FCC rules just went into effect allowing FM stations to originate programming on boosters, effectively giving them the right to target ads to certain segments of their coverage area. The rule was approved in November 2024 but adopted in late July. 

In San Diego, Audacy’s KWFN 97.3 has a system with a main transmitter in Southeast San Diego and four independent boosters, each with HD capability. They could sell ads unique to booster coverage areas in La Jolla, Carlsbad, San Marcos, or Romona. The new rules allow up to three minutes per hour of independent broadcasting.

One limiting factor is with mobile receivers. When moving between coverage zones, a listener in an automobile would hear an ad being interrupted by a different ad. And with terrain shielding, as is likely in North County, these switches could occur frequently as one signal dominates another with movement. KWFN would have to file with the FCC to allow this operation. 

GeoBroadcast Solutions introduced the geotargeting concept, proposed the new rules, and developed the concept with several broadcasters, including KWFN. I was involved in helping to set up the boosters in 2021.  Precise timing with GPS helps to make synchronized boosters viable. Terrain helps isolate the booster from the main signal, but hills in the booster coverage area can make mobile reception tricky. Also, using boosters in a metro area like San Diego can be hindered by adjacent channel reception, especially when trying to maintain a digital HD sideband signal. 

[From National SBE and local reports]

The Society of Broadcast Engineers has announced the recipients of the 2025 SBE National Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements by individual members, local chapters, and Sustaining Member companies. Among the organization’s highest honors are the Robert W. Flanders SBE Engineer of the Year and the James C. Wulliman SBE Educator of the Year awards.

Doug Irwin, CPBE, AMD, DRB, of Burbank, CA, a member of SBE Chapter 47 Los Angeles, has been named the 2025 Robert W. Flanders SBE Engineer of the Year. With nearly four decades of experience on both coasts, Irwin manages one of the most complex and influential radio operations in the country. His career has navigated the challenges of industry consolidation and evolving technologies, yet he remains deeply committed to advancing engineering standards and mentoring the next generation of professionals. As one Chapter 47 member stated, “Doug exemplifies unwavering dedication and genuine passion for broadcast engineering.”

Matthew Wilson Anderson, CSRE, staff engineer at iHeartMedia, was named SBE Chapter 47 Los Angeles Engineer of the Year. Matt was formerly with San Diego State University, KPBS, and iHeartMedia in San Diego before moving to Los Angeles. He’s been a chapter leader for years. 

I’ve had the privilege of working with both Doug and Matt as Event Frequency Coordinators in the NFL and can tell you they make critical tasks look easy and have interpersonal and leadership skills second to none. Both Doug and Matt were instrumental in helping build the iHeart infrastructure with redundancy that allows for high reliability with a low staff level, lower stress, and free weekends. 

Read here for more winners of the 2025 SBE Awards Program. 

The SBE and Los Angeles Chapter 47 will host the Leadership Development Course October 8 through 10 this year.

The event will be held at the KPCC Crawford Family Forum, 474 South Raymond Ave., Pasadena, CA 91105.

Dr. Abram Walton, founder of Ivory Bridge Group, presents this three-day interactive workshop.

Your registration cost includes three full days of instruction, course materials, a recognition certificate and photo. Continental breakfast and classroom beverages are served. Lunch options will be available and will be at the cost of the participant.

This is a highly valuable course for engineers wishing to extend their technical knowledge to people skills and management.

More information and registration can be found here.