What You Think
| User | Opinion | Story |
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Anthony The Koala 10 March 2020 - 1:53pm |
Some remarks on 2GB, 2UE/3EE/4BH, 2CH and 2BL (ABC702). 2GB: I made a remark elsewhere on this site that the 1200-1600 shift belonged to Chris Smith. I also made the remark that if the new presenter brought in the ratings then management should not fix what is not broken. So far the new presenter Deb Knight is producing the goods and then some by 0.3% after replacing Steve Price. Lesson to management - leave it alone. In addition, while I don't have access to more granular data, it appears that the "Wide World Of Sports" (1800-1900) and "Your Money" (1900-2000) are market leaders. But by how much have the ratings increased in the 1800-2000 slot since Ross Greenwood's (1800-2000) departure? I was wrong that programs of one hour in length would result in ratings dropping because the person who likes sport may not like economic issues and vice versa. If the programs work, I would caution against fixing something that works by either expanding the "Wide World Of Sports" OR "Your Money". Nevertheless, it appears that John Stanley's program (2000-0000) shift is a clear winner improving on his previous survey and improving on Steve Price. In sum the lesson for 2GB management: leave it alone and don't fix what ain't broken. 2UE/3EE/4BH: the change from talking sports to music occurred in February. Management have chosen not to include these stations in the survey but from the next survey. 2CH: ratings decreased by 0.8% for the 10+ age group. It's too early if 2UE took that 0.8% share. In addition Smooth's ratings fell by 1.2% (in the 10+ group). Wait until the next survey on the effect of 2UE's programming. On the contrary the other observation is the ratings for Melbourne's "classic hits" style format: Smooth and Gold have increased their share. What of Macquarie's 3EE (Magic) share? Similarly Brisbane's 4KQ increased by 0.1% Like 2UE wait until the next survey for 4BH. 2BL (ABC702): I don't understand why other online media publications make the demarcation between AM and FM stations saying that Kyle and Jackie O are the highest rating FM broadcasters. AM, FM, DAB+ and streaming are methods of conveying a baseband signal. 2BL's breakfast program was 9.4% compared to KIIS's (2WFM, formerly Mix106.5 formerly 2UW) at 8.5%. In sum: 2GB (9 Radio's) management should not fix what isn't broken. We await for the next survey on 2UE/3EE/4BH and whether 2CH and Smooth have lost audience due to that. This is complicated by Melbourne's Gold and Smooth and by Bribane's 4KQ which have increased. Thank you, Anthony of analytic Belfield |
Analysis: Survey 1 2020 |
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Anthony The Koala 10 March 2020 - 1:45pm |
Last year (2019) I made a comment that CWRemix could not be heard in the Chemist Warehouse ('CW') stores. Last week (3-3-2020) I had gone to CW purchase a packet of paracetemol tablets. There was no CWRemix playing in the CW store. What is the economic point of having CWRemix if it is not playing in CW stores? Yet, when you visit your local Coles supermarket, you'll hear Coles Radio as part its background music. One other observation. As at 10-3-2020 at 1342, BOG's DAB+ channel "FUN" have been running a tribute to the music of Marcel Marceau for several weeks. Regards Anthony of observant Belfield |
Coles Radio has another one in the basket |
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Anthony The Koala 9 March 2020 - 10:23am |
I thank the author for writing this article. It is full of positive affirming thoughts and actions. The above comments don't only apply to women. I don't see it as a women-only article. This well applies to males, people with a disability, race and those who may be discriminated for other reasons. Your samples of positive thinking affirmations from various people may even apply to those people from a low socioeconomic status whose thinking may not have been enlightened with ideas and thoughts that were never part of the narrative of a person from a low socioeconomic status. In sum, these positive affirming statements don't apply to women only. It applies to all who have suffered self-limiting behaviour either put on ourselves, put on by other "authority figures", or whatever is perceived to be a self-limiting cultural norm. The list is not exhaustive. Thank you, Anthony of upbeat Belfield |
Messages from women in the radio industry to newcomers |
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Anthony The Koala 6 March 2020 - 3:39pm |
May I also add a further detail about the FTTC (fibre to the curb) powering the NBN's NTD (network terminal device). It may not have been so obvious in my previous remark. As at 06-03-2020, the NTD's power supply is from the mains. There is no DC transformer adapter to convert the 240VAC mains to the NTD's operating current. That is you cannot supply the NTD with DC current externally. Also the NTD does not accommodate spare space for an SLA 12V battery like the FTTP's NTD. References to show that there is no space to accommodate an emergency battery for the NTD. https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/network-technology/fibre-to-the-curb-explained-fttc And page 3 of https://www.nbnco.com.au/content/dam/nbnco2/2018/documents/FTTC_Setup_Guide_1830077.pdf There's hope - you can connect a power supply to the FTTC's NTD: While it appears that you cannot provide a backup, one can use an inverter/charger/ups with a 12V backing battery. The 12V battery connected to the UPS can last even longer than the 'advertised' running time of 4 hours. Distinction between NTD and router - applied to the FTTC: The NTD refers to the connection box between the NBN's line and the provider's router. The provider's router refers to router supplied by one's preferred retailer of telephonic and internet services. This router is connected to the NTD and provides connections to a phone (with tone dialling NOT rotary dialling) and internet (data). Follow the instructions of one's provider's router, This applies to households and radio broadcasters who use the internet for transmitting and receiving broadcast audio. Thank you, Anthony of Belfield |
