In this Report and Order, the Commission updated it’s rules by eliminating or amending outdated or unnecessary broadcast radio regulations contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). The revisions adopted herein better reflect current developments in the radio industry and ensure that the technical rules are accurate, up-to-date, and consistent.
Specifically, in the NPRM, we proposed the following rule changes:
(1) eliminating the maximum rated transmitter power limit rule for AM stations set out in
section 73.1665(b);
(2) updating the noncommercial educational (NCE) FM community of license coverage requirement set out in sections 73.316(c)(2)(ix)(B) and 73.1690(c)(8)(i) to match that used in section 73.515;
(3) eliminating the requirement that applicants demonstrate the effect of their FM
transmitting antenna on nearby FM or TV broadcast antennas, set out in section 73.316(d);
(4) updating the signal strength contour overlap requirements for NCE FM Class D stations set out in section 73.509(b) to harmonize with the contour overlap requirements for all other NCE FM stations, set out in section 73.509(a);
(5) eliminating the requirement for broadcast services to protect grandfathered common carrier services in Alaska operating in the 76-100 MHz frequency band;
(6) amending the definition of an “AM fill-in area” set out in section 74.1201(j); and
(7) amending allocation and power limitations for broadcast stations within 320 kilometers of the Mexican and Canadian borders, set out in sections 73.207(b) and 74.1235(d), to eliminate conflicting provisions and comply with current treaty requirements.
See the Report & Order for details and discussion.