As RBR+TVBR reported previously, beginning March 3, AM radio owners can simply notify the FCC they have begun using power-saving transmitter control techniques to save money.
Owners or their engineers would use FCC Form 338 to do so.
Right now, owners need to apply for a waiver or experimental authorization to use Modulation Dependent Carrier Level control techniques that allow AM licensees to reduce power consumption (and save money) while maintaining audio quality and coverage area.
As of March 3, owners would notify the commission they’re using MDCL within 10 days of making the change, rather than having to seek approval ahead of time. Federal Register publication recently triggered the effective date and this week the Media Bureau announced the change.
