WFHB FireHouse Broadcasting

In 2002 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the next generation of radio broadcast technology called HD Radio. It’s been called the most significant advancement in radio broadcasting since the introduction of FM stereo more than 50 years ago. HD Radio technology enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally – a tremendous technological leap from the analog broadcasts of the past, providing a number of dramatic benefits for listeners:

• Multicasting – FM stations will be capable of broadcasting two additional channels, increasing listener programming choice.
• FM radio with near CD-quality sound. No more static, pops, crackles or fades
• Transmission and display of additional information, such as song titles and artists
• Support for music tagging on Apple iTunes and Microsoft products

Public Radio and HD
Recognizing the importance of public broadcasting’s unique educational and cultural mission to Americans, in 2002 Congress began allocating funds to assist both public radio and television stations with their transition from analog to digital broadcast technology. These funds have been administered by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which established The Digital Radio Conversion Fund to accomplish HD Radio conversion for the nation’s public radio stations.  The program requires a financial partnership between CPB and each public radio organization receiving a digital conversion grant – with CPB providing up to 85% of the necessary funding.  It is intended that public radio licensees will generate the remainder of the funds required from philanthropic foundations, businesses and listeners.

The WFHB Digital Conversion Project
In November 2009, WFHB was awarded $56,000 from the CPB Digital Radio Conversion Fund in order to upgrade its analog transmitter to digital. WFHB is required to raise $28,000 in matching funds by March 15, 2010 in order to complete the grant and bring HD radio to our listeners and supporters.

Click here to support the WFHB Go Digital Campaign

For more information on HD radio, visit www.hdradio.com or see these helpful links:

• How does HD radio work?

• HD radio Frequently Asked Questions