Graham Brock, Inc.
Broadcast Technical Consultants
Vol. XVII, No. 6
June 2010
June Newsletter
Radio HD Power Increase Final
The new digital radio power rules became final
on May 10, 2010. The new rules allow for an increase of HD power from -20 dB, as
referenced to the main carrier, to -14 dB, as referenced to the main carrier. FM
stations wishing to implement the increase may now submit a notification to the
FCC regarding the increase, rather than submitting a Request for Special
Temporary Authorization (STA). Those stations that seek a higher level of HD
power, up to -10 dB, must submit an engineering STA with a narrative showing
adjacent channel compliance for higher power operation. In cases where digital
systems are being operated into licensed analog auxiliary antenna systems, if
the higher power HD operation is at a level that is greater than the analog
license, the analog auxiliary must first be modified for the higher power and
have a license application pending before the HD power can be increased (and
notification filed).
Speaking of towers, the FCC issued a Forfeiture Notice to a tower owner in California. The tower in question was sold to a new entity, but the owner failed to promptly notify the Commission regarding the change of ownership. This oversight added up to a $3,000 fine. Another station on the East Coast was issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for failing to maintain an operating Emergency Alert System, not having a functional remote control system, and not maintaining or making available the station’s Public Inspection file. The total for these violations added up to $21,000.
Seven organizations have signed and
submitted a Memorandum of Understanding to the FCC regarding the Commission’s
proceeding addressing towers and bird strikes/mortality. In the filing, the
group divided towers into three groups to determine when more detailed
assessments are required for FCC action. Towers that are greater than 450 feet
above ground will require an Environmental Assessment (EA) to be submitted with
the application for Antenna Structure Registration (ASR), and the associated ASR
would be placed on a FCC Public Notice. Towers with heights between 351 feet and
450 feet will not initially require an EA for avian concerns, but will be placed
on Public Notice. An EA may be required, based on FCC review and comments made
during the notice period. Towers less than 350 feet or replacement towers will
not require an EA to be submitted with the ASR, but no recommendation about
Public Notice requirements was addressed in the Memorandum. The memo also
suggests a preferred list of lighting requirements for changes to existing
towers.
No More Wireless Microphones in the 700 MHz Range
The Commission has issued a Public Notice reminding everyone that the use of wireless microphones in the 700 MHz spectrum must cease by June 12, 2010. This band is to be used by the newest generation of communications for public safety, and the wireless microphones could create an interference issue. The FCC provided a one year transition period that commenced with the analog to digital television transition in June 2009. This notice does not impact users operating outside the 700 MHz band.
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