Journalism Chapter 10 Homework What is the classification of stations that are protected from objectionable interference by other radio stations within their primary service areas

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Chapter 10: Engineering

Overview

Topics for this chapter include: pioneer engineers, radio technology, AM/FM, Digital Audio

Broadcasting (DAB), becoming an engineer, the engineer’s duties, the emergency alert system,

automation, posting licenses and permits.

Student Objectives

Upon completing the study of this chapter, the student will have acquired a knowledge of:

xBasic radio technological terminology;

Discussion Topics

xDiscuss why an FM station with a much more limited signal range than a competing

AM station will nevertheless be more profitable.

Class Activities

xVisit online sites and examine and compare different computer applications being

used in broadcast technology.

Assignment

xHave the students form work-study groups and do a research project. Identify a group

of radio stations in your market area operated by a single broadcasting corporation.

The project is to determine the transmitter locations, frequencies, and power for each

QUIZ: Chapter 10: Engineering

1. What is one of the main advantages of FM signals?

__ a. Signal travels further using ground waves

__ b. Transmission occurs at much lower frequencies

__ c. Broadcasts on a smaller channel

__ d. The signal is static free.

2. Of AM and FM, which is the type of transmission that is limited to line-of-sight?

__ a. AM

__ b. FM

__ c. FM on cable radio systems

__ d. AM radio on satellites

3. Because of “skywave Interference,” what must some AM stations do?

__ a. Only broadcast at night

__ b. Sign off at sunset

__ c. Nothing—not subject to constraints

__ d. Switch to another frequency on FM

4. What is the classification of stations that are protected from objectionable interference by other

radio stations within their primary service areas?

__a. Regional channel

__b. Clear channel

__c. Local channel

__d. Low-power channel

5. Satellite signals are sent from:

__a. Satellites orbiting 22,000 miles out in space

__b. The Internet

__c. A network of smart phones

__d. Car radios

6. What is the geographical reach of Internet radio?

__ a. The immediate metropolitan area

__ b. The dorms on your campus

__ c. Anyone anywhere with Internet access

__ d. Anywhere in the range of the Internet satellite system

7. What is the main advantage of DAB over analog AM and FM?

__ a. DAB works better in mobile settings such as a car radio

__ b. DAB uses more power to broadcast, thus improving signal strength

__ c. DAB broadcasts exclusively on the Internet

__ d. DAB provides greater frequency response and dynamic range

8. What is the most important requirement to become a radio broadcasting engineer?

__ a. A First Class Radiotelephone Operator’s Permit from the FCC

__ b. Hands-on technical experience

__ c. A college degree in electronics engineering

__ d. On-air experience as a disc jockey or newscaster

9. What is one of the primary duties of the chief engineer?

__ a. To develop computerized systems for billing purposes

__ b. Install, maintain, and adjust equipment

__ c. Maintain programming of music systems like Selector

__ d. Program the station’s DAB systems

10. The system used for communicating with the public during an emergency is currently known as:

__ a. EBS (Emergency Broadcasting System)

__ b. EAS (Emergency Alert System)

__ c. FAS (Federal Alert System)

__ d. EAT (Emergency Action Test)

11. In the mid-1960s, the FCC required that AM/FM stations in markets of greater than 100,000

must:

__ a. Originate separate programming for certain AM and FM stations

__ b. Simulcast AM and FM programming

__ c. Only broadcast either AM or FM

__ d. Simulcast TV programming

ANSWER SHEET

Chapter 10: Essay Questions

1. Of AM and FM, which is the type of transmission that is limited to line-of-sight?

2. What are the three classes of “Clear Channel” stations?

3. What is the current state of satellite radio?

4. What are the geographical limits of Internet radio?

5. What are some of the advantages of DAB?

6. What is one of the most important requirements to become a radio broadcasting

engineer?

7. What does a Proof of Performance involve?

8. What is the system used for communicating with the public during an emergency

currently known as?

9. In the mid-1960s, the FCC required that AM/FM operations in markets of greater than

100,000 must do what?

Chapter 10: Essay Question Answers

1. Of AM and FM, which type of transmission is limited to line-of-sight?

In contrast to AM signal radiation, FM propagates its radio waves in a direct or

2. What are the three classes of “Clear Channel” stations?

Class A station: A Class A station is an unlimited time station that operates on a

clear channel and is designed to render primary and secondary service over an

3. What is the current state of satellite radio?

Satellite radio signals come from over 22,000 miles out in space. Two companies,

Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio, began operating in the early 2000s

4. What are the geographical limits of Internet radio?

5. What are some of the advantages of DAB?

Digital provides greater frequency response and dynamic range. Thus, more audio

information is conveyed to the listener, who hears more. Another positive feature

6. What is one of the most important requirements to become a radio broadcasting

engineer?

Most station managers or chief engineers look for experience when hiring technical

7. What does a proof of performance involve?

Checking the station’s technical performance: frequency response, harmonic

8. What is the system used for communicating with the public during an emergency is

currently known as?

In 1994, the FCC established the Emergency Alert System (EAS), which replaced

9. In the mid-1960s, the FCC required that AM/FM operations in markets of greater than

100,000 must do what?

The FCC’s decision in the mid-1960s requiring that AM/FM operations in markets