Radio Duplication Rule Eliminated

On August 6, 2020, the FCC voted to eliminate the radio duplication rule for both AM and FM broadcast radio services.  Some variation of the rule has been on the FCC’s books since 1964.

The rule prohibited commonly owned broadcast radio stations from duplicating a certain percentage of programming when stations operated in the same service and geographic area.  The FCC cited several reasons for eliminating the rule, including helping struggling stations stay on the air, facilitating a potential voluntary digital transition in the AM service, and ultimately allowing stations to improve service to their communities.