Washington - Mar 1, 2007 - As a result of the change in Daylight Saving Time with the enactment of the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005, the FCC has issued a notice for AM stations that operate under pre-sunrise and post-sunset service authorizations (PSRA and PSSA). The changes in the DST hours require modification of all outstanding PSRA and PSSA authorizations, which are premised on assumptions regarding local time based on the previous DST schedule. Continued operation pursuant to these legacy authorizations could result in impermissible interference.

The FCC's Media Bureau, pursuant to Section 73.99(i) of the FCC rules, has withdrawn all PSRAs and PSSAs issued before to Feb. 1, 2007. This action is effective March 11, 2007.

The Audio Division staff has recalculated the permissible pre-sunrise and post-sunset operating powers for all eligible AM stations, pursuant to Sections 73.99(e) and (j) of the rules. Copies of the new PSRA and PSSA documents have been placed in each affected station's electronic correspondence folder. These documents can be accessed through the commission's Consolidated Database System (CDBS).

Many stations are concerned that the power levels according to the site update are substantially less than what they were running before the DST change. From reports posted online and gathered by Radio magazine, the FCC has admitted that some of the power levels noted are incorrect because of a bug in the calculation program. One post noted that PSRA stations with two times listed are known to be in error, and the FCC will recalculate the proper power levels. The updated information will be posted in each station's correspondence folder. The FCC will attempt to have all the correct information posted by March 9, 2007.

Many stations are concerned that the power levels according to the site update are substantially less than what they were running before the DST change. From reports posted online and gathered by Radio magazine, the FCC has admitted that some of the power levels noted are incorrect because of a bug in the calculation program. One post noted that PSRA stations with two times listed are known to be in error, and the FCC will recalculate the proper power levels. The updated information will be posted in each station's correspondence folder. Read the public notice for instructions on accessing your stations correspondence folder.
DA 07-938