Embrace innovations in audio: Joan Warner at #DBS2020 |
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Reader 6 March 2020 - 10:53am |
Here is an further angle to the powering of NBN services. My mother in law is in her 80s and has one of those emergency call systems around her neck for medical emergencies. She was recently 'upgraded' to the NBN. Then her emergency call system told her that the phone lines supplied by the NBN would not be powered during a blackout and that she should convert to a SIM powered mobile system. Thankfully the government has realised the problem and offers subsidies to cover the cost of that... but why is this not talked about when discussing the NBN roll out. It seems that it would be an important thing to be aware of. Thanks to StJohn and AnthonyKoala for discussing it. | Embrace innovations in audio: Joan Warner at #DBS2020 |
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Anthony The Koala 6 March 2020 - 10:48am |
Mr StJohn made a valuable observation in regards a power failure in an FTTN (fibre to the node) connection where smart speakers may be utilized in an emergency situation. Here are applications for various connection types such as FTTP, FTTB, FTTC, FTTN, HFC and Sky Muster™ which may apply to broadcasting stations and households. FTTP (fibre to the premises) - a fibre optic cable is connected to the premises. There is no electrical connection from the fibre optic cable to the premises. Power is required to power up the network terminal device ('NTD'), the interface between the fibre optic cable and the provider's router. If there is a power blackout, two-way communications is not possible to the fibre optic cable's NTD. However an external battery may allow operation of the NTD and router for a specified number of hours depending on the capacity of the battery. Typically it's 4 hours according to the NBNCo. Remark not mentioned on the NBNCo site: While the fibre optic cable continues to emit light during a power blackout, there is NOTHING to indicate the source of powering the fibre optic cable transceivers (transmitter/receiver). For example if the power goes out at the transceiver's source - that is where is the power source of the fibre optic cable system? FTTB (fibre to the building) - even though there is a fibre optic to the building, unlike FTTP, there is no ability to connect a power backup system during a power blackout. Remark: In such a situation, for radio studios using IP communications from the studio to the tx, the radio station should seek an alternative to FTTB including installing FTTP and/or a microwave link from studio to tx. FTTC (fibre to the curb) - a fibre optic cable runs in front of the premises. Four premises are connected to a hub located in the pit. Each premises uses a copper cable from the hub to the premises. Power is required to power the hub from the premises. In a blackout, no two-way communication is possible using FTTC. However a backup system is possible through the use of a battery backup to power the FTTC's NTD and router connected to the NTD. Remark not mentioned on the NBNCo site: laser light from the fibre optic cable terminates at the hub. The particular hub connection to the premises requires hub. Suppose there is backup power in the premises, like FTTP, there is nothing to indicate in the NBNCo's website the source of power of the fibre optic transceivers (transmitter/receiver). FTTN (fibre to the node) - a fibre optic cable runs to a node. The node is powered by the mains and should there be a power failure there is a battery backup located in the node. Within the node, there are interfaces between the fibre optic cable and the copper wire for each household. The household's copper cable is interfaced to a NTD and then router. In a blackout, the household's NTD and provider's router will not operate. No backup battery of the NTD and provider's router is possible at the premises. The only backup is possible at the node. Remark not mentioned on the NBNCo site: StJohn mentioned that if the node's backup battery fails, then communication via the internet and voip telephone fail. HFC (hybrid fibre coaxial) - if a blackout occurs, backup power is not possible at the premises at all. FW (fixed wireless) - during a blackout, no backup power is possible especially if the fixed wireless towers have no backup. Remark: for households, have a mobile phone as as backup. For radio studios, consider using alternative means of communicating between studio and tx such as a microwave link. According to the NBNCo, in such a situation, where a "...premises is located within a Fixed Wireless and Sky Muster™ satellite area...", the householder "...will have the option of keeping the existing landline phone service active across the copper network....." Source NBNCo. Sky Muster™ satellite - power backup is possible. But if the satellite loses power, the household may still have access to the 'landline' (POTS) system. Householders may need to talk to the provider. I avert readers to the NBNCo's information on power failures to the various methods of NBN connection: Source: https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/what-happens-in-a-power-blackout Thank you, Anthony of exciting Belfield |
