FCC Wheeler Appears Ready To Move On AM Revitalization

Tom Wheeler

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler signaled Monday he will take steps to clear away outdated regulations and help resolve interference issues, at least when it comes to AM radio broadcasters, and the localism that is the "heart and soul" of broadcasting, according to Broadcasting&Cable.

In a blog post that came on the opening day of the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, Wheeler said in the "coming weeks" he would be concluding the AM Radio Revitalization Proceeding, begun by former chairwoman Mignon Clyburn, with a Report and Order that would, among other things, "give stations more flexibility in choosing site locations, complying with local zoning requirements, obtaining power increases, and incorporating energy-efficient technologies."

The NPRM proposed opening an exclusive FM translator window for AM licensees to expand the quality of their signal by rebroadcasting on FM, but Wheeler said he has two concerns about that. First, whether there are enough translators, and second, why if a window is opened, it should be confined to AM only.

The chairman will also launch a new NPRM seeking input on more changes including "proposing to permit stations serving smaller communities to expand their limited day and nighttime service areas while fully protecting larger, Class-A stations’ core service areas," said Wheeler. "As a result, these smaller market stations will be better able to overcome environmental interference.  The Notice will also seek input on whether and how to open up the expanded AM band."

Wheeler is expected to talk about the AM item in his speech at NAB Wednesday (April 15).

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