New FM Translator Interference Rules Effective

On August 13, 2019, a new era in the FM translator interference world began. That’s the day the FCC’s new rules about how full power stations must prove interference from an FM translator went into effect. That includes the bright line rule of the full power station’s 45 dBu contour as the point beyond which FM translator operation is presumptively non-interfering. Oh, and did we mention the requirement that a full power station certify in any complaint against an FM translator that it reached out to the translator licensee and tried to work out a solution? Oh, me. Oh, my.

Ok, ok, there’s good and bad in the new rules, so don’t let our pithy remarks sour your view. But do read and know the new rules, and know also that they are now effective. No time to read a full report and order from the FCC? We understand. Hint – the Cliffs Notes version is at Appendix B of that link, where the language of the new rule comfortably awaits your perusal.