How much does an FM translator cost?
S&P Global Market Intelligence says the average price paid for a translator during the first half of this year was $142,000 compared to an average $72,000 paid in 2016—a figure for which S&P excludes the largest deal to prevent a skewing of the numbers.
What is a radio station translator?
A “translator” consists of a receiver (basically an FM radio) which is set up to receive another (NCPR in our case) station. This receiver is coupled to a low-power transmitter which then re-broadcasts the (NCPR) signal to the surrounding area. Translators must re-broadcast their “primary” stations 100% of the time.
What is a silent radio station?
In the broadcasting industry, a dark television station or silent radio station is one that has gone off the air for an indefinite period of time. Usually unlike dead air (broadcasting only silence), a station that is dark or silent does not even transmit a carrier signal.
What is the FCC assigned frequency range for FM stations?
The FM broadcast in the United States starts at 88.0 MHz and ends at 108.0 MHz. The band is divided into 100 channels, each 200 kHz (0.2 MHz) wide.
What is an FM booster?
FM Boosters are FM transmission facilities that operate on the same channel as the primary station that it is broadcasting. FM boosters are used to fill in gaps of coverage that are normally created by terrain.
How can I start my own FM radio station?
Here’s how to start a non-internet radio station.
- Apply for a frequency. It may take a long time before you’re assigned a frequency [source FCC].
- Apply for a license. It’s illegal to operate an unlicensed radio station, even at extremely low power [source: FCC].
- Establish a source of funding.
Can a FM translator be used on an AM station?
FM translators for AM stations. For some stations, this means being able to place a translator at the maximum power possible and likely not have to worry about using expensive directional antennas in order to keep the signal within the 2 mV/m.With this rule approval, nothing has changed with the nature of translators.
Can a translator be used on an LPFM station?
Translators obtained in the 2017 and 2018 filing windows can not be used for LPFM or full-power FM stations. Translators must be applied for by the AM licensee. If you need to move a translator for an FM or LPFM station, REC can assist you but the normal FCC move guidelines would apply.
When to apply for cross service FM translators?
The first filing window for cross-service FM translators went from July 26 through August 2, 2017. This window was limited to Class C and Class D AM broadcast stations that was not listed as the primary station on a “250 mile” application in the 9-month period in 2016 when such major moves were allowed.
How does a translator notify the Federal Communications Commission?
The translator licensee must notify the Commission by letter of ANY change in the primary FM station rebroadcast, and the letter should be mailed to the following address: This change will be examined to verify that the change in primary station complies with the Commission’s translator rules, such as signal delivery requirements (see below).
