Another flood of FM translator relocations is expected to be unleashed on Friday. That’s when the Media Bureau opens its second window for AM stations to modify or relocate FM translators as part of the Federal Communication Commission’s AM revitalization initiative. It may bring a new round of deal making, but more likely its impact will be that a number of broadcasters will file to modify the translators they’ve already bought.
The second filing window allows bigger Class A and B stations to make modifications similar to what smaller Class C and D stations have been allowed to make since January during the first filing window that opened Jan. 29, and runs through 12 midnight Thursday (July 28). The new filing window—under which straggler Class C and D stations can also participate—will remain open until Oct. 31.
It is all part of the FCC’s effort to breathe new life into the AM band. In an order adopted last October, the Commission announced it would give AM broadcasters a one-time right to file a single application to relocate a single FM translator up to 250 miles. The operator could also file to change the translator’s frequency. The trade-off was that the broadcaster must simulcast the designated AM station for at least four years. And applications will be processed by the FCC on a first come, first served basis.
Pillsbury broadcast attorney David Burns says the stakes are high to not make any errors, noting in a recent blog post that it’s a “one and done” policy. That means if a broadcaster’s application is dismissed for some reason, such as a deal to buy a translator falling through, technical mistakes, or the paperwork isn’t completed properly, the broadcaster loses their place in the processing line and they cannot file again in the window. “You’ll be sitting out the filing window watching your competitors get their FM translators,” Burns says.
Broker Beth Griffin says it may jumpstart the buying and selling of signals somewhat, but she doesn’t expect it will bring the large number of transactions that the initial window’s opening did last spring. “People were smart and did their engineering and went ahead and bought the translators they want,” she explains. “With the next window opening they’ll go ahead and file their modifications because they’ll now be able to move it up to 250 miles.”
Griffin—who has sold 100 translators so far this year, including two dozen pending deals—says the translator filing windows and the ability to move them up to 250 miles rather than the standard nine-mile move has done wonders for the value of the 250 watt or less signals.
via Inside Radio