Originally streamed August 21, 2025
This is Part 1 of a three-part series that discusses the effects of changes in the noise environment at AM frequencies, particularly indoors. John Kean and Gary Cavell of Cavell Mertz & Associates/Capitol Airspace Group lead the discussion that reviews a recent roadway study for NRSC that found comparatively low noise for daytime vehicular reception and showed night-time coverage has degraded due to allocation matters that added stations or reduced separation.
The effects of adjacent-channel interference, changes in program content audio and audio processing are also reviewed. Participants learn that with a simple change in their transmission bandwidth, broadcasters can substantially reduce this mutual interference and even improve their own audio.
Instructors
John Kean, Cavell Mertz & Associates, Inc./Capitol Airspace Group
As a member of Cavell Mertz and Associates (now part of Capitol Airspace Group), John applies 40 years of experience in television and radio technology. He was Senior Technologist at National Public Radio until retirement in 2015, directing network projects and technical studies at NPR Labs as well as support for FCC filings.
John started in radio as chief engineer at KBZT FM in San Diego, leaving to join NPR in 1980. In 1986 he began consulting engineering with Jules Cohen and Associates, followed by Moffet Larson and Johnson in 1988. He returned to NPR in 2004 to help launch NPR Labs.
John is a recipient of Engineering Achievement Awards from both the NAB and the Association of Public Radio Engineers. He authored chapters of the NAB Engineering Handbook, editions 7, 8, 9 and 11, and remains active in the Audio Engineering Society and National Radio Systems Committee where he has chaired numerous committees. He holds a U.S. patent for an algorithm to determine digital broadcast radio coverage.
Gary Cavell, Cavell Mertz & Associates, Inc./Capitol Airspace Group
A 40-plus year broadcast veteran, Gary Cavell is a recipient of the NAB Engineering Achievement Award for Radio, and the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society’s Award for Outstanding Broadcast Engineering. He served as editor-in-chief for the 11th edition of the NAB Engineering Handbook and has published many articles on practical aspects of broadcasting over the years.
Gary has been a lecturer and faculty member of the NAB Educational Foundation’s Broadcast Leadership Training program, has been a lecturer for the NAB Broadcast Technology and Engineering Internship Program, the Voice of America’s/IBB US Technical Training Institute, and was a developer and co-presenter of RF Bootcamp sessions during several NAB conventions.
Gary is a member of several professional organizations including the SBE and is Life Member of both SMPTE and IEEE. He is a past president of the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society. Gary is a Certified Master Thermographer, holds a Drone Aircraft Pilot Certificate, an amateur radio Extra Class operator’s license, an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator’s License, and is an instrument-rated private pilot.
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Registration and Pricing
SBE Members: $90
MemberPlus Members: Free
Non-Members: $120
Questions?
If you have questions regarding this course, contact Cathy Orosz via email or by phone at 317-846-9000.
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