Clyburn Proposes Six Point Plan To Help AM Radio

FCC Acting Chair Mignon Clyburn came to the NAB/RAB Radio show in Orlando bearing gifts.

Attendees at the AM Revitalization Session earlier in the day indicated hope to hear encouraging news on improving AM Radio service and most were happy to hear about Clyburn’s proposals.

Clyburn was the keynoter at Wednesday’s opening ceremonies. And she unveiled a six-point plan the FCC intends to dramatically help AM broadcasters.  Although most were technical in nature; the first one in particular was welcomed. Clyburn said the FCC would be expanding the inventory of translator stations.  By the end of this year, the FCC’s Audio division will be increasing the number of authorized FM translators from 5,700 to 7,300, a 28 percent increase.  

According to Clyburn “I am happy to confirm that this morning I circulated the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which will represent the next major step in the Commission’s review of AM service”.

The notice means the six-point plan can being examined and discussed by other, including the FCC Commissioners without waiting for a scheduled meeting. The notice also means more immediate action to help AM broadcasters.

Clyburn’s action includes opening a one-time filing window which limited to current AM licencees and permittees.  They alone would be allowed to apply for a new FM translator station to augment their service area.  Increasing the number of translators would provide relief to AM operators faced with the increasing price of existing channels.

For example, an AM broadcaster with limited night-time or early morning power could use a an FM translator to give more consistent coverage in their city of license.

Read Clyburn’s Comments: Click Here.