Proposed Techniques for Adding FM Broadcast Stations in a Major Market, Part 2

Eldon J. Haakinson

Abstract: This is a companion document to another NTIA Report, "Proposed Techniques for Adding FM Broadcast Stations in a Major Market." Increasing the number of assignments is possible if: 1) co–siting of second– and third–adjacent–channel transmitters is allowed; 2) directional antennas to control both signal coverage and interference are used; 3) reasonable changes to the signal–to–interference protection ratios for co–channel and adjacent–channel operation are adopted; 4) protection to existing facilities rather than maximum allowed antenna height and transmitter power is granted; and 5) the effects of terrain on coverage and interference are considered. To demonstrate the approach of adding assignments to a saturated major market, this second report shows how the number of FM broadcast stations in the Washington, D.C., market could be increased from the present 13 commercial and noncommercial stations to 21 assignments. Recommendations are made which, 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

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Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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