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Commission Document

Media Bureau Provides Guidance on FM Translator Data Sources

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Released: October 18, 2013


Federal Communications Commission
445 12th St., S.W.

News Media Information 202 / 418-0500


Washington, D.C. 20554

TTY: 1-888-835-5322

DA 13-2030

October 18, 2013



On October 17, 2013, the Federal Communications Commission released Creation of a Low Power Radio
, Sixth Order on Reconsideration.1 The Sixth Order clarified the methodology for determining
predicted LPFM interference to third-adjacent channel translator input signals. It also directs the Media
Bureau (Bureau) to identify various data fields in its Consolidated Database System ("CDBS") that may
contain relevant information.2 By this Public Notice, the Bureau provides this information.


As noted in the Sixth Order, the CDBS database may include conflicting and/or missing
translator input data. The principal deficiency is missing delivery method data. This can occur for
several different reasons. Some translator stations were authorized prior to the collection or recordation
of this data. In addition, translator input station and delivery method data are collected on several forms,
including FCC Form 349, Application for Authority to Construct or Make changes in a FM Translator or
FM Booster Station, and FCC Form 303-S, Application for Renewal License for AM, FM, TV,
Translator, or LPTV Station. Because the Sixth Order's clarified methodology requires LPFM license
applicants to rely on this data in their calculations, the Commission "direct[ed] the Media Bureau to issue
a public notice providing guidance to potential LPFM applicants by identifying the various CDBS data
fields that may contain relevant information."3

Locating input signal delivery method data:

Input station and delivery method data can be accessed
from the "CDBS Public Database Files" website, located at:
Applicants are encouraged to review the readme.html link on the page before downloading any of this
data. Relevant data can be found at the following two locations: 1. the "facility" table, using the
"assoc_facility_id" to identify the facility ID of the station being rebroadcast; and 2. the "int_translator"
table, using the "delivery_method," "prim_callsign," "primary_via," and "prim_facility_id" fields, to
identify the delivery method, the callsign, the intermediate translator and the facility ID of the station
being rebroadcast, respectively. "Delivery_method" is a one-letter code that corresponds to delivery

1 See Creation of a Low Power Radio Service, Sixth Order on Reconsideration, FCC 13-134 (rel. Oct. 17, 2013)
("Sixth Order").
2 See id. at 25.
3 Id.

methods identified on FCC Form 349.4 "Primary_via" is used to identify another translator, by callsign,
that is used to relay a primary station's signal to the subject translator.
In instances where both tables contain input station data, and the data differ, applicants should rely upon
the "assoc_facility_id" data in the "facility" table to identify the station being rebroadcast by the
translator. In instances where the "facility" table does not contain information in the "assoc_facility_id"
field, applicants should rely upon the data in the "int_translator" table. In instances where the
"assoc_facility_id" specifies the facility ID number of an authorized translator, LPFM applicants should
received directly off-air.
This Public Notice is intended to provide guidance on the procedures the Bureau staff will use to review
for compliance with Section 73.827 input signal protection requirements. It is not intended to establish
binding precedent. In instances where translator stations can document proper and timely notification of a
specific delivery method and/or identification of the station being rebroadcast, the Bureau will make
specific determinations as required by the rule and by the Sixth Order.
For further information, contact James Bradshaw or Gary Loehrs, Audio Division, Media Bureau, (202)
- FCC -

4 "D" denotes off-air signal delivery, "V" denotes off-air signal delivery from ("via") another translator.



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