Explore how Linux can offer broadcasters a secure, customizable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional platforms. Designed for engineers, IT professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about the benefits of Linux, it will cover built-in security features, ways to extend the life of older hardware, and the advantages of a stable, lightweight system free of unnecessary bloat. The discussion will also address potential drawbacks, including the learning curve and user-friendliness, to provide a balanced view of whether Linux is the right fit for your operations.

The presentation provides an overview of broadcast microwave technology and its application in ATSC 1.0 and ATSC 3.0 broadcast. We will start with an overview, history and system review. Next, we will review the most common Broadcast FCC Licensed Frequency bands. Followed by Path Design, or Verification, tools and techniques. Finally, a discussion of real-world deployment, commissioning and maintenance of a broadcast microwave link.

Brief Summary: Broadcast microwave remains a critical part of broadcast infrastructure, providing flexibility, reliability, and cost-effective solutions for signal distribution. As the industry evolves from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0, broadcast microwave technologies are adapting to support IP-based workflows.

This session will cover key developments in Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasting, including pending FCC rule changes, the shift from hardware to software-based solutions (including software-based redundancy), updates regarding the discontinuation of SAGE’s hardware platform, and new descriptive audio mandates for television broadcasters.

ATSC 3.0, marketed as “NEXTGEN TV” to consumers, now reaches 76% of U.S. viewers including more than a dozen markets in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.

Broadcasters are sharing transmission facilities, anticipating the eventual end of ATSC 1.0 and full transition to ATSC 3.0 service. While the policy discussions are underway in Washington, TV broadcasters are innovating and adding new features and capabilities to ATSC 3.0 broadcasts. Local stations are adding High Dynamic Range video and Dolby Atmos audio signaling, which greatly enhances the consumer experience (until the eventual arrival of broadcast 4K, after the transition is complete.)

Innovations like “Program Re-Start” and interactive gaming channels are also coming online, as are virtual channels made possible by ATSC 3.0’s internet connectivity, allowing local stations to stream weather forecasts, news reports, sports updates, and more. In the wings are future enhancements like specific emergency and information alerting by zip code and new revenue from datacasting, since broadcasting itself is the original wireless platform. A panel of industry experts who work with ATSC – The Broadcast Standards Association — will address these developments.

As both the media ecosystem and the United States’ spectrum needs continue to evolve, broadcast technology can’t help but be affected. The FCC’s recent “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative signals potential deregulation, meaning some long-standing technical rules could soon be altered or eliminated. At the same time, the coming years will likely see reconfiguring of various spectrum bands currently used by broadcasters. And, of course, FCC enforcement activities are likely to remain “evergreen” categories of potential regulatory exposure for broadcasters. This panel will break down the current FCC priorities and possible changes most likely to impact engineers, from engineering to operational standards. Panelists will also provide the latest on ATSC 3.0, outline recent and potential future changes within EAS, and share updates on Congressional activities including the future of AM radio in vehicles and the Local Radio Freedom Act.

A practical session designed to equip non-engineers (station owners, IT staff) or new engineers with the confidence and knowledge to support essential broadcast site upkeep. As technical responsibilities increasingly fall to non-engineering personnel, understanding your role, knowing who to call, and staying on top of routine maintenance, like checking HVAC systems, tower light alarms, and site security, can make a significant difference. The session also covers how to spot potential issues such as nearby construction, changes in drainage or vegetation, and FCC compliance risks. By fostering good habits like maintaining visit logs, posting emergency contacts, and labeling equipment, you can meaningfully support your engineering team. Most importantly, the session reinforces that you don’t need to be an expert, just observant, proactive, and safety-conscious to help keep your station reliably on the air. 

This session is a practical guideline for recruitment and onboarding of new broadcast engineers, covering strategies, essential tools, and key SBE resources. It’s also designed for mentors, tenured engineers, and managers to ensure our industry is effectively locating, attracting and supporting our next generation of engineers. Drawing from real-world case studies, discussions will highlight both proven approaches and common misconceptions, with ample time for Q&A. Attendees will walk away with actionable lessons and tools valuable for new engineers.

Broadcasters face unique challenges as they attempt to keep their station on the air when failures occur. This presentation provides practical guidance for maintaining uninterrupted transmission during system failures including proper monitoring of unattended systems. Topics include STL (Studio-to-Transmitter Link) systems-covering types and best practices-along with power solutions, backup transmitters and sites, redundancy strategies for playout systems, studios, and audio transport, as well as effective recovery planning. Attendees will gain actionable insights to build resilient infrastructure and ensure continuous on-air presence, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.

We put transmitters in uninsulated cinderblock buildings at the base of tall lightning rods, at the end of the AC feed from the power company. This session will talk about hardening the site – looking at all aspects of infrastructure including grounding, cooling, physical and data security. With thirty-five years of visits to hundreds of sites, Jeff says, “I never say I’ve seen it all, as it’s taken as a challenge”. There will be photos of things that could be improved, as well as things being done right, as we look at ways to get the best performance from our equipment without breaking the budget. 

Everyone organizes differently, but staying organized can be a challenge during busy times. My goal is to help engineers free up more of their time, energy and brain space without that dreaded to-do list running through their heads at bedtime, resting assured that nothing falls through the cracks. This PowerPoint presentation will focus on projects, tasks and deadlines, why we need to be organized and ways to manage it all. Engineers are already limited on time, staying organized helps.

Monitoring and logging equipment status in a broadcast facility is crucial to operations with the reduction of staff these days. WGVU Public Media recently upgraded its 20 years old remote-control system and chose to take a slightly different approach by utilizing broadcast remote controls, off-the-shelf equipment and free software to enhance our control, monitoring and logging of equipment. This presentation will show the result along with all the tools utilized.

The holy grail of audio processing is that magical element which creates a clean and competitive on-air audio signature. Broadcasters will go to great lengths to achieve an added 0.5 dB in loudness, as long as it can be achieved without added distortion from the processing system.

This presentation will offer detail about a new peak limiting method that accomplishes additional perceived loudness, added clarity, and mitigates multipath concerns, due to audio processing. All of this is accomplished well within the existing FCC broadcast rules, even though the title may suggest otherwise.

The FAA compliance rules for your tower’s obstruction lighting and markings continue to be updated as evidenced by the November 2020 circular. LumenServe℠ will review some vital key aspects of the regulations that you need to know to stay in daily compliance. We will also explore how lighting technology has evolved over the decades and discuss the latest in lighting options. LEDs have been around for many years, however, in the tower lighting world their deployment is creating big changes.

Unexpected equipment could failure results in costly site visits, regulatory burdens, and lost revenue for the operation. This session will include onsite preventative maintenance approaches as well as modern techniques to remotely monitor and control transmitters, tower lighting systems, hardware, and other broadcast components.  Keep your operations running smoothly day in and day out.

Cybersecurity continues to be a priority and often a challenge for many broadcast engineers as cyber threats and tactics continue to evolve. Cybersecurity precautions must be implemented to protect the IP based broadcast plant to insure cybersafe and reliable operation. This presentation will provide an awareness of cybersecurity fundamentals and present a practical step-by-step cybersecurity implementation plan for the broadcast station.