Embrace innovations in audio: Joan Warner at #DBS2020 |
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StJohn 5 March 2020 - 1:24pm |
As it has been pointed out previously by CRA digital broadcasting is the cheapest way of getting the program from a studio to a large audience. If all of the audience use smart speakers and landline & mobile phones and there is an emergency these devices will not work meaning no warnings when no one owns a radio. In the recent fires the tower serving Bateman's Bay/Moruya was burnt. This stopped mobile phones and wireless internet from working. Even without burning the tower the power line to the site is burnt down, Fire controllers will not allow a tanker filled with diesel to drive to the tower site to replenish the generator every day. Remember also that lots of Australians have Fibre to the Node NBN and if the power fails in that street, when the batteries in the Node cabinet go flat, the smart speaker and the computers will no longer receive warnings. This also applies to mobile phone base stations as well. |
Embrace innovations in audio: Joan Warner at #DBS2020 |
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Anthony The Koala 5 March 2020 - 6:12am |
Dear StJohn, Thank you for your informative reply, especially the distinction between orbiting and geo-stationary satellites. You gave an application on the use of a servo mounted on a moving ship in order to track a geo-stationary satellite. In regards to standards informing ACMA policy, while I cannot give an example, may I suggest that industry and other interest groups involved in lobbying and consultation may also contribute and inform the ACMA's policy formation. In addition when you mentioned the ability to broadcast hyperlinks, it was not necessarily limited to emergency situations. A DRM+/DAB+ radio fitted with a wireless and/or wired network connection could well inform the broadcaster or sponsor or other entity in regards to (i) feedback to the particular entity requesting information from the user (listener) for example whether the listener likes/dislikes the music track and (ii) providing further information to the user about a sponsor's product/service. The applications of having a wireless/wired network attached to the DRM+/DAB+ receiver are endless and not limited to what I mentioned. But then even if the applications of hypertext to a wired/wireless connected DRM+/DAB+ radio is possible, could such applications be monetized. This is apart from the application to emergency radio. Finally in my experience of LED lighting operating from the mains, I have opened a failed LED light. Obviously I have disconnected the failed LED lamp. Having dismantled the LED, the failure is not necessarily the smd (surface mount device) LED elements but rather the switchmode supply. The LED components work OK. And yes the power supply of the LED lamp consists of a bridge rectifier, a transformer and regulator IC. The cost in price and time of replacing the regulating IC may well be prohibitive. Nevertheless, the mains-operated LED lamp is a radio communications device under s48(1) of the Radiocommunications Act (Cth). Given that switchmode power supplies integrated into the mains-operated LED lamp produce RF, these devices have to comply with the minimum level of RF emissions. Thank you, Anthony of exciting Belfield |
Commercial Radio wants a nationwide roll out of DAB+ for emergencies |
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StJohn 4 March 2020 - 6:03pm |
Anthony, The short rod antennas used for satellite communications is for the low orbit satellites which are continuously moving in the sky and are typically used for GPS and phones. Go to the Telstra site for satellite phone charges.... VAST carrying ABC radio is 36,000 km from earth over New Britain. The antenna on the satellite is shaped to cover the whole of Australia which is why a dish must be used. "The Spirit of Tasmania" has VAST reception whilst at sea and uses a radome covered dish with servo. As I said the USA has the only operational pay radio satellite service covering a much smaller area than Australia when seen from above the equator. So our signal strength is lower. If you use low orbit satellites they all have to radiate your signal increasing the price to make it uneconomic. No one is going to buy a satellite radio just for the occasional probably irrelevant emergency warning. All the ACMA has to do is to convene a meeting of the Australian Standards and update the digital radio standard and then get legislation to make it compulsory requirement for sale. This is what has happened with the Design standards for vehicles. The digital radio standard is not compulsory at present. Whilst digital broadcasters can transmit hyperlinks, the whole point is for the emergency system to work when the mobile broadband/Wireless and fibre to the node does not. All switchmode power supplies contain a