AM Revitalization: The 800 Pound Gorilla is Still in the Closet

WASHINGTON, D.C.—While the FCC has taken some steps toward AM radio revitalization, including the current FM translator window, Womble Carlyle Telecom attorney Gregg Skall said bolder steps are needed to help the AM industry.

In a new FCC Focus column for Radio Guide, Skall writes that "The 800 pound gorilla left in the room was the proposal to modify AM protection standards by revising the protected service contour definitions to recognize modern-day noise and interference."

Skall said that in order to help AM stations reach listeners, the FCC needs to stop focusing on interference between radio stations and, instead, address noise generated by the environment, interference from electrical devices, and other technical issues.

"The bottom line appears to be that change in interference criteria...will allow AM station signal improvement in consideration of modern-day noise and interference conditions across the board, including both expanded coverage in the daytime for most stations and expanded groundwave coverage by Class B...