AM Revitalization Update

The FCC’s efforts to continue revitalizing the AM radio service are alive and well. The comment period on the FCC’s further proposed rulemaking and notice of inquiry has now closed, and many voiced their support for further rule changes.

There is no specific timeline for the FCC to act on these additional rule changes, and we note that it took the FCC months after comments were received to issue its first AM revitalization report and order last year. We hope for speedier action this time around, especially given that the thorny FM translator opportunity for AM stations is not a factor this time. Hopefully, we’ll see action by late summer on the next round of rule changes to help AM stations.

The FCC continues to issue modified permits from the filings in its first filing window for Class C and D AM stations to acquire and relocate existing commercial FM translator stations or permits up to 250 miles. Applications can be filed in this window until July 28, 2016. The next day, July 29, 2016, will mark the start of the second 2016 filing window in which Class A and B stations (in addition to Class C and D stations that did not participate in the first window) can file to relocate and modify existing commercial band FM translator licenses or permits up to 250 miles. The second window closes at 5:59 p.m. ET on October 31, 2016.