Stations Must Migrate to AMC-18 Within 45 Days

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, May 15, 2017

Radio stations around the country will lose all radio network programming from all major companies if they do not re-aim their satellites from AMC-8 to the new AMC-18 at 105 degrees West Longitude within the next 45 days. All stations currently receiving programming from AMC-8 will have until June 30 to re-point their downlink antennas (dishes). At that time, AMC-8 will no longer serve as the radio network "neighborhood," and there will not be a replacement at 139 degrees. It's exceeded its design life and is not being replaced by an equivalent C-band satellite at the same location.

The five major commercial radio networks -- Learfield, Orbital Media Networks (OMNi), Premiere Networks, Skyview Networks and Westwood One -- now have their full complements of satellite-delivered programming available on their new frequencies on AMC-18. This also includes programming from syndicators who lease their satellite time from these five companies.

It's imperative that stations have a plan in place and conversations with their technical teams. Engineers and parts may become scarce as the June 30 deadline fast approaches.

For more information, including satellite vendors, a full list of frequencies for each network, or technical questions about satellite settings, visit http://www.amc8migration.com/docs/RNUG_FAQ.pdf

Stations in need of vendors to re-aim their dishes can visit http://www.amc8migration.com/Vendors.html