[0898]

One thing I often wonder about with RDS: How do they stop the traffic alert (“TA”) feature being abused by stations to grab listeners?

[looperhacks]

I think nobody has to prevent abuse because listeners will either turn off traffic alerts or switch to a different channel.

Besides that, FM broadcasting isn't a lawless place and is regulated by the government. Abuse will most likely lead to some kind of penalty, but I can't be bothered to read through the laws to confirm it :P

[fhars]

The same way the prevent stations from broadcasting 90 seconds or more of pure silence: you loose your license if you do.

[GranPC]

> broadcasting 90 seconds or more of pure silence

Have a link or info on this? Sounds interesting but can't find anything.

[ARob109]

Not sure about TA, but definitely saw radio station in Indianapolis using RDS to broadcast advertisements. In between the artist/song info, ads for an injury lawyer appeared. Thought it was super lame use of RDS.

[GJim]

They don't.

Back in the day, it wasn't uncommon for pirate radio stations to drum up listeners by using TA to advertise short snippets.

[teeray]

The almighty FCC fine is the deterrent