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Commenters On FCC AM Revitalization Proposals Include NAB, NPR
January 23, 2014 at 4:48 AM (PT)
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As the comment period for the FCC revitalization docket winds down, the NAB filed its comments applauding the FCC's review of the rules and supporting a window for AM stations to file for FM translators. The NAB also agreed with the proposal to relax AM daytime community of license coverage standards and eliminate the standards for nighttime coverage, and to eliminate the AM "ratchet rule" and test all-digital AM service.
NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO also weighed in, calling the proposals set forth by the FCC "a reasonable and appropriate approach to improving the AM service," adding that the Commission should open a filing window to allow noncommercial educational FM licensees to get new noncommercial reserved band FM translators, concurrent with a window for AM stations to file for FM translators.
A coalition of several AM station owners, including RADIO ONE, RENDA, LIBERMAN, and many others, was "generally supportive" of the proposals but added that "much more is needed," specifically the migration of AM stations to VHF TV channels 5 and 6. HD RADIO company iBIQUITY DIGITAL also called itself "generally supportive" but focused on the effect of antenna modifications on digital AM and objected to stations using Modulation-Dependent Carrier Level control technology having to reduce digital power as a result; iBIQUITY said it supports taking AM all-digital.

