After the strong words between some of the FCC commissioners over whether or not the FCC should authorize an AM-only window, the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters is stepping in as a peacemaker.
NABOB has also offered a compromise which it’s asking both commissioners to support in an effort to get the stalled AM revitalization rulemaking out of the commission. The group initially offered the compromise last month, but has now fleshed it out.
During the NAB/RAB Radio Show last week, statements over the window were flying between Commissioners Ajit Pai and Mignon Clyburn initially, and then Michael O’Rielly joined in.
Clyburn has backed off supporting the window, saying it wouldn’t happen until 2017 and the chairman’s 250-mile translator hop proposal is the better, more workable solution right now. Not doing a window now doesn’t preclude the agency from opening a special window for AM owners to apply for an FM translator later, she believes.
Pai urged his colleagues to include the window with the rest of the AM revitalization item now being circulated among commissioners for a vote. He invoked the names of several supporters, including the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus and NBOB.
O’Rielly said at the show he doesn’t know if doing the AM item without the window is really helpful to broadcasters.
In a letter to both Pai and Clyburn, NABOC President Jim Winston said it appears the debate over AM revitalization “took an unfortunate turn.”
Since NABOB’s name came up, Winston says “We feel we should try to bring you together in support or our position.” NABOB has supported the window from the beginning of the proceeding in 2013 and does now, however “this proceeding has been stuck at the commission for many months with no action.”
The group supports a compromise now, “which does not preclude further relief later,” according to Winston.
