National Association of Broadcasters Engineering Handbook, 11th Edition

Chapter10.2

AM Radio Performance Measurements

David P. Maxson

Isotrope, LLC

Medfield, MA

Introduction

AM radio stations are required to manage the spectrum occupied by their AM broadcast signals.¹ The FCC requires at a minimum that AM stations perform annual equipment performance measurements (EPMs) of their spectral occupancy. The rules for documenting spectral occupancy are more complex than many realize, resulting in an industry-wide tendency to make compliance measurements that are not entirely consistent with the rules. In particular, while it may already be challenging for some AM stations to identify measurement locations that are free of unwanted noise and interference, directional AM stations have an added burden of seeking out measurement ...