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2007 NASB/USA DRM Annual Meeting 
Details on NASB Website or click NASB/USA DRM

USA DRM was formed in May 2004.  The organizational meeting was held at the headquarters of Radio Free Asia in Washington DC in conjunction with the annual meeting of the National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters (NASB).

The international Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium had encouraged the formation of national or regional groups (or "platforms" as they are also called).  There are now active DRM national platforms in Germany, the U.S. and several other countries.  The purpose of the USA DRM Group is to promote the introduction of DRM in the United States, on shortwave and other bands.  Its main focus has so far been on shortwave, since the FCC has already authorized the use of DRM by U.S.-licensed shortwave stations.  DRM broadcasts on mediumwave and local 26-MHz channels have also been done on an experimental basis in the U.S.  The USA DRM Group has also helped promote DRM tests in Mexico on shortwave and mediumwave.  One of its other objectives is to maintain good relationships with shortwave listener organizations in the U.S. and to keep them informed about developments regarding both DRM transmissions and DRM receivers that are available.

Because the United States is one of the largest potential markets for DRM worldwide, and as with many other technologies, other countries are watching what happens in the U.S. before they make decisions on technologies to adopt, it is important that USA DRM takes the lead.

USA DRM does not have formal members as such, but many if not most participants are members of the international DRM Consortium who are based in the U.S. or Canada.  USA DRM invites all interested parties to attend its annual meetings.  Attendees come from all over the U.S., plus there are always a few from Canada, Europe and elsewhere.  These are key players among broadcasters, transmitter and other equipment manufacturers, consultants, radio listeners, radio publications, etc.

Adil Mina, V.P. of Business Development for Continental Electronics, is the current Chairman of the USA DRM Group.  Other members of the Steering Board include Jeff White, President of the National Association of Shortwave Broadcasters;  Mike Adams of Far East Broadcasting Company; Charlie Jacobson of HCJB World Radio; Don Spragg of Continental Electronics; Richard D'Angelo of the North American Shortwave Association; and others.

The 2007 USA DRM Annual Meeting will be held on May 10, 2007, at the HCJB Engineering Headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana.  It will be followed by the NASB Annual Meeting at the same location on May 11.  For more details as they become available, see:  www.shortwave.org/meeting.htm.

Send your comments, questions, etc. to:  drm@wrmi.net.