ON THE NEED TO INTRODUCING DIGITAL AUDIO BROADCASTING IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

This article examines the necessity for the Republic of Kazakhstan to transition to Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) standard digital audio broadcasting, in order to modernize its outdated analog radio network and ensure equal access to information resources, even in remote areas. The objective is to substantiate the technical, economic, and organizational advantages of implementing DRM under conditions of complex terrain and low population density. To achieve this goal, a detailed analysis of the existing analog audio broadcasting system was conducted, highlighting its shortcomings in terms of territorial coverage and energy efficiency. Service area modeling for digital audio broadcasting was carried out using ICS Telecom software. The calculations took into account ITU-R radio signal propagation models, including ITU-R P.1546, as well as the Deygout method for assessing diffraction losses. This allowed for an approximate determination of the reliable reception zone for the Alma-Ata-549 kHz frequency assignment with a transmitter power of 100 kW, providing a coverage radius of approximately 250 km. The research results indicate that the introduction of DRM can significantly expand territorial coverage (up to 95% of the country), reduce transmitter energy consumption by 50% compared to analog systems, improve audio quality, and enable the integration of additional services such as emergency alert systems. The practical significance of this work lies in the development of a step-bystep plan for modernizing the broadcasting infrastructure through the re-equipment of decommissioned radio centers and the efficient use of national frequency assignments, which can substantially reduce capital and operational costs. The findings demonstrate that transitioning to DRM standard digital audio broadcasting is a strategic step toward the digitalization of the media industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan.

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