Abstract: A receiver (600) uses a scanning technique (100) to minimize scan time. An initial bandwidth setting is selected that covers multiple channel frequencies (106). A signal detection step (108) is performed looking for channel activity. As channel activity is detected, the bandwidth of a baseband filter (628) is narrowed (140, 146). The radio remains programmed to the same channel while the bandwidth is varied. Once the last signal detection with the narrowest possible bandwidth setting has been determined (144, 150, 152) the radio is programmed to that channel. Thus, more than one channel frequency is capable of being scanned without reprogramming the radio to a new channel for each scan.