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 JOINT  STATEMENT  OF  COMMISSIONERS  KATHLEEN  Q.  ABERNATHY  AND  KEVIN  J.  MARTIN 
 Re:  Digital  Audio  Broadcasting  Systems  and  Their  Impact  on  Terrestrial  Radio  Broadcast  Service,  MM  Docket  No.  99-  325  (adopted  October  10,  2002) 


 We  support  today’s  decision  selecting  in-  band,  on-  channel  (IBOC)  as  the  technology  to  be  used  by  AM  and  FM  broadcasters  for  the  introduction  of  digital 
 broadcasting.  We  commend  the  work  of  the  industry  for  developing  a  model  that  will  not  require  allocation  of  additional  spectrum  and  will  allow  for  an  efficient  transition  to 
 digital  radio,  during  which  time  consumers  will  be  able  to  receive  their  current  services  without  disruption.  Today’s  order  allows  broadcasters  to  initiate  IBOC  transmission  on 
 an  interim  basis,  thus  ensuring  that  the  radio  industry  can  begin  to  take  advantage  of  the  advancements  that  digital  broadcasting  has  to  offer. 


 As  broadcasters  face  technological  limitations  and  competitive  challenges,  the  ability  to  move  quickly  toward  digital  audio  broadcasting  has  become  increasingly 
 important.  Digital  radio  will  allow  the  industry  to  respond  in  a  timely  manner  to  the  competition  that  they  face  from  satellite  radio  services  and  holds  great  promise  for  the 
 revitalization  of  AM  service.  In  addition,  the  iBiquity  system  gives  broadcasters  the  flexibility  of  providing  auxiliary  services.  Thus,  consumers  will  be  able  to  receive  a 
 better  quality  audio  signal  now  and  may  ultimately  benefit  from  the  development  of  innovative  offerings,  such  as  multiple  audio  streams  and  data  and  interactive  services. 


 We  do  recognize  that  there  may  be  some  interference  with  existing  services,  but  we  believe  that  the  impact  will  be  minimal  and  is  outweighed  by  the  benefits  of  digital 
 audio  broadcasting.  We  are,  however,  particularly  concerned  about  the  potential  for  interference  to  some  receivers  used  for  radio  reading  services  for  the  blind  or  visually 
 impaired.  We  are  pleased  that  the  Commission  will  seek  comment  on  measures  to  protect  these  established  subcarrier  services  in  its  FNPRM.  In  the  interim,  we  expect  that 
 broadcasters  will  work  closely  with  the  affected  parties  to  resolve  these  issues  without  intervention  from  the  Commission.  We  are  optimistic  that,  in  the  short-  term,  interference 
 issues  can  be  resolved  and,  in  the  long-  term,  the  quality  and  availability  of  radio  reading  services  will  benefit  from  the  technological  advancements  of  digital  audio  radio  service. 
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