NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).
News Media Information 202-418-0500
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
September 19, 2014 Matthew Berry, 202-418-2005
Email:  Matthew.Berry@fcc.gov
STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER AJIT PAI
ON DENIAL OF TELL CITY WAIVER REQUEST
I am disappointed by the Media Bureau’s decision to deny the Tell City waiver request.  We have 
seen that FM translators can serve as a lifeline for struggling AM stations, and granting this waiver would 
have made it easier for AM stations to obtain such translators.  This step would have provided immediate 
relief to AM broadcasters, which is why the waiver request received widespread support from 
broadcasters as well as the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council. 
Today’s decision highlights the need for the Commission to take immediate action to help AM 
radio.  Had it been up to me, the Tell City waiver request would have been resolved as part of the AM 
revitalization proceeding.  But now that we’re on a different path, it’s even more critical that we open a 
window for AM broadcasters to apply for FM translators.  If we take that step, the denial of the Tell City 
waiver request will only be a temporary setback in our effort to revitalize the AM band.