Mutually Exclusiove Applications for AM Translators

[knoxbob]

If an AM stations applies for a translator and the MX rule hits them will they be able to modify their application to switch to another channel or if they can't buy out the other station will they lose their opportunity to apply for a frequency?

[TPT]

In the last 250 mile window, one of the translators I sold went to Richmond, Va. On their first try, they were MX to another move-in. So we (buyer, my company and buyer's consulting engineer) quickly filed an amended application, which went through.

The 250 mile window operated under the legal "fiction" that these were minor change modifications under a waiver. Of course, in most cases, these were brand new applications in reality--new coordinates, frequency, power and height.

I would suspect that in this new window it will be the same. If two applications are MX, the parties can attempt to resolve by one choosing a new frequency. If there is no resolution, then the competing apps will go to auction.

Time before the opening of the window would be well spent in examining possible channels in the market--and some off the record talks between AM stations engineering staff.

[Deep Thought]

The FCC has no administrative authority to resolve translator MX groups (it's called an auction window but in reality there is no auction authorized for it) so they strongly recommend that you figure out a resolution. Otherwise you'll sit there forever, unprocessed.

Some of the MX'd applicants got an email to that effect last go-round. You'll want to make sure you have some sort of escape route, and remember that this is one big poker game.

[knoxbob]

Thanks for you info.