bridge rectifier. Remember that all the LED lighting use switchmode power supplies. Right through to large motors for controlling the speed eg. electric trains. Medium Frequency (AM) coverage area depends on the conductivity of the ground not only at the transmitter. Most of Australia is very dry! From my experience in the emergency services, the situation commanders from the police, fire, ambulance and others involved meet in one place and can all see and talk to each other to determine tactics. As a result they can say to the main roads, block these roads and this same message along with the geographic coordinates, could be sent from a computer in the command centre to the ABC for broadcast through the EWS system. Since the messages are queued in the EWS system the BOM can insert weather maps from their mainframe computer when updates are generated. The commanders will have a digital radio so they can see what is broadcast at any time. |
Commercial Radio wants a nationwide roll out of DAB+ for emergencies |
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Anthony The Koala 4 March 2020 - 6:22am |
The jettisoning of AAP is $5 million from a planned $100 million cut to Nine Media's budget. Cuts are a necessary part of business in order to survive. Currently Nine's FTA earnings are down 36% while its radio business's revenue dropped 63%. News Corp will cut $10 million from its costs. https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/nine-entertainment-plans-100m-in-cuts-as-free-to-air-struggles/news-story/668bc1be0df567ea8f8ea7962fe56daa (subscription needed) https://mumbrella.com.au/australian-associated-press-to-close-in-june-619686 Sure some of the affected staff will be absorbed into Nine's and News Corp's newsroom. But not all. https://www.9news.com.au/national/aap-closure-aap-newwire-pagemasters-job-losses-media-news/307f708f-2516-4ce6-b9d5-28ca5327d56a AAP has been a great training ground for many aspiring journalists. "Great" means that the trainees were rotated in covering racing, finance, the courts and parliaments. Many of the court and parliamentary reports not covered by the main media providers have been provided by the journalists of AAP. While 2GB's resident court reporter Gil Taylor covers the courts, will the staff absorbed into Nine Media from AAP cover those issues formerly covered by AAP such as the courts and parliaments? Remember that our parliaments report the laws made in parliament, the politics and machinations between various MPs and lobbyists while the courts interpret the laws and those who violate the laws. Time will tell on whether reports from our parliaments and courts will continue in depth. AAP's CEO Mr Bruce Davidson to "drop the axe" on AAP was due to the "...decline in the number of media companies subscribing to its services in recent years..." https://www.9news.com.au/national/aap-closure-aap-newwire-pagemasters-job-losses-media-news/307f708f-2516-4ce6-b9d5-28ca5327d56a. Mr Davidson's statement may well be valid. If AAP's revenues continue to decline due to media companies not supporting AAP's service, the business would not be viable. Consequently there's the risk of media organisations not relying on AAP not using news sources as unverified. I stress the word "risk" as the AAP may not be the only source of verified news. However, there may be a reputational risk of the particular media organisation if it uses unverified news. Taken to its extreme, you cannot rely on the truth of social media's production of news which may well bear false witness against God. The same could well be said of printed magazines. The day that social media and some print magazines tell the truth will be the day that martians land in Canowindra and chooks lay square eggs. Unlikely. It follows that there may well be one source of media that most Australians trust, that is our ABC. Like a person being regular from a high-fibre diet, the ABC is regularly under attack as it has been by News Corp for many decades. The ABC funding model from appropriations from the Federal Parliament: In 2018, the IPA wanted the ABC to be privatised, https://ipa.org.au/ipa-today/ipa-urges-rethink-of-state-ownership-of-the-abc. As recently as the 17th February 2020, there may be inspiration from No. 10 Downing St who want to change the funding model of the BBC from a licence to a subscription service. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-51530752 What is to stop a think tank in Australia wanting to change the ABC to a subscription model? The current BBC model allows for exemptions from the TV licence for people aged 75 and over. The subscription model does not provide for concessions. The issue of bias especially in the ABC's coverage of "climate change" may well be a valid statement. But it is out of the scope of the topic. A separate topic on a proposed subscription method of funding the ABC could well address the topic of bias. It is valid to say that the quality of news costs money. The ABC is no different. That's why the current funding model is an appropriation from the Federal Parliament. If the trend in private enterprise is to diminish the quality of the verifiability of news continues, the only source is the public good produced by our ABC. Putting the ABC behind a paywall and subscription service is to put access to a public good in fewer hands. Thank you, Anthony of researching Belfield |
AAP to close after 85 years |
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