Arlington, VA - Feb 02, 2007 - A new study addressing the quality of AM broadcasts when stations reduce the bandwidth of their transmitted signals to less than 10kHz is providing the National Radio Systems Committee (NRSC) with information on possible ways to improve the listener experience with AM radio. The study will help the NRSC's AM Broadcasting (AMB) Subcommittee determine if any changes should be made to the NRSC standards that define optimal bandwidths for AM transmitters and receivers.

The NRSC is jointly sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). Its purpose is to study and make recommendations for technical standards that relate to radio broadcasting and the reception of radio broadcast signals.

When the subcommittee began considering the study, it was noted that some broadcasters have already reduced the bandwidth of their analog AM signals 5kHz or 6kHz in an effort to reduce the interference in the AM band. This is done based on the understanding that most consumer receivers are already bandlimited to 5kHz or less. A proposal was put forth for the NRSC to consider reducing the bandwidth specification in NRSC-1, -2 and -3 to something less than 10kHz. The subcommittee decided to study analog AM receivers and consumer reaction to reduced bandwidth before any changes could be made.

Before considering potential changes to the NRSC-1, -2, and -3 standards, the AMB is sharing the results of the AMSTG study and seeks industry input.

The complete study results and a summary are posted on the NRSC website.