On May 19, 2022, the Commission released the FM Broadcast Directional Antenna Performance Verification Order, which revised its broadcast radio procedures and rules. This includes allowing for FM and LPFM directional antenna pattern verification by computer modeling performed by the directional antenna’s manufacturer.
By Public Notice issued last week, the Media Bureau announced that the notice of the effective date for sections 73.316 and 73.1690, as amended in the FM Broadcast Directional Antenna Performance Verification Order, was published in the Federal Register on November 10, 2022, and became effective on that date.
These new rules allow for FM and LPFM directional antenna pattern proofing by computer modeling performed by the directional antenna’s manufacturer. Under the old rules, an FM or LPFM directional antenna’s performance measured relative field pattern had to be verified using either a full-scale mockup or a scale model on a test range or in an anechoic chamber. The rule change brings the FM rules in line with those for AM and DTV directional antennas.
You can see the Media Bureaus Public Notice here.
CLICK HERE FOR THE NEXT STORY