Acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn circulated an NPRM...
Acting FCC Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn circulated an NPRM on AM radio revitalization. The FCC is granting experimental authorization for all-digital AM operation “and improving protection to AM stations from potential re-radiators and/or pattern disturbances,” she said in prepared remarks this…
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week at the NAB Radio Show (http://bit.ly/17MpQeq). The NPRM proposes a one-time filing window for AM licensees and permittees, “which will allow each to apply for one new FM translator station to fill in its service area,” she said. It proposes to relax the AM daytime community coverage rule “to allow existing AM broadcasters more flexibility to propose antenna site changes,” she said. There also is a proposal to eliminate the AM “ratchet” rule, which requires an AM station to “ratchet back” its nighttime signal to reduce interference to certain other AM stations, Clyburn said. The NPRM seeks to modify AM antenna efficiency standards “by reducing minimum effective field strength values by approximately 25 percent, thus allowing the use of shorter AM antennas,” she said. Clyburn said the NPRM also invites comment on additional proposals or rule modifications that could help to revitalize the AM band. Commissioner Ajit Pai said “the item outlines many promising ideas for improving the service offered by AM broadcasters and reducing the regulatory burdens placed on AM stations.” Last year, Pai called for revitalization of the AM band (CD Sept 20/12 p6).