There’s more support for a special window for AM owners to apply for an FM translator.
Twelve members of the Congressional Black Caucus have asked FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler to include such a window in the agency’s upcoming AM Revitalization Notice.
“Translators are a scarce commodity in many areas, blocking many AM broadcasters from obtaining a translator, or forcing them to participate in bidding wars,” state the members, including CBC Chair G. K. Butterfield, First Vice Chair Yvette Clarke, Second Vice Chair Andre Carson, Secretary Karen Bass and Whip Hakeem Jeffries.
An AM-only window for new FM translators would provide every AM owner an equal opportunity to obtain a translator, they add.
The letter follows a similar letter sent last week from the CEOs of 50 minority-owned AM licensees.
Commenting on the latest letter, NAB EVP Communications Dennis Wharton said: “As the FCC strives to expand diversity of media ownership, this measure would strengthen the ability of minority-owned radio stations to expand their reach and provide new services to a wider audience. NAB strongly supports the implementation of this dedicated filing window and looks forward to working with policymakers to revitalize the AM radio band.”
