New Pre-Sunrise and Post-Sunset Power Levels Available for Eligible AM Stations

The FCC is now accepting letter requests from AM stations for pre-sunrise authorization (PSRA) and post-sunset authorization (PSSA). PSRA permits AM stations to operate at increased power during the two hours immediately preceding sunrise. PSSA allows for increased power for the two hours immediately following sunset.

According to the FCC's Public Notice, the Audio Division has implemented new tools to determine permissible power levels for PSRA and PSSA. When the FCC last recalculated these parameters in 2007, technical issues affected the accuracy of the FCC's calculations. In response, the Commission suspended the affected authorizations.

To request PSRA, PSSA, or both, stations may send a letter request to Joseph Szczesny or Jerome Manarchuck, Audio Division, at PSRPSS@fcc.gov. Stations should state which type of authorization(s) they are seeking and include information about the licensee, the station, and its current authorization. Importantly, stations should also describe the method by which they will reduce power when necessary.

Stations may commence PSRA and PSSA operation immediately upon receipt of the parameters calculated by the FCC. PSSA and PRSA operating parameters divide pre-sunrise and post-sunset periods into 15-minute increments. Power levels are capped at 500 watts and may not exceed a station's authorized daytime power or critical hours power.

For more information on PSRA and PSSA, please contact your attorney at Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth.