Changes to the FCC’s AM directional antenna rules are now in effect. The agency modified its rules to better protect AMs from nearby tower construction and modification.
Federal Register publication triggered the Feb. 20 effective date.
The Report & Order released in August simplifies traditional proof of performance requirements for directional AMs. The agency is designating moment method modeling as a more efficient substitute compared to traditional directional AM station field strength proofs, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
The commission originally intended for parts of the new rules to take effect in stages and it was waiting for approval from the Office of Management and Budget for the rest. We reported in December the commission said later that Federal Register publication would signal when the entire rule change became effective.
