HD FAQ

What’s an HD radio?

An HD radio looks just like any radio. The difference is its ability to pick up extra program channels that commercial broadcasters call “the stations between the stations.” HD radios receive AM/FM and HD channels.

Is HD radio satellite?

No, it has nothing to do with XM or Sirius satellite radio. HD is not a subscription-based service.

What is the reach of an HD signal?

We believe it will equal the reach of KUER’s main FM signal, roughly from Provo to Ogden, Utah. If you leave the HD signal area, the HD radio will lock back onto the standard FM signal. Other than Park City, those listening to KUER via translator will not be able to receive an HD signal. In future years we hope to extend our HD reach to all translators as well.

Why isn’t KUER streaming the music channels online at kuer.org?

We planned to until the music royalty/copyright folks got into a major disagreement similar to the TV writer squabble. We hope it will be settled and allow non-commercial stations like KUER stream what’s being played on HD channels at a modest fee. The plan under review right now makes streaming unaffordable.

What does newsroom expansion mean?

It means directing resources to our local news and information department so that we may do more short and long-form local news features and take RadioWest on the road for remote broadcasts throughout the state.

Will kuer3, the classical music HD channel, be local?

The classical format we’ll offer is collaboration between the two most successful classical music providers in the country: KUSC Los Angeles and KCFR Denver. We intend to add local elements such as Utah Symphony & Opera recordings right from the start. Other elements including University of Utah music recitals will become features as they become available to us.

Why did you choose classical and AAA music formats?

Audience research informs us that KUER listeners enjoy many other radio formats. We know we disappointed thousands of listeners when we removed classical music from our schedule in 2001. We knew that digital technology would at some point allow us to program multiple formats all at 90.1 on the dial. So we were eager to return classical music to KUER. With indie rock, we believe that we have a format that will appeal to a large portion of our current audience and attract younger listeners unfamiliar with KUER. It’s our hope that listeners to any of our three HD channels will try the other two and come to appreciate the richness of each of KUER’s program services.

What programs are you cutting to make room for more local news?

We won’t cut any programs. All of our network news programs: Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and others, have what we call “cutaways” built into the programs. We currently run local news in some of these segments. With added news staff we will insert more in-depth reporting into these segments.

Are you planning extra drives every year to pay for this?

No added drives after this one! It costs a lot of money to install all of the necessary HD technology (one-time expenses). Staffing expenses represent an ongoing investment. All of us in public radio recognize it will take at least five years for consumers to embrace HD radio. Meanwhile there will be ongoing costs.

Where can I buy an HD radio? Do you recommend a model?

We’re offering several different HD radio models as thank you gifts during this drive; including a table-top radio, and a car and home stereo converter component. Like most consumer items, the more bells/whistles, the higher the cost. We’ll continue to feature HD radio models at kuer.org in 2008.

Will I still be able to get KUER on my regular radio?

Yes, in fact all HD radios can receive regular AM/FM as well as HD. If you have a car HD radio and you leave the HD signal area, the radio will automatically find and lock onto the main FM signal of whatever station you’re listening to. In our case that will be KUER 90.1 (kuer1), news and information.

Why aren’t you offering classical music on kuer1?

News and information will remain KUER’s primary service. Only kuer1 will reach our statewide translator network, and that format appeals to the largest number of listeners. Our campaign includes efforts to expand KUER’s local news and information programming.

Is HD radio the same as HD TV?

In a sense, yes. Both replace analog technology with digital. The result in each instance is also similar; better picture-fidelity, and the ability to pack more channels onto the same dial location. Unlike television however, radio’s move to HD was not mandated by Congress.

Will they still make AM/FM radios?

Yes, for the foreseeable future, probably decades.

How many stations are broadcasting on HD?

As stated earlier, HD radios will pick up all AM and FM stations currently on the dial. Right now about a dozen Salt Lake FM stations are broadcasting in HD, to include: all Clear Channel stations, KSL, KUER, KBYU, and KRCL.

Some FM stations have not converted to HD.


	FAQ: KUER's "Drive Toward Digital"
	Here's the place where we answer your Frequently Asked Questions about HD Radio and KUER's new HD Radio channels coming in 2008.

