On Thursday, the FCC announced it has implemented new tools to determine permissible pre-sunrise and post-sunset operating parameters for eligible AM radio stations.
The FCC has not issued pre-sunrise/post-sunset authorization since 2007. It stopped issuing them because it determined that its tools were not making accurate calculations.
Now AM licensees can again apply for authorization to operate at increased power during the two hours immediately preceding local sunrise (pre-sunrise authorization or PSRA) and the two hours immediately following local sunset (post-sunset authorization or PSSA).
Thousands of AM stations, many of them Class D stations, are required by the FCC’s rules to reduce their power, use a more restrictive coverage pattern or cease operating at night to avoid interference to other AM stations. Other Class D stations operate with pre-sunrise authorization and post-sunset authorization during some months with special authorization from the FCC, as forementioned. However, because of a lack of suitable software, the commission has not granted new PSRA and PSSA authorizations for several years.
In March 2007, the FCC Media Bureau withdrew all PSRAs and PSSAs issued before February of that year in order to recalculate operating powers following enactment of the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005, which lengthened the duration of Daylight Savings Time and, consequently, changed the local sunrise and sunset times for most parts of the country.
[Related: “Extending Daylight Saving Time Could Hurt AM Radio“]
However, according to an FCC press release, “due to an unanticipated computer problem that produced erroneous power levels on certain of these recalculated authorizations, the bureau suspended use of its recalculated PSRAs and PSSAs until correct power levels could be computed.”
In the new notice, the FCC said it recognizes that not all eligible AM radio stations will elect to operate with pre-sunrise and post-sunset authority. “Therefore, effective immediately and pursuant to section 73.99(e), the Audio Division will accept letter requests from AM stations intending to operate PSRA or PSSA,” wrote the FCC.
Per the commission, interested AM licensees should submit the letter request to Joseph Szczesny or Jerome Manarchuck of the FCC Audio Division AM engineering staff, at PSRPSS@fcc.gov. The request must include the licensee name, station callsign, facility ID, frequency, location and the file number of the licensed daytime facility; an indication as to whether the licensee intends PSRA operation, PSSA operation or both; and a description of the method whereby any necessary power reduction will be achieved.
The FCC said permissible powers for PSRA and PSSA operation will be calculated using the daytime antenna system or critical hours antenna systems when specified on the license.
[Related: “FCC Commissioner Talks AM, Receiver Quality and Pre-Sunrise Authority“]
