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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
