Home Login RADIO ONLINE RSS Facebook
Find Radio Online
AM FM HD

Advertisement

Minority Owners: Open FM Translator Window for AM


In a letter to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, the CEOs of 50 minority-owned AM radio licensees, collectively owning 140 AM stations, along with NABOB and MMTC, are seeking support of the Commission opening an application filing window for FM translators that would be limited to AM broadcast licensees only.

"For 65 years, AM radio has been the technological gateway for entrepreneurs of color in broadcasting," the letter said. "Two-thirds of minority-owned broadcast stations are AM radio stations. As minority AM broadcast owners, we want nothing more than to improve our service to listeners. Thus, we appreciate your commitment to advance the long-pending AM Revitalization proceeding."

"Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that you are considering a reversal of course regarding the most important, effective proposal set forth in the AM Revitalization Notice: opening an application filing window for FM translators that would be limited to AM broadcast licensees," they continued. "As the Commission recognized in the Notice, the best way to help the largest number of AM stations to quickly and efficiently improve their service is to open such an AM-only window. Any other approach will make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for AM stations, including many of our own, to obtain the translators they urgently need to remain competitive and provide our communities with the service they deserve."

The groups and CEO flat out wrote that "if the Commission truly aims to advance minority broadcast ownership, and to fulfill its goal of revitalizing AM radio, it should promptly open an FM translator filing window that is limited to AM licensees."

Advertisement

Latest Radio Stories

High Plains Radio Network Seeks Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
High Plains Radio Network
High Plains Radio Network
High Plains Radio Network, a broadcaster operating in Texas, Arkansas and New Mexico, is seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. With its petition filed in the Northern District of Texas, the company disclosed debts and assets each ranging between More

Kansas House Endorses AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act
Kansas Association of Broadcasters
Kansas Association of Broadcasters
The Kansas House made a significant show of support for Kansas broadcasters and AM radio by passing House Concurrent Resolution 5026, with a 109-14 vote. The resolution endorses the Federal AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act. The measure, proposed in More

Share of Time Spent Listening to Radio Sources In-Car
Edison Research
Edison Research
Last year, Edison Research's Share of Ear was able to pinpoint the moment when daily time spent with on-demand audio passed time spent with linear audio overall in the U.S. In fact -- on demand had passed linear in every location years earlier -- More
Advertisement

vCreative and Evvnt Announce vTickets Reseller Partnership
vCreative vTickets
vCreative vTickets
vCreative has teamed up with Evvnt, the Events Commerce Platform, to introduce vTickets through a reseller agreement. This partnership unlocks new revenue streams for radio stations by enhancing ticketing and promotions opportunities via a suite of More

Tyler Murray Joins WEEI's Red Sox Radio Booth
Tyler Murray
Tyler Murray
Veteran New England sports talent Tyler Murray joins WEEI/Boston's radio booth covering the Red Sox for games this season. The Worcester Red Sox broadcaster, who has also been heard for years calling college hockey games, football and basketball More

Audacy Podcasts Launches ''Who Killed the Video Star?''
''Who Killed the Video Star? The MTV Story''
''Who Killed the Video Star? The MTV Story''
Audacy Podcasts launches "Who Killed the Video Star? The Story of MTV," an eight-part original series exploring the cultural history, impact and phenomenon of MTV. The series is hosted by former MTV VJ and Esquire Editor-at-Large Dave Holmes. The More

Return to Menu

Advertisement

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Radio news and headlines delivered right to your e-mail box -- and it's free.

Quick Snaps
Benztown: Benztown was at Radiodays Europe 2024, which was held in Munich on March 17-19th. Benztown hosted a well-attended party for customers and partners during Radiodays Europe 2024 on Monday, March 18. Pictured is a traditional Volksmusik band performed for Benztown party attendees at Munich's Augustiner-Keller restaurant. In front in black shirt raising a glass is Oliver Klenk, Head of Production & Composition, and to his right, also in black shirt, is Stephan Halfpap, General Manager, Maxmedia, Austria.

Advertisement

Advertisement