First 250-Mile FM Translator Modification Window for AM Stations Opens Today

Despite the snow and several days of being closed, and many private calls for a delay, the FCC has stuck with the January 29, 2016 opening date for the first of two 2016 filing windows for AM stations to modify FM translators by relocating them up to 250 miles to permitted locations within their coverage areas. That means the window opened today for Class C and D AM stations to file modification applications relocating commercial band FM translators up to 250 miles.

This first window will close at 11:59 pm EDT on July 28, 2016. Each AM station can only file one such application. And remember, whether successful or not, the AM station will not be eligible to file in later windows, or in a scheduled 2017 auction after the modification windows are concluded.

If you are a Class A or B AM station, you have to wait until the second window, which will open on July 29, 2016 and close at 5:59 pm EDT on October 31, 2016. Again, only commercial band FM translators can be modified in this window. Class C and D stations that did not participate in the first window can participate in this one as well.