The Corporation for Public Broadcasting will host a Webinar next week to discuss the implications of the proposed IBOC FM power increase and how it may affect digital radio conversion plans at public stations.

The organization, which funded recent research by NPR Labs into the impact of a power hike, anticipates opening its next round of digital conversion grants in August, according to the announcement, posted on the NPR Labs Web site.

“Public radio stations have been on the forefront of digital radio conversion, consequently, the proposed power increase has raised many questions with regard to planning digital conversion and upgrading existing installations,” it stated.

CPB invited Ibiquity Digital, Harris, Nautel, Broadcast Electronics and Continental Electronics to take part. Don Lockett is CPB senior director of media technologies.