NAB Seeks FCC Clarification on FM Digital Power Limits

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 2, 2026 | 3:55pm CT

National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Xperi and the NRSC are urging the FCC to clarify its interpretation of FM digital power limits, arguing that an apparent change in 2025 has restricted some stations' ability to optimize their operations.

In a November 2 ex parte filing in MB Docket No. 22-405, NAB detailed an October 29 meeting with Media Bureau staff concerning whether hybrid FM digital broadcasts are strictly limited to a total maximum power of -10 dBc under Section 73.404(f) of the Commission's rules.

NAB and Xperi reviewed the FCC's historical interpretation of the rule and asked the Bureau to return to an approach reflected in numerous station-specific letters issued before 2025 granting requests for increased digital power.

The association characterized the more recent interpretation as a "seeming change in 2025 that limits the ability of certain digital radio stations to optimize operations."

Meeting participants included Xperi's Jeff Detweiler and Paul Peyla, Ashruf El-Dinary representing the National Radio Systems Committee, and NAB's David Layer and Associate General Counsel Larry Walke. They met with the Media Bureau's Albert Shuldiner, James Bradshaw and Priscilla Lee.

Layer also updated FCC staff on discussions among NAB, Xperi and aviation stakeholders studying the impact of HD Radio signals on the Aeronautical Radio Navigation Spectrum.

According to the filing, aviation stakeholders have told NAB that compatibility testing is complete. NAB said it expects another meeting with those stakeholders within the next month to discuss their findings.