What is the future of radio?
The future is HD Radio! A new technology that enables AM and FM radio stations to broadcast their programs digitally, a tremendous technological leap from today's familiar analog broadcasts. These digital broadcasts provide listeners with improved audio quality and reception and new data services. Signal fading, static, hisses and pops are a thing of the past. Data services such as displayed song and artist information will be available.
Imagine tuning into Classical 89.5 and hearing your favorite symphonies with a much clearer, crisper sound. Also imagine being able to toggle back and forth between KMFA and KMFA 2 - enjoying yet another channel of KMFA special interest programs (e.g. longer works and in-depth interviews) High Definition Radio can accomplish all this and more.
What is the listener or consumer's cost?
Unlike subscription satellite or cable services, HD Radio is FREE for consumers, just like today's analog AM and FM radio.
What are the benefits of HD Radio?
- FM broadcasts have near CD-quality sound.
- AM broadcasts will sound as good as today's analog FM stereo.
- Reception is static-free without pops, hiss and fades.
- New data services, such as scrolling text displayed on a radio screen with song titles, artist names and more.
- Opportunity for more advanced data and audio services, such as surround sound, multiple audio sources at the same dial position, on-demand audio services, store-and-replay (so you can store a radio program that airs when you are at work and replay it on your commute home), a 'buy' button for music CD's and concert tickets etc., along with a host of other services.
- No subscription fees.
- Easy transition for broadcasters and consumers by using the existing infrastructure and spectrum and at the same time preserving the existing analog service for as long as needed. This means you can continue listening to your local AM/FM stations on your existing analog radios as well as on your new HD Radio receivers, with all the added services and benefits that HD Radio offers.
If you do not have an HD Radio, KMFA will still be available to you on your existing radio.
How can you help?
In early September, KMFA was awarded a $75,000 grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting - representing 40% of the total estimated funds needed for the project. After learning of the station’s critical need for matching funds to start the project - KMFA is pleased to announce that community leaders Jeff & Gail Kodosky and Bettye & Bill Nowlin have each committed over $50,000 towards the remaining funding needed. Additional revenue for the project was also committed by Carla Goodman, as well as Dr. William Schleuse. Read the full press release here.
