FCC's Clyburn Offers New Hope for AM

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, September 19, 2013

While speaking at the NAB/RAB show in Orlando, acting FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn circulated a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that, she says, "will represent the next major step in the commission's review of AM service" and offers new hope and solutions of AM radio operators and owners. Basically, under the proposal, the FCC would offer a one-time filing window for AM licensees to apply for an FM translator in their service area. Theoretically, every AM operator could one day be rebroadcasting on an FM translator.

Clyburn seemed all too aware of the struggles of AM broadcasters saying, "The migration of AM listeners to newer, higher-fidelity, media services. The number of stations is decreasing, AM listenership is dwindling, and young people just are not tuning in. Many stations are unable to broadcast at night or must reduce their power due to the nighttime propagation characteristics of AM signals. Reinforced buildings and structures with steel frames or aluminum siding can block AM signals, leading to poor AM reception in many urban areas. And AM radio is particularly sensitive to interference from electronic devices of all types, including TV sets, vehicle engines, fluorescent lighting, computers, and power lines."

While in the recent past Commissioner Ajit Pai seemed the only outspoken member of the Commission who had AM's back, Clyburn demonstrated that those broadcasting in kilohertz have other friends in Washington as well. Clyburn did make it clear that getting help from broadcasters will be essential in the proposal's success noting, "This is proposed rulemaking invites comment on additional proposals or rule modifications that could help to revitalize the AM band. I am eager to hear all of the well-thought-out ideas that you can provide, and I know that my colleagues on the commission are as well. There will be challenges ahead. But working together, we can ensure that AM radio and all radio can flourish going forward, allowing your businesses to prosper while continuing to deliver tremendous benefits to the American people."