Support Better Nighttime Coverage for AM Stations
Comments on FM Translater Proposal Due January 7, 2008
Reply Comments Due February 4, 2008
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To add your voice in support of AM Daytimers, please click here.
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View AM Daytimers Comments supporting the NAB Petition here.
The FCC has released its Notice of Proposed Rule Making ("NPRM") in MB Docket No. 07-172 which proposes rule changes to allow AM broadcasters to use FM translators to originate programming during hours where an AM station either does not operate at night or in situations whether the station's nighttime power is severely limited. There are approximately 4,650 licensed AM stations in the country. Of those, 788 (17%) are daytime-only. Another 1,125 (24.2%) operate at night, but with diminished power from daytime operations. More than 40% of all AM stations operate with much greater power during the day, and a very limited ability to be heard by their listening audiences at night.
In response to a proposal by the National Association of Broadcasters in 2006, the FCC is proposing rules which, if adopted, would allow AM stations who have diminished nighttime power to utilize FM translators at night to bolster the AM station's nighttime operation. A summary of the NPRM is at this link, including the areas where the FCC has asked for specific comments. AMDA will be filing comments on behalf of its members. Additionally, individual licensees, listeners and community leaders are invited to lend support.
Anyone who wants to support these rules should follow these procedures and upload prepared comments or write a brief comment giving support for these new rules:
- Go to the website www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs
- On the right hand menu, under ECFS Main Links, click on "Submit a Filing."
- Enter the proceeding number as "07-172."
- Fill out the rest of the required information to complete the cover sheet.
- Then, you can either upload a Microsoft Word, WordPerfect or Adobe Acrobat file OR simply type in your brief comment in the box provided.
- Click on either the "Send Attached File to FCC" button or the "Send Brief Comment to FCC button, depending on what you've elected to do.
If you have trouble, contact AMDA at 202-216-5798 and we will walk you through the process.
You may comment on any or all of these specific questions in the comments you submit to the FCC. If you have any questions, or if you would like a copy of the complete FCC Notice of Proposed Rule Making to review, please contact us. If you file something before the close of the Comment deadline at midnight tomorrow, you will also have time to file a Reply Comment, which addresses points raised by other commenters in the proceeding. We fully expect the LPFM forces to oppose what the FCC is proposing. LPFM supporters believe the use of FM translators by AM stations will impede the growth and development of the LPFM industry. THOSE OF YOU INTERESTED IN HELPING AM DAYTIMER AND REDUCED NIGHTTIME POWER STATIONS SURVIVE SHOULD MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD TODAY!!
The AM Daytimers Association (AMDA) is an organization of member AM radio stations and their supporters, with a mandate to inform and promote the needs and interests of these stations before the FCC. Founded by broadcast attorney Scott Cinnamon, broadcast consultant Burke Allen, and technical consultant Stu Graham, AMDA serves as a clearinghouse of information and a voice before the FCC for member stations. Membership is free. AMDA can be reached at 202-216-5798 and at www.AMDaytimers.org.