Mitzi T Gramling Minnesota Associate General Counsel June 16, 2004 ,·Public Rad10 <--C ~--=:>---=:> Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary Federal Communications Commission Office ofthe Secretary 445 12th Street SW Washington, DC 20554

Re: Comments re: MM Docket No. 99-325

Dear Secretary Dortch:

Minnesota Public Radio urges the Commission to authorize the use ofHD Radio technology to offer supplemental audio channels with as few restrictions as possible to keep the technology flexible in meeting locally identified strategic needs for public radio stations. Some public radio stations may opt to use the new spectrum to develop a second, and much more affordable, second program stream, others (including Minnesota Public Radio) view the HD technology as a way to improve their sound quality and reduce distorting interference and serve audiences better. We are still considering our options ,and have not yet decided on our exact plans for spectrum use, but we are very excited about the different possibilities afforded by this new technology.

Minnesota Public Radio is a national leader in creating and delivering quality cultural and news and information programming. Minnesota Public Radio operates a 35-station radio network serving virtually all ofMinnesota and parts ofsurrounding states and produces local, regional and national programming for radio, Internet and face-to-face audiences. Ofthose, 660,000 listen regionally in Minnesota and surrounding states. With nearly 83,000 members, it has the highest percentage oflistener membership ofany community-supported public radio network in the United States. '

Minnesota Public Radio's conversion to digital audio broadcast will start at four ofour stations, including our flagship stations in Saint Paul: KSJN FM and KNOW FM in Saint Paul, MN and KSJR FM and KSJN FM in Collegeville, MN. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has awarded Minnesota Public Radio grants to install HD Radio at these four stations. Once installed and tested, we hope to roll out digital broadcasting to our other network stations as funding allows. After digital conversion is a reality, we will explore and implement new content opportunities that SAC will allow us to offer to our listeners.

Digital broadcasting and the possibilities ofmultiplexing will provide us with another important vehicle for reaching out to specific audiences that may currently be under-served. These audiences might include younger adults, Native American communities, and other minority communities in our listening areas.

45 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101 Phone 651 290 1259 Fax 651 290 1243 www.mpr.org [email protected] Marlene H. Dortch June 16, 2004 Page 2

We appreciate this opportunity to provide input during the Commission's proposed rulemaking for digital audio. IfI can provide additional information, please contact me.

Sincerely, M&1:!,[~9 Associate General Counsel