FCC Opens Dockets On Elimination Of Radio Programming Duplication Rule, Permitting All-Digital AM On Voluntary Basis

Proposals

The FCC has opened dockets on a proposal to eliminate the 1992 rule preventing radio stations on the same band in the same market from duplicating over 25% of their programming and on permitting AM stations to move on a voluntary basis to all-digital transmission.

Media Bureau Docket 19-310 looks for comments on eliminating the programming duplication rule as part of the Commission's rule modernization push, while MB Docket No. 19-311 proposes allowing AM stations to go all-digital, as HUBBARD's Variety WWFD-A/FREDERICK, MD has been doing on an experimental basis.

in a blog post, Chairman AJIT PAI said that since the programming duplication rule took effect, "the number of AM and commercial FM stations has increased from 11,600 to 19,500, the number of noncommercial FM stations has more than doubled, and more than two thousand low power FM stations have been launched. In addition, radio stations now offer content on station websites and through mobile apps. With so much more competition and program diversity, which were the objectives of the radio duplication rule, we are seeking comment on whether the rule is still necessary and whether it should be modified or eliminated."

On the digital AM proposal, PAI said that the FCC wants to give AM operators "as much flexibility as possible to compete in the digital age."  He said that the proposal would allow all-digital AM on a voluntary basis and the Commission is seeking comment on issues like "the predicted benefits of all-digital AM broadcasting to the interference potential of all-digital stations" and setting technical standards.

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