Proposed Techniques for Adding FM Broadcast Stations in a Major Market

Eldon J. Haakinson

Abstract: A study was conducted to investigate the technical capacity of the FM broadcast spectrum and to determine if the FM spectrum's utilization could be increased. More assignments are possible if some or all of the following recommendations are adopted: 1) protection to existing facilities rather than to maximum facilities is granted; 2) the effects of terrain on signal coverage and interference are considered; 3) directional antennas to control both coverage and interference are used; 4) reasonable changes to the signal–to–interference protection ratios for co–channel and adjacent channel operation are adopted; and 5) co–siting of second and third–adjacent channel transmitters with existing transmitters is permitted. To demonstrate the approach of adding new assignments to a saturated major market, the report shows how the number of FM broadcast stations in the Dallas–Ft. Worth region could be increased from the present 21 stations to 38 stations. The recommendations, if adopted, could increase significantly the number of FM broadcast stations in almost all markets.

Keywords: spectrum utilization; directional antennas; FM broadcast; terrain; co-sited transmitters

(80-44.pdf)

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