The FM translator market is quite healthy, with “a flurry of sales” seen since the July 29 opening of a FM translator sales window by the FCC.
According to BIA/Kelsey, the bulk of the activity came in the first week of the sales period.
Some 77 FM translators were sold between July 29 and August 5, accounting for $3.59 million in sales.
The following week, another 11 FM translators were dealt, bringing in another $360,000 in sales.
While that reflects a marked slowdown, BIA/Kelsey expects sales to continue at a brisk clip through late October, when the open window period concludes.
“We expect that the sales activity will continue to be strong, as there is a tremendous opportunity for AM stations to improve their service—especially at night—utilizing these FM translators.
BIA/Kelsey’s Media Access Pro indicates that as August 15, some 1,727 AM stations are utilizing 1,961 FM translators.
As reported by RBR + TVBR, many of the more recent FM translator deals have been in rated markets, including Fort Pierce-Vero Beach, Fla and Rapid City, S. Dakota.
