Minority AM Owners Press FCC On Translators

Fifty owners of AM stations have called on the FCC to reconsider what they say is the most important proposal in the pending AM revitalization notice now circulating: an AM-only application filing window for FM translators.

RadioWorld reports a group of minority AM owners told Chairman Tom Wheeler that two-thirds of minority-owned broadcast stations are AMs, and that AM radio often serves as a technological gateway for entrepreneurs of color in broadcasting.

The request puts Wheeler at a tricky crossroads. He has expressed reservations about the need for an AM-only window but has also championed the advancement of minority broadcast ownership.

“[While] we appreciate your commitment to advance the long-pending AM Revitalization proceeding,” the letter said, “it has come to our attention that you are considering a reversal of course regarding the most important, effective proposal set forth in the AM Revitalization Notice: opening an application filing window for FM translators that would be limited to AM broadcast licensees.”

This would have a detrimental impact on the nation’s AM stations, the group said.

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