Federal Communications Commission FCC 18-60
STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER MICHAEL O’RIELLY
Re: Amendment of Part 74 of the Commission’s Rules Regarding FM Translator Interference, MB 
Docket No. 18-119
Since launching the AM Revitalization (AMR) proceeding, the number of licensed FM translators 
has increased from 1,850 in 1990 to more than 7,500 in 2017.  This number will only grow, as the 
Commission has authorized 700 additional translator construction permits and is still reviewing more than 
1,000 applications for such permits.  Chairman Pai should be lauded for this, as his great work has 
provided dire aid for many troubled AM radio stations.  
At the same time, when the AMR proceeding was launched, I questioned what, if any, unintended 
consequences of such a proceeding would be.  The concern I commonly heard was that there would be an 
increase in interference and subsequent complaints to the Commission.  Today, the Chair brings forth an 
appropriate solution with a more effective process for handling legitimate complaints.  I thank him for 
doing so.  I support such a proceeding and hope