FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                News Media contact:
June 11, 1999                                   David Fiske: (202) 418-0500

         FCC PROPOSES REDUCTIONS IN TESTING PROCEDURES
                 FOR AM DIRECTIONAL ANTENNAS  
                               

     The FCC today proposed to substantially lessen the testing and verification procedures
for AM radio stations that use directional antennas.

     In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released today, the FCC said the purpose of the
proposed relaxed field test requirements is to materially reduce the regulatory, compliance and
financial burdens on the more than 1900 AM stations, (40% of all AM stations), that operate
directionally during either daytime or nighttime hours. The Commission said the reduced
requirements would not jeopardize its ability to maintain the technical integrity of the AM
broadcast service. Directional antennas are utilized to control interference between stations and
to assure adequate community coverage.

     Today's Notice is the latest in a series of Commission orders and notices to streamline
broadcast policies and licensing procedures.  Previously the Commission adopted an Order that
provided for electronic filing of applications and introduced simpler certification-based
application forms. The Commission also has a pending proceeding to change its technical rules
to provide more flexibility to both AM and FM broadcasters.

     Today's Notice proposes substantial reductions in the "proofs of performance" tests
AM operators are required to make to verify that their directional antennas are operating as
required. 

     For stations required to undertake "full proof" measurements to establish the shape of
its directional antenna radiation patterns, the verification requirements would be reduced from
30 measurement points in each of 8 radials (240 measurements) to a minimum of 15
measurement points in each of 6 radials (90 measurements). The minimum length of the radial
would be reduced from 34 to 15 km, which would eliminate those measurements most subject
to seasonal variations.




     For stations required to undertake "partial proof" measurements, triggered by an
indication that the antenna system is not operating properly, the number of field strength
measurements within 3-16 kilometers would be reduced from 10 to 8 points per radial. The
Commission is also proposing to eliminate partial proof measurement requirements following
replacement or modification of sampling system components, provided, among other
conditions, that the new components are mounted in the exact location of the old components.

     Other modifications proposed in today's NPRM include:

* Delete the required use of base current ammeters;

* Substantially reduce required technical specifications for antenna monitors;

* Discontinue reliance on petitions and objections as a means of identifying critical antenna
arrays;

* Categorically exclude two and three tower antenna systems, as well as daytime systems,
from being classified as critical arrays; and

* Discontinue requiring specially built expensive precision monitors for critical antenna
systems.

     The Commission declined to propose, as had been suggested, to eliminate altogether
the requirement for proofs of performance for directional antenna systems adjusted pursuant to
computer modeling programs. It said it had concerns that computer modeling methodology
might not always limit radiation in critical directions toward other stations, and that such a
procedure could draw the Commission into controversial issues relating to the adequacy of
adjustment programs and procedures which could lead to delays in authorizing new service.

Action by the Commission May 28, 1999, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 99-126) 
Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth, Powell and Tristani. 

Report No. MM 99-6. 
MM Docket No. 93-177.
                                
                           - FCC  - 

Mass Media Bureau Contact: Dennis Williams 202-418-2720 or Peter Doyle 202-418-2780