AM stations may soon get a break if the FCC does indeed approve two pending items in September.
The changes would allow AMs to use FM translators to “fill in” coverage gaps, and streamline directional AM licensing by allowing computer modeling to serve as proof-of-performance.
The commission has also flagged 16 pending transfer applications for radio and TV and placed them on the agenda for the upcoming Sept. 25 open meeting.
That’s the word from Chairman Kevin Martin, who said last Friday the AM items are now “circulating” among the commissioners for a vote. There’s a chance they may be voted on before the meeting as well.
Radio World has run editorial opinions on both the AM issues (See “Found in Translation” and “AM DA Rule Changes Are Way Overdue”) and last week The Leslie Report had a text tip about the AM directional item.
A word of caution: Though several items are on the agenda now, that doesn’t necessarily mean those votes would be complete and ready before the meeting.
