FCC Approves All-Digital AM Radio Broadcasts

The FCC has approved new rules that give AM radio station owners the option of converting their stations to all-digital HD radio operation if they choose.

AM stations that make the switch must provide at least one free over-the-air digital programming stream. Stations can use their additional digital capacity to transmit broadcast or non-broadcast content.

Stations that convert to all-digital operations will need to follow newly established technical rules to protect existing AM broadcast stations from interference. Stations must notify the FCC 30 days before making the shift to all digital transmissions.

For more information about all-digital AM radio broadcasting, please contact any attorney in our office.