More than 850 applicants applied for a new cross-service FM translator license as part of the Federal Communications Commission’s most recent FM translator window.
On Jan. 31 the Federal Communications Commission closed its fourth and final FM translator window for AM stations. The window opened on Jan. 24 for Class A and B AM stations (as well as qualifying Class C and D AM stations) looking for a new cross-service FM translator.
According to the FCC, the 850 applications are in addition to the more than 1,000 applications that were submitted during the last filing window in 2017. Most of these applications have been granted, the FCC, with additional grants expected soon.
The commission said it has given more than 1,000 applicants the green light to relocate a translator station from the first two filing windows in 2016. This represents more than 90% of the applications received, the FCC said.
“The commission will continue to work with AM broadcasters to address their technical challenges and ensure the viability of AM radio,” said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “The incredible interest in new cross-service translator stations demonstrates the commitment of AM broadcasters to enhancing their ability to provide quality service to their communities.”
In the coming months, the commission said it will finalize the last round of applications from the 2017 window as well as “quickly process” applications from the 2018 filing window that just closed.
