COMMISSION PERMITS AM
STATIONS TO USE
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The FCC’s Media Bureau
recently announced that it will allow AM radio stations to utilize Modulation
Dependent Carrier Level (“MDCL”) technologies that can reduce station power
consumption while preserving audio quality and licensed coverage areas.
According to the Media Bureau, use of MDCL technologies, which have been used
by some European broadcasters for a significant period of time, can reduce an
AM station’s energy use by 20 to 40 percent. Stations desiring to use
MDCL technology must obtain a waiver of Section 73.1560(a) of the
Commission’s rules, which sets upper and lower limits on an AM station’s
operating power. The waiver request should be filed as a letter with
the Media Bureau’s Audio Division and must specify the technology that the
station will employ and include a discussion as to its implementation. The waiver will permit
station operation at transmitter power levels below 90 percent of the
station’s nominal licensed power. The Media Bureau clarified that it
will require that the station transmitter be capable of achieving full
licensed power when the MDCL technology is not functioning or otherwise
temporarily disabled by the station. The Media Bureau also noted that
stations that wish to evaluate MDCL technology can request experimental
authority to conduct appropriate tests. If you would like
assistance in obtaining a waiver or experimental authorization to allow use
of MDCL technology, please contact any attorney in our office. September 28, 2011 |
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This memorandum is intended only as a general discussion of these issues and should not be regarded as legal advice. We would be pleased to provide additional details or advice about specific situations if desired. Copyright © 2011, Lerman Senter PLLC 2000 K Street NW,
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