Some Studies of Radio Broadcast Coverage in the Middle West

Studies of the radio field intensities produced by broadcasting stations throughout the states of North and South Dakota and Minnesota have been made. From these studies and from information concerning the service rendered standards of service based upon field intensities have been suggested for daylight broadcasting in rural communities. Data concerning the distribution of radio sets throughout the three states in question have been gathered and ratios showing the percentage of families owning radio receiving sets have been calculated. The lack of correlation between this percentage and the availability of daylight broadcast service has been pointed out together with the fact that a large majority of radio listeners must rely entirely upon night-time reception from relatively distant stations. Some of the factors affecting reception from distant stations are mentioned. The apparent correlation between rapidity of fading and distance to the transmitting set is illustrated by fading curves.