[BC] SCA ON TRANSLATORS

[Tom Taggart]

We are running into two different approaches to regulation ( and law in general)

The American approach, where anything that is not specifically prohibited is permitted; and the Totalitarian approach, where anything that is not specifically permitted, is prohibited.

Under the present regime, the latter approach seems favored. We will have to see what the FCC view is, if they ever even examine this issue.

Now getting to the question of RDS on an FM translator of an AM station.  First, I can't find any reference to RBS (RDBS) in the FCC rules, only to subcarrier transmissions in general.  Sec. 73.295, which deals with the traditional 67/92 subs, excludes subcarrier transmissions that enhance main broadcast services--which clearly describes an RDBS transmission.

Note that 74.1231 allows translators carrying AM daytime stations to provide programming overnight when the parent AM station is off:

"(h) An FM translator station that rebroadcasts a Class D AM radio broadcast station as its primary station may originate programming during the hours the primary station is not operating, subject to the provisions of §74.1263(b) of this part."

So an FM translator of an AM station can, during certain hours, provide original programming not being carried on the AM's carrier.  Since FM broadcast specs (in the sense of deviation, subcarriers, etc) discussed at 73.295, 73.293 (which references to 73.319 and 73.322) don't directly reference RDBS but clearly permit such a service, I would conclude that a translator carrying the programming of an AM station can then enhance that programming with the 57 khz RDBS subcarrier, both during AM operating hours, and (for daytimers) in those hours when the AM station is off the air for the night.