Media Bureau Seeks Comment on FM Broadcast Spacing Rules Petition

Well respected broadcast consulting engineer Chuck Anderson has petitioned the FCC’s Media Bureau to amend its FM broadcast station spacing rules, and the FCC has asked for public comment on the proposal. There is no deadline to file comments, but if supported, the FCC’s next step would be to formally launch a proposed rulemaking to amend the rules.

Anderson’s petition contends that the distance limitations set forth in section 73.215(e) of the FCC’s rules afford existing FM broadcast stations no leeway in relocating transmission facilities from aging towers or lost tower sites to existing towers. He proposes a new subsection (f) that would allow deviation from the spacing limitations provided a showing is made that no greater interference will be caused to short-spaced stations than would occur at the currently specified minimum distances. Comments can be filed here.