[BC] AM on translator becomes new FM station...

[Keith Hammond]

§74.1263(b): Time of operation.

b) An FM booster or FM translator station rebroadcasting the signal of an AM
or FM primary station shall not be permitted to radiate during extended
periods when signals of the primary station are not being retransmitted.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, FM translators rebroadcasting Class D AM
stations may continue to operate during nighttime hours only if the AM
station has operated within the last 24 hours.

We all know that the AM licensee is supposed to file for a silent STA to
cover being off the air for over 30 days, and the license will be cancelled
if it is dark for 12 consecutive months.

Keith Hammond
MonsterFM.com / Broadcast Technical Services
830 Hillsdale Road
Jasper, Alabama 35504


Alex Hartman said:

Doesn't this get into the really hairy area of the contours? (without the
parent station on the air, there's no 60dbu to go by, right? and if they go
silent without the STA, they'd essentially be in violation of the license
and possibly forfit the AM license, thus loosing the FM translator as well
(since there's no parent license?)?