	What’s an HD radio? An HD radio looks just like any radio. The difference is its ability to pick up extra program channels that commercial broadcasters call “the stations between the stations.” HD radios receive AM/FM and HD channels. Is HD radio satellite? No, it has nothing to do with XM or Sirius satellite radio. HD is not a subscription-based service. Back to top. What is the reach of an HD signal? We believe it will equal the reach of KUER’s main FM signal, roughly from Provo to Ogden, Utah. If you leave the HD signal area, the HD radio will lock back onto the standard FM signal. Other than Park City, those listening to KUER via translator will not be able to receive an HD signal. In future years we hope to extend our HD reach to all translators as well. Back to top. Why isn’t KUER streaming the music channels online at kuer.org? We planned to until the music royalty/copyright folks got into a major disagreement similar to the TV writer squabble. We hope it will be settled and allow non-commercial stations like KUER stream what’s being played on HD channels at a modest fee. The plan under review right now makes streaming unaffordable. Back to top. What does newsroom expansion mean? It means directing resources to our local news and information department so that we may do more short and long-form local news features and take RadioWest on the road for remote broadcasts throughout the state. Back to top. Will kuer3, the classical music HD channel, be local? The classical format we’ll offer is collaboration between the two most successful classical music providers in the country: KUSC Los Angeles and KCFR Denver. We intend to add local elements such as Utah Symphony & Opera recordings right from the start. Other elements including University of Utah music recitals will become features as they become available to us. Back to top. Why did you choose classical and AAA music formats? Audience research informs us that KUER listeners enjoy many other radio formats. We know we disappointed thousands of listeners when we removed classical music from our schedule in 2001. We knew that digital technology would at some point allow us to program multiple formats all at 90.1 on the dial. So we were eager to return classical music to KUER. With indie rock, we believe that we have a format that will appeal to a large portion of our current audience and attract younger listeners unfamiliar with KUER. It’s our hope that listeners to any of our three HD channels will try the other two and come to appreciate the richness of each of KUER’s program services. Back to top. What programs are you cutting to make room for more local news? We won’t cut any programs. All of our network news programs: Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and others, have what we call “cutaways” built into the programs. We currently run local news in some of these segments. With added news staff we will insert more in-depth reporting into these segments. Back to top. Are you planning extra drives every year to pay for this? No added drives after this one! It costs a lot of money to install all of the necessary HD technology (one-time expenses). Staffing expenses represent an ongoing investment. All of us in public radio recognize it will take at least five years for consumers to embrace HD radio. Meanwhile there will be ongoing costs. Where can I buy an HD radio? Do you recommend a model? We’re offering several different HD radio models as thank you gifts during this drive; including a table-top radio, and a car and home stereo converter component. Like most consumer items, the more bells/whistles, the higher the cost. We’ll continue to feature HD radio models at kuer.org in 2008. Back to top. Will I still be able to get KUER on my regular radio? Yes, in fact all HD radios can receive regular AM/FM as well as HD. If you have a car HD radio and you leave the HD signal area, the radio will automatically find and lock onto the main FM signal of whatever station you’re listening to. In our case that will be KUER 90.1 (kuer1), news and information. Back to top. Why aren’t you offering classical music on kuer1? News and information will remain KUER’s primary service. Only kuer1 will reach our statewide translator network, and that format appeals to the largest number of listeners. Our campaign includes efforts to expand KUER’s local news and information programming. Back to top. Is HD radio the same as HD TV? In a sense, yes. Both replace analog technology with digital. The result in each instance is also similar; better picture-fidelity, and the ability to pack more channels onto the same dial location. Unlike television however, radio’s move to HD was not mandated by Congress. Back to top. Will they still make AM/FM radios? Yes, for the foreseeable future, probably decades. Back to top. How many stations are broadcasting on HD? As stated earlier, HD radios will pick up all AM and FM stations currently on the dial. Right now about a dozen Salt Lake FM stations are broadcasting in HD, to include: all Clear Channel stations, KSL, KUER, KBYU, and KRCL. Some FM stations have not converted to HD. Back to top. Can I direct my gift to a specific initiative during this drive? Yes! Because this drive is part of a larger campaign, gifts can be earmarked for expanding local news, introducing indie rock music or restoring classical music. Many donors have no preference. Back to top. Back to Drive Toward Digital page.

FAQ: KUER's "Drive Toward Digital"