Report: FCC AM Order Generates Concerns

The impact of the proposals handed down in the AM Radio Revitalization Order are generating continued commentary and concern — prompting broadcast stations, radio networks and radio listeners to submit comments to the Federal Communications Commission on what these new proposals mean to them.

Issues up for debate include nighttime coverage, expanded band licensees and the difficulty in finding tower crews, among others.

RadioWorld reports Station WRDN 1430 AM in Durand WI submitted a formal comment to the Federal Communications Commission via the agency’s Electronic Comment Filing System requesting that the agency consider a compromise that would lift those low-power restrictions placed on stations at night. “My suggestion is have a post-sunset authority for 500 W until 10 p.m. local time,” said Brian Winnekins, licensee of WRDN in Durand, Wis. “I believe by doing this, it will improve service to the local community, provide a possible revenue stream for stations, while at the same time allowing for ‘long distance’ listening during the overnight hours.”

Durand points out that this step would not require major equipment or engineering investments “like we are seeing with the new rules regarding moving an FM translator 250 miles,” he said. Stations like his would also be able to generate additional revenue by broadcasting local high school sports programming, which some stations are unable to do due to low-power restrictions at night, he said.

Local listeners like Dan Barr from Grand Rapids, Mich., used the ECFS system to express support for small AM radio stations, particularly WION 1430 AM in Ionia, Mich., which has a population of 11,000. “I have wished, on numerous occasions, that WION was available in my area at night, so I might listen to their unique programming and ‘small town’ feel,” Barr wrote.

“WION reminds me of radio stations from my childhood,” he said. “Unlike the cookie-cutter programming you hear on large, corporate-owned stations, WION actually plays requests from their listeners, any time of the day. Because it is run by and for local residents, WION is truly a voice of the people, a true gem among the blandness that is corporate radio.”

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