Broadcasters Seek to Reopen FM Translator Relocation Rules

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 31, 2025 | 1:08pm CT

Federal Communications Commission

A coalition of more than 20 broadcast companies has filed a Petition for Rule Making asking the Federal Communications Commission to reinstate and expand expired rules that allowed AM radio stations greater flexibility in acquiring and relocating FM translators.

The filing seeks to amend Section 74.1233(a)(1) of the Commission's rules to largely restore the AM Radio Revitalization policies adopted in 2016 and 2017, which permitted AM broadcasters to purchase FM translators within a defined radius and relocate them for local fill-in service. Those windows have since expired, leaving many AM stations without access to FM simulcasts.

The petition was led by Press Communications and joined by operators including SSR Communications, Simmons Broadcasting, Kaspar Broadcasting, Mountain Top Media, Delta Radio Network, The Cromwell Group, and others representing AM stations in both urban and rural markets.

In their filing, the broadcasters argue that AM stations continue to face mounting technical and economic challenges, including higher noise floors, limited nighttime service, and declining listener usage -- particularly among younger audiences. They cite industry data indicating that AM now accounts for less than one-third of broadcast radio listening, while many vehicles and consumer devices no longer include AM receivers.

The proposal would allow AM licensees to acquire FM translators from a broader geographic area and relocate them for use within 25 miles of an AM transmitter site. Petitioners also urge the FCC to expand the allowable acquisition radius from 250 miles to 500 miles, noting that stations located near coastlines or international borders were disadvantaged under the previous rules.

Additionally, the group asks the FCC to make translator eligibility permanent rather than limited to short filing windows, and to permit AM stations to operate up to three FM translators each. They contend this approach would reduce speculative filings while giving smaller and daytime-only AM stations a better chance to replicate their coverage on FM.

The broadcasters point to the 2016 AM Revitalization initiative launched under former FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, saying it helped save hundreds of AM stations from going dark and generated measurable increases in listenership and revenue. The petition includes anecdotal evidence from station owners who report doubling revenue after adding an FM translator.

The filing also highlights AM radio's ongoing role in public safety and emergency communications, noting its ability to cover wide areas and remain operational during disasters. Petitioners argue that expanded access to FM translators would strengthen AM stations' long-term viability while preserving their public service mission.

The request comes as current FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has emphasized the importance of keeping broadcasters competitive as technology evolves. Petitioners say similar regulatory flexibility is needed to ensure AM radio remains a viable part of the nation's broadcast infrastructure.