Data Shows Interference from Geotargeted Radio, NAB Says

Data from NPR Labs shows GeoBroadcast Solutions’ ZoneCasting geotargeted radio tech “will cause so much disruption to radio reception that approximately 90% of listeners would almost immediately change the channel or turn off the radio,” said NAB in an ex parte filing posted in docket 20-401 Wednesday. GBS omitted that data in its submissions to the FCC, NAB said. “GBS’s omission in a proceeding designed in part to assess ZoneCasting’s efficacy is glaring," NAB said. "Fortunately for the FCC and the American public, NPR retained the data itself, and produced it for Commission review.” GBS’ testing of the technology has been inadequate, NAB said: “Given the importance of objective, reliable testing across a range of FCC proceedings, the FCC would be setting an alarming new precedent if it deems such insubstantial testing acceptable.” GBS sent a letter to NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt earlier this week to demonstrate industry support for the technology (see 2207200056). "We have been completely transparent with the FCC staff and Commissioners by addressing each and every concern that has been raised, through respected, highly credible and reputable industry experts in the fields of engineering and broadcasting, including the current chair of the FCC’s Technical Advisory Council," said a GBS spokesperson.