Theo tin FCC
February 2, 2018 – News Release
Final FM Translator Window for AM Stations Closes
Media Contact:
Neil Grace, (202) 418-0506
Neil.Grace@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FINAL FM TRANSLATOR WINDOW FOR AM STATIONS CLOSES
Action is Commissionís Most Recent Effort to Assist AM Broadcasters
WASHINGTON, February 02, 2018 ó This week the Federal Communication Commissionís
Media Bureau took another significant step forward in the effort to revitalize AM radio, with
broadcasters across the United States filing more than 850 applications in a filing window for
new ìcross-serviceî 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.
ìThe incredible interest in new cross-service translator stations demonstrates the commitment
of AM broadcasters to enhancing their ability to provide quality service to their communitiesî
said FCC Chairman Pai. ìThe Commission will continue to work with AM broadcasters to
address their technical challenges and ensure the viability of AM radio.î
AM radio stations that want to improve their service area with a clearer signal can do so by
using an FM translator, which receives the AM signal and re-broadcasts it on an FM frequency.
This is particularly useful for the many AM stations forced to reduce their AM power at night,
since the FM translator can operate at the same power 24 hours a day with fewer opportunities
for interference.
New 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.
This recent translator station filing window builds on the Commissionís continued efforts to
address the needs of AM stations. 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 percent
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.
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Office of Media Relations: (202) 418-0500
ASL Videophone: (844) 432-2275
TTY: (888) 835-5322
Twitter: @FCC
www.fcc.gov/office-media-relations
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order
constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).
https://www.fcc.gov/document/final-fm-translator-window-am-stations-closes