FCC Addresses FM Translator Interference Complaint Policies

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 10, 2018 | 12:50pm CT

FCC

The FCC has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to streamline FM translator interference complaint and remediation procedures. FM translators simultaneously rebroadcast the signal of a primary AM or FM station or another FM translator signal on a different frequency. Currently, as secondary stations, translators are required to eliminate all interference or stop broadcasting.

The Commission says that due to the success of the AM revitalization program and the substantial increase in translator licenses, the process for resolving FM translator interference complaints has become more important. As a result, the agerncy believes this an appropriate time for the Commission to examine how to streamline and expedite the complaint resolution process.

Among other things, the NPRM tentatively concludes that:
• If interference is shown to or from any other station, FM translators should have greater flexibility to move to another available frequency
• A minimum of six complaints should be required to support an interference claim
• Revised rules are needed to clarify and standardize complaint requirements
• Proposed technical criteria should be used to assess actual and predicted interference
• An outer distance limit should be created beyond which interference complaints would not be actionable

The proposed changes, the agency said, are designed to provide greater certainty to full-power stations regarding complaint requirements, limit contentious factual disputes and ensure prompt and consistent relief from actual translator interference.

NAB Executive VP/Communications Dennis Wharton said, "NAB is grateful the FCC is considering new policies that will extend local radio service through the use of translators while protecting the existing service of FM broadcasters. We look forward to participating in the Commission's proceeding."

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