This avoids questionable measurements based on the use of blank media, or muting circuits.
2.
This also addresses concerns about muting circuits.
3.
I don't think they'd have any trouble figuring out whether the mute circuit was activated or not.
4.
FM radios often incorporate a Mute circuit, as without it you get a full volume blast of noise when tuning between stations.
5.
Maybe the mute circuit is affected by a crook solder joint, making it mute at too high a signal strength, and the change in signal when passing under power lines is overcoming it.