All-Digital AM Broadcasting?

As part of its continuing effort to revitalize AM broadcasting, the FCC has adopted a rulemaking proceeding that will allow AM stations to voluntarily transition to an all-digital format to avoid interference and improve the listening experience. The NPRM considers a variety of issues related to power levels, interference, notification, and the potential issues if a digital AM station ever transitions back to analog. Comments will be due within 30 days of publication in the Federal Register. We expect this rulemaking to take a few months, as some of the issues will require special and careful deliberation. Hopefully, voluntary AM all digital operation will be possible by the summer of 2020.