11-1-13
He's been the driving force behind making the AM radio band more tolerable to listen to. FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai likes to reminisce about the old days of radio and his childhood memories of listening to sports on KLKC-AM in Parsons, Kansas. That was crystal clear music to the ears of many AM broadcasters who have been struggling to stay afloat as consumers move to any other static-free listening device. Pai made a commitment to AM broadcasters to revitalize the band and, true to his word, the commission put that plan into motion on Thursday by issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Here's what Pai had to say about it.
"It?s been over two decades since we last comprehensively reviewed our AM radio rules. Over that time, the AM band has struggled. Interference problems, declining listenership, and other factors have brought the band low. But millions of Americans?myself included?still rely on and believe in AM radio. So, last September, I proposed that the FCC launch an AM radio revitalization initiative. Today, we are doing just that. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking #NPRM# kicks off a landmark effort by the Commission to energize the nation?s oldest broadcasting service, and I am excited to support it."
"The NPRM embraces a sensible two-stage strategy for improving AM radio service. First, we propose several ways to give AM broadcasters relief in the short term. For instance, we suggest eliminating the ratchet rule. We tee up modifications to the daytime and nighttime community coverage rules for existing AM stations. Perhaps most importantly, we seek public input on letting AM stations apply for new FM translators. I?m the first to acknowledge that these and other proposals will not be an immediate panacea for the difficulties confronting the AM band. But based on the conversations I have had with AM broadcasters across the country during the past year, I am convinced that they can make a substantial, positive difference to numerous AM stations."
"Second, we also invite the American public to share their proposals for the long-term future of the AM band. What steps can the Commission take so that there will be a vibrant AM radio service 10 or 15 years from now? I hope broadcasters, engineers, and anyone else with an interest in AM radio will submit creative ideas to the Commission."
"Many outside and inside the Commission paved the way for today?s accomplishment. Over the past year, AM broadcasters and listeners across the country have expressed their support for this effort in many different ways. The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council has pressed us for a long time to reform our AM radio rules; they know that most minority-owned radio stations are on the AM band and that many AM stations serve ethnic and foreign-language populations. Benjamin Tarbell, my one-time clerk and then-student at George Washington University Law School, wrote the first draft of this item. Chairwoman Clyburn?s leadership resulted in the circulation of this item. And this notice would not have seen the light of day without the hard work of the staff in the Media Bureau?s Audio Division, led by Division Chief Peter Doyle and Deputy Chief Jim Bradshaw. I thank everyone who has helped shepherd this document from conception to adoption, and look forward to continuing to collaborate with them in the time to come."
"And now, the fun begins. Let?s get to work revitalizing AM radio."
(11/1/2013 11:09:44 PM)
To finish ...Immediately establish the all band rule for radio receivers as was done with Television. Immediately establish an AM fidelity standard for AM receivers. These simple steps would bring immediate relief and provide improved service to the community's these stations serve. My fear is there is no one in the commission with any implementation guts and that we will see many more commissioners come and go before AM has any relief.
(11/1/2013 10:58:09 PM)
First congratulations for speaking up for AM! Now the reality, unfortunately putting out a notice of proposed rule making has just prolonged the process and it will take years to draw any type of positive action for the AM band. Just look at the time line of other PRM's! Positive relief action would be to implement the "Tell City Waiver" asap. Next would be to immediately allow all AM stations to have a standard "Broadcast Day" with a sign on time of 5am with a minimum of 500 watts, and utilize
(11/1/2013 2:13:31 PM)
Hope that Pai isn't an iNiquity iBlocker!
(11/1/2013 12:05:15 PM)
Commissioner Pai, Please address PRE SUNRISE AUTHORIZATION and consider allowing stations to use more power & NON DIRECTIONAL when the Daytime pattern is NDA. (11/1/2013 8:52:27 AM)
While somewhat encouraging, the Commission is again closing the barn door after the animals have escaped, as it did with AM Stereo, which prolonged the life of AM in Canada by ten years.The reforms need to be comprehensive including receiver standards, all channel legislation to put AM n every radio especially car radio, elimination of every facility with unsolvable signal and coverage issues to clean up the spectrum...then operators can respond with innovative and actionable content.
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