October 19, 2004

Idaho's First Digital Radio Station Is On The Air

KBSS, Sun Valley now also in HD “High Definition” Radio SUN VALLEY, IDAHO – Boise State Radio is proud to announce that its newest radio station, KBSS, Sun Valley, is now also Idaho’s first digital radio station. The station was placed on the air on Oct. 6 with a traditional analog transmitter. On Friday, Oct. 15, the HD “High Definition” equipment was installed and made operational, making it fully functional to both analog and digital receivers. According to Steve Johnston, interim general manager, “Boise State Radio is proud to be a pioneer in this new field of broadcasting. We’re now looking forward to our next digital upgrade project — KBSU AM-730.” Johnston estimates that the Boise station should be fully upgraded by Spring 2005. KBSU AM will likely be the first digital AM radio station in Idaho and the first digital radio station in the Treasure Valley. HD Radio is a new technology that allows AM/FM broadcasters to seamlessly transmit digital quality audio alongside today’s analog-based broadcasts — a tremendous technological leap from today’s familiar analog broadcasts. These digital broadcasts provide listeners with radically improved audio quality and reception. Signal static, hisses and pops are a thing of the past. Data services such as displayed song and artist information, weather and traffic alerts, and much more are now possible and will revolutionize the experience of AM and FM radio. And just like today’s analog AM and FM radio, the digital service is free for consumers. HD Radio requires little or no change in listener behavior since all local radio station dial positions will remain the same. Listeners will simply tune to their favorite programs and stations and receive them in either a digital or analog format depending on their radio. Because stations will begin digital broadcasting using a “hybrid mode” that transmits digital and analog signals simultaneously, listeners with analog receivers will still be able to pick up the broadcast and will be able to seamlessly upgrade to digital at their own pace. Ryan Jones, an analyst with media and entertainment strategies for the Yankee Group, stated, “Of all possible features offered by HD Radio technology, consumers are most interested in its improved sound quality. Yet interactive digital features, like radio recording and on-screen information, will help fuel consumer demand.” HD Radio technology was developed by iBiquity Digital and approved in October 2002 by the Federal Communications Commission. KBSS airs Boise State Radio’s “NPR News 91” program service. NPR News 91 is heard at 91.5 FM, Boise, 88.5 FM, Burley, 91.3 FM Jackpot, 90.7 FM McCall and 91.1 FM Sun Valley. The station carries such NPR favorites as “Morning Edition,” “All Things Considered,” “Day to Day,” “Talk of the Nation” and “Fresh Air with Terry Gross.” In addition, the Statehouse News Bureau in Boise provides local and regional news with reporters in Twin Falls, Coeur d’Alene and throughout the Pacific Northwest. KBSS was built with funds contributed from the public radio listeners of the Wood River Valley and with a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting provided additional funding for the digital equipment for KBSS and KBSU-AM. KBSU-AM is the flagship radio station for Idaho’s Jazz Station. The station is broadcast in Boise on AM 730, in the Magic Valley on AM 1450 and in McCall on FM 89.9. In addition to its mostly jazz programming, the station provides Spanish Language programming on Saturdays and provides Boise State University student-produced programming from 8-10 p.m. Sundays through Fridays. Boise State Radio is the public radio network operating from Boise State University. The network includes NPR News 91, KBSU Arts & Cultural Programming and Idaho’s Jazz Station. Boise State Radio operates twenty broadcast facilities in Idaho and northern Nevada. Additional information is available at http://radio.boisestate.edu. -30- Contact: Steve Johnston, Interim General Manager, Boise State Radio, (208) 426-3760, sbjohnston@boisestate.edu  Media Contact: Kathleen Craven, communications and marketing, (208) 426-3275, kraven@boisestate.edu