FM Translator Filing Window For AMs Is Now Closed

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The first filing window for AM broadcasters to obtain new FM translator stations officially closed on Wednesday (8/2), concluding another chapter in the FCC’s ongoing efforts to revitalize AM radio.


According to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai (pictured), more than 1,000 AM stations took advantage of it.

“These translators will enable many of these AM stations to broadcast local programming to their communities at night for the first time,” Pai said, calling this first filing window a success following on the “great success of the two cross-service FM translator modification windows that were opened in 2016.”

Together, Pai said, “these translator windows will help AM broadcasters continue to play a part in our competitive media landscape as the FCC continues to address the unique technical challenges involving AM radio.”

This first of two new FM translator filing windows opened on Wednesday, July 26, and lasted one week. This window was for licensees of Class C and D AM stations — those having the least power and/or the most limited (or nonexistent) nighttime service, and which did not participate in either of the 2016 windows — to file applications for FM translators.

Reporting by Adrian Zupp