refresher of how to run its test? Or has your studio setup changed, as many stations did in tweaking their facilities during COVID-19? Especially as stations are welcoming back staff and volunteers, you may want to update your operations guidance.

[Read: Aug. 11 Is the Next National EAS Test]

Finally, and most importantly, proper education and messaging with staff and volunteers about the upcoming EAS test is critical. The test is more than tones over your broadcast. The national EAS effort is a chance for radio stations to remind audiences about our valued role in the nation’s media infrastructure. Where internet access remains spotty, radio is there. Where communities search for trust, radio is present. The national EAS test is our time to remind listeners of our place in their lives.

No matter who you are in radio, the EAS is your obligation. Community radio stations, low-power FM stations, everyone is required to participate and complete the appropriate reporting once the EAS test is over. You have a few months to resolve any issues before you.

Don’t wait until August.

The post Community Broadcaster: Urgent Action appeared first on Radio World.

Swiss hearing care equipment manufacturer Sonova has acquired Sennheiser’s Consumer Electronics business. The move comes three months after Sennheiser announced it was searching for a new corporate partner that would take over the consumer division — a move that would allow Sennheiser to focus on its Neumann, pro audio and business communications business units.

Sonova Holding AG, headquartered in Stäfa, Switzerland, is a global provider of medical hearing solutions with three core businesses — hearing instruments, audiological care and cochlear implants. Founded in 1947, it has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees and generated sales of ₣2.92 billion [Swiss francs] (US$3.27 billion) in the financial year 2019/20 as well as a net profit of ₣490 million (US$543.2 million).

[Read: Sennheiser Plans a “Repositioning”]

As part of the partnership, a complete transfer of the consumer electronics business’ operations is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. Roughly 600 Sennheiser employees work for the Sennheiser consumer business.

With the takeover of the Sennheiser consumer business, Sonova is adding headphones and soundbars to its product, which includes hearing aids and cochlear implants, among other hearing solutions. A “permanent cooperation” is planned under the joint Sennheiser brand umbrella in order to continue offering Sennheiser customers first-class audio solutions in the future, and a license agreement for future use of the Sennheiser brand has been made.

The move to partner with another company for the consumer business was not a rushed decision, co-CEO Daniel Sennheiser told Pro Sound News in February: “Looking at [our] different business units in more detail, we realized we need different strategies to make them successful. How we can develop all four business segments at the same time with the necessary power, so all markets that we’re in have great growth opportunities? We saw that the consumer part can be really driven to the full extent if we can find a partner and focus on the pro part.”

Sennheiser co-CEO Dr. Andreas Sennheiser noted, “The combination of our strengths provides a very good starting point for future growth. We are convinced that Sonova will strengthen the Sennheiser consumer business in the long term and capture the major growth opportunities.” Both partners see potential for speech-enhanced hearables and for true wireless and audiophile headphones.

Arnd Kaldowski, CEO of Sonova, says: “I am very pleased that Sennheiser has chosen Sonova to further develop the well-renowned consumer division. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues and to building on the combined strengths of both organizations to successfully shape our joint future. The fast-growing market for personal audio devices is rapidly evolving. Combining our audiological expertise with Sennheiser’s know-how in sound delivery, their great reputation as well as their high-quality products will allow us to expand our offering and to create important touchpoints with consumers earlier in their hearing journey.”

The post Sonova Acquires Sennheiser’s Consumer Division appeared first on Radio World.

Three companies with radio stations among their holdings released their third quarter earnings reports following Thursday’s Closing Bell on Wall Street. One enjoyed exceptionally strong digital growth, Entravision. Another saw digital prowess while its recovery across its streaming and broadcast radio assets came in ahead of expectations.

That would be iHeartMedia, and its stock soared on Friday. In contrast, the closest peer it has in the audio media world, Audacy, saw its stock decline on a disappointing Q1 report.

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While the “whip antenna” on two General Motors truck lines gets attention for the one and only reason the automotive company kept it there for its newest models, GM is also attracting eyeballs for something that could eventually impact in-car audio consumption.

Self-driving vehicles are coming.

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