Broadcasters Seek Program Origination for FM Translators

Allow FM translators to originate programming, along with enacting GeoBroadcast Solutions’ zoned broadcast coverage proposal, 27 broadcasters urged the FCC, in a filing posted in RM-11854 Tuesday. The Broadcasters for Limited Program Origination include Miller Communications, Cromwell Group and Fingerlakes Radio Group. An NPRM on the zoned broadcast coverage request (see 2005040044) should also concern allowing content origination for AM broadcasters that use FM translators, the filing said. The NPRM should examine how FM translator interference coverage contours are applied and create a new call-sign convention for translators that originate content, the broadcasters said. “If GeoBroadcast Solutions origination of limited separate programming on same-channel booster stations is acceptable as a regulatory matter, then so should be the origination of limited separate programming on FM translator stations.”