Comments due January 21, 2014 - Reply Comments due February 18, 2014.
The FCC is currently considering MB Docket 13-249, Revitalziation of the AM Radio Service. This notice of proposed rule making (NPRM) is looking at various AM issues such as modifying daytime and nighttime coverage requirements, elimination of the AM "ratchet rule", permit wider implementation of modulation dependent carrier level control and changes to AM antenna efficiency standards.
One of the other issues proposed includes the opening of a FM translator filing window exclusively for AM licensees and permittees. Under FCC rules, a FM translator can be used to rebroadcast an AM station under the "fill in rule". For AM, the translator's service contour must extend to the lesser of a 25-mile radius from the AM transmitter site and the 2 mV/m daytime contour of the AM station. A translator can operate up to 250 watts even if the HAAT exceeds the maximum for translators in that certain part of the country (translators not in fill-in service are limited to 250 watts at 32m HAAT east of the Mississippi and most of California and limited to 250 watts at 107m HAAT elsewhere).
Under the FCC's proposed ground rules for the AM window:
- Only AM broadcast licensees and permittes can participate.
- Translators must be a fill-in service as described above.
- The translator would be permanently linked to the AM primary station acquiring it.
- The primary station for the translator must remain the AM station.
- For daytime-only AM stations, the FM translator may originate programming at night when the AM station is off the air.
- The translator may not be assigned or transferred except in conjunction with the AM station.
The FCC wants to know:
- Can the window be limited to AM incuments?
- Will this prevent the speculation that took place in the Auction 83 (Great Translator Invasion) window?
- Should the window be limited to Class C and D AM stations?
- Should the window be limited to "stand-alone" AM stations (those without a co-owned FM station)?
- Will there be a sufficient number of FM translator stations to meet the demand?
- How will the window impact full power FM, small businesses, minority and woman owned businesses, other translators and LPFM?
- Are there any obstacles or disadvantages to opening a FM translator filing window exclusively for AM licensees and permittees?
The NPRM at paragraph 45 opens the door for any additional proposals to improve the AM broadcast service. These proposals should be backed by documentation and research and must indicate how they will improve the long-term future of the AM service including any rule additions, delations and modifications and the specifics as to the reasons underlying any proposals submitted.
The NPRM has not been yet been published in the Federal Register so the deadline dates for comments has not yet been established.
