The final effort for an AM radio station to seek “revitalization” through the use of an FM translator has officially concluded.
More than 850 applications have been received by the Media Bureau in a filing window for new “cross-service” FM translators as part of Auction 100.
These applications are in addition to the more than 1,000 applications from AM broadcasters for FM translator licenses in a previous 2017 filing window.
The Commission has swiftly granted most of the applications from the prior window, with additional grants expected soon.
“The incredible interest in new cross-service translator stations demonstrates the commitment of AM broadcasters to enhancing their ability to provide quality service to their communities” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “The Commission will continue to work with AM broadcasters to address their technical challenges and ensure the viability of AM radio.”
As Pai and the FCC see it, FM translator stations “help guarantee AM broadcasters can serve their communities throughout the day and night with news, information, and other important programming.”
Last year, the Commission also provided broadcasters additional flexibility to locate these stations by relaxing the rules restricting the siting of cross-service translators.
In 2016, the Commission held two filing windows that allowed AM broadcasters to relocate existing FM translators to enhance their local service. The Commission authorized over 1,000 translator stations, representing more than 90% of the applications received, to relocate to improved locations.
In the coming months, the Commission will complete the review of applications from the 2017 window and quickly process the applications from the filing window that just closed, it says.
