Re: [IRCA] Expanded-Band Owner Objects to AM Surrender Plan

[Les Rayburn <les@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It seems to me that 25 such stations is a substantial number. The total number of stations authorized in the expanded band is only what, about 60 stations? That means that over 1/3 of them still retain dual licenses. 

The future of AM seems pretty clear. With a shrinking audience, increased interference and congestion, and now the migration of more stations to FM translators. How long can owners continue to justify the expense of maintaining a transmitter, antenna site, power bills, etc.? 

Fewer stations on the bands would ease congestion, reduce interference, and allow for something closer to the original âclear channelâ concept at nightâwhere fewer stations could reach larger geographic areas still not served well by FM. 

If you drive through West Texas at night, and other parts of the West, there are areas where FM stations within range are few and far between. AM radio at night still serves these areas well. Minority communities will small numbers will also be a growing audience on the AM dial, where demographics may make it unfeasible to have an FM outlet. 

AM is also well suited to disseminate emergency information during regional disasters. We saw this extensively during Hurricaneâs Katrina and Rita, and also during Superstorm Sandy. 

AM Radio is independent of infrastructure. Relying only on the power of the transmitter and the ionosphere to deliver vital emergency information over large areas of the country. I think thatâs a resource worth protecting. But I doubt it will be possible for the band to continue to support the large number of stations on every channel that it does now. 

Itâs human nature to want to âhave your cake and eat it too.â But these stations accepted licenses in the expanded band with the understanding that they would someday have to surrender their original allocation. 20+ years seems like more than enough time to build an audience in the expanded band. 




73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 
EM63nf

Member WTFDA, IRCA, NRC. Former CPC Chairman for NRC & IRCA. 

Elad FDM-S2 SDR, AirSpy SDR, Quantum Phaser, Wellbrook ALA1530 Loop, Wellbrook Flag, Clifton Labs Active Whip. 


> On Feb 24, 2016, at 3:47 PM, Dennis Gibson <wb6tnb@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> 
> http://www.radioworld.com/article/expanded-band-owner-objects-to-am-surrender-plan/278222
> 
> Sent from my iPad
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