Although I comprehend the reasoning, I've always found it to be a peculiar method of "saving the AM Band"
AM Broadcasters Petition FCC for Expanded FM Translator Access
By Cameron Coats -December 31, 20250
https://radioink.com/2025/12/31/am-broadcasters-petition-fcc-for-expanded-fm-translator-access/
"A coalition of more than two dozen AM radio operators has formally asked the FCC to reopen the AM Radio Revitalization FM translator modification rules, seeking flexibility to relocate translators and expand AM service through expanded FM simulcasting ... .. challenges have intensified since the expiration of the 2016 and 2017 filing windows, .... .. roughly one-third of AM stations still lack a companion FM translator. Petitioners argue that reopening the translator modification rules would extend the benefits of AM Radio Revitalization to stations that were unable to participate in earlier windows... .The FCC has not yet assigned a docket number or issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in response to the filing. "
But it did seem to get the licensed AM stations off our backs.
I agree with Rich...
How can saving the AM band be done by moving the stations to FM?
I don't even understand the reasoning behind this.
@mark The concept is that by giving AM stations FM repeaters for their broadcast it enables them to draw in more advertising dollars, thus save their primary AM station from going under. - So I get it, but it sure still seems a peculiar.method.
To clarify, they're not moving their AM broadcast to FM, they are simulcasting their AM on FM frequencies.
@richpowers And that just overloads the FM band so no free space at all. Bad for us in Canada as we have extra power allowed with BETS FM and that's where we can broadcast, but what good is it if in the Toronto area and for 60 miles around when you take the other stations from other cities around including Buffalo in the USA there is no space left after these translators which were just allowed here recently, will take any spots that could be used. I got to move somewhere else!
Well, that makes a better argument if I ever get a visit about broadcasting with AM there's no space on FM.