FM Translators for AM Stations
The FCC has formally approved the rebroadcast of AM station programming
on FM Translators. This inter-band service requires specialized analysis
tools and methods which Skywaves has developed.
How Skywaves can help:
- Skywaves offers services to owners of AM stations and FM translators
to help all parties evaluate the best matches between the two.
- If you own an AM Station, we can provide a list of the FM
translators in your area, along with evaluations of their potential
usefulness, probable coverage areas, and owner contacts.
- If you own an FM translator, we can provide you with a list of the
AM stations in the area, their ownership contacts, and an analysis of
your translator's potential usefulness to each.
- If you own both, we can help you match your FM translators to your
AM stations.
- If you are a broker, we can help you match your offerings to
potential buyers.
Click
here for a FREE overview of your situation, or phone 401-354-2400
More detailed information:
Previously under the FCC's Rules, FM translators could only be used to
rebroadcast full power FM stations or other FM translators. The FCC has been
granting Special Temporary Authority to AM stations that applied for
waivers. This action codifies the practice and sets specific requirements
for approval.
FM translators represent a significant opportunity for AM station owners,
particularly for those with limited or no opportunity to operate at night or
early in the morning. For the first time, some AM stations will be
able to local sports and other community activities that occur only in the
evening, and traffic reports and news in the morning.
There are specific technical requirements:
1. All the FM Translator technical rules apply. There can be no
objectionable interference caused to full power, LPFM or other
translator stations.
2. The 60dbu contour of the translator must fall entirely within the
2mV/m daytime contour of the AM station, and entirely within 25 miles
(40km) of the AM transmitter site. For AM stations with sharp daytime
directional patterns, it may not be possible to locate the FM Translator
at the AM transmitter site. In some cases, it ay be desirable to locate
the FM Translator some distance away. Each situation is unique.
3. As a fill-in service, the translator is limited to 250W without
regard to antenna height, as long as the above requirements are met.
This means that an FM translator can have the equivalent coverage area
of a full power FM station, under the right circumstances!
4. The FM translator must be co-owned by the AM Station, or else the
translator licensee must have a retransmission consent agreement with
the AM licensee.
Click
here for a FREE overview of your situation, or phone 401-354-2400
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