News
HEBA: Revolutionizing AM Broadcasting with Nighttime Approval
For nearly a decade, the High-Efficiency Broadband Antenna (HEBA) has been quietly proving its worth in daytime AM broadcasting. Now, it’s stepping into the spotlight with a groundbreaking milestone: FCC approval for nighttime operation, granted in September 2024. This achievement marks a significant leap forward for a “short antenna” that’s rewriting the rules of AM radio.
At just 73 feet tall—well below the traditional quarter-wavelength towers—HEBA’s compact design has always faced a steep challenge under FCC nighttime rules, which demand precise control of skywave interference. Yet, recent NEC modeling has cracked the code, validating its vertical radiation pattern and securing the green light for 24/7 operation. The secret? A novel two-port system driving stacked active elements atop a 40-foot square elevated ground plane—no ground radials required. This setup not only slashes land use but also sidesteps the seasonal tuning woes that plague conventional AM antennas.
The HEBA’s journey from daytime pioneer to nighttime contender is a story of innovation and persistence. With a decade of real-world data, fresh measurements, and cutting-edge NEC modeling, its performance is ready for a deep dive. Want to learn more? Catch the full scoop at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show 2025 in Las Vegas. The technical paper, “HEBA: Measurements and Modeling,” will unpack the antenna’s design and showcase its game-changing potential.
When: Monday, April 7, 2:10–2:30 p.m.
Where: Room W220-W221
HEBA Technology Receives FCC Nighttime Approval
We’re pleased to announce that the FCC has granted a construction permit to WQVR(AM) in Webster, Massachusetts for licensed nighttime operation using our High-Efficiency Broadband Antenna (HEBA) technology.
“The nighttime grant is the culmination of six years of research and we are thrilled to have the authorization of the FCC to validate this remarkable technology,” said Tom Poulos, Managing Partner at WorldWide Antenna Systems.
The WQVR HEBA installation stands just 75 feet above ground on only 2,500 square feet of land—dramatically smaller than traditional AM antenna systems. Despite its compact size, it has proven exceptionally durable through multiple New England nor’easters and severe weather events.