PTFP Radio Study

Click here to use and interact with the Public FM Radio Station Online Viewing Application.
Click here to download the PTFP Radio Study. (.pdf 30MB)

This study performed an in-depth analysis of the current market coverage for each FM and AM station that can guide station-planning efforts to improve coverage and services. In addition, the study tabulated demographic coverage for minorities and specialized audiences, such as citizens with visual or hearing impairment. The information has been aggregated on a state-by-state basis and partitioned by county and market-area for analysis.

The study included collaboration with public radio stations, industry organizations and stakeholders. Unique features are:

• Downloadable data - In addition to printed compendiums, detailed mapping and demographic data are available to all PTFP-eligible entities for download over the Internet by clicking this link (.pdf 30MB)

• Configurable coverage maps - Levels of labeling and detail will be selectable via the Internet gateway to provide enhanced illustrations and analysis;

• Historical projections - Inclusion of key demographic data from a previous US Census to identify historical shifts in population served by public radio; and

• Ongoing support - All data will updated continuously for one year following initial release, to reflect new or changed facilities.

PTFP Television Study

Click here to use and interact with the Public Television Station Online Viewing Application

NPR Labs, in collaboration with PBS Technology and Operations, requested funds from the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program ( PTFP ) to research, prepare and distribute a comprehensive, nationwide study of public television digital coverage, necessitated by the change in the service area of many public television stations due to the shut off of analog signals in February 2009.

The DTV transition caused many stations to change their channels and operate under different broadcast characteristics that will change their service area. This study helps users understand the implications of their new service area, including identifying under-served areas of the country, changes in service area and population, and changes in cable carriage. This study includes TV translators---identified by the study CPB is sponsoring---to create a verified list of TV translators of all CPB-qualified public TV licensees.

The study performed an in-depth analysis of the new market coverage for each public television station that can guide station-planning efforts to improve coverage and services. In addition, the study tabulated demographic coverage for minorities and specialized audiences, such as citizens with visual or hearing impairment. To make the study accessible to the largest range of potential users, the results are presented in this interactive Web-based system.
The study included collaboration with public television licensees, organizations and stakeholders.
Unique features are:

• Downloadable data - In addition to printed compendiums, detailed mapping and demographic data is available to all PTFP-eligible entities for download on the Web;

• Configurable coverage maps - Levels of labeling and detail are selectable via the on-line viewing application to provide enhanced illustrations and analysis;

• Historical projections - Inclusion of key demographic data from a previous U.S. Census to identify historical shifts in population served by public television; and

• Ongoing support - All data will be maintained continuously for one year following its initial release.