Ahead of Auction 100, two FCC bureaus want feedback about the procedures it plans to use to resolve mutually exclusive FM translator construction permit proposals.
There are 13 CPs at issue, in markets that include San Diego; Mobile, Ala.; Columbus, Ohio; and Louisville, Ky. These are “cross-service” FM translators for AM stations, planned as part of the commission’s AM revitalization regime. The MX groups and engineering proposals are those that remain after two opportunities to resolve mutual exclusivity through settlements or technical modifications; now they’ll go to competitive bidding.
In most cases there are two remaining applicants, except for a situation in Washington state involving three. Companies involved include familiar names like Townsquare, Family Radio and several iHeart subsidiaries, as well as some smaller players.
Upfront payments range from $2,500 to $35,000, as do the minimum bids.
The Wireless Telecommunications and Media Bureaus expect bidding will kick off in 2019, according to the notice. To keep the train moving, the commission wants comments by Nov. 15, and reply comments will be due Nov. 28.
Read the public notice including all the detailed rules here.
The list of markets and contending applicants is in Attachment A.
