FM Translator Interference NPRM Approval Could Erode FM Audience, Broadcaster Says
If the FCC adopts all the proposals in the FM translator interference NPRM, “the demise of the FM radio service will occur,” radio licensee Monroe Public Access Cable Television commented early in docket 18-119. Limiting the distance at which full-power…
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FMs could object to interference from translators could cause the erosion of their audiences, Monroe said. “Terrestrial radio is already beleaguered by online music services, YouTube and podcasts that have caused many people to migrate away from the FM radio band.” Such limits should be based on field strength rather than contour, Monroe said. “FM translator stations should not be provided equal or near-equal status to full power FM radio stations as the regulatory obligations for an FM translator station license will remain much less burdensome.” The FCC should adopt a standardized listener complaint form for translator interference disputes that would prevent “gamesmanship,” Monroe said. It supports the agency proposal to let displaced translators relocate anywhere on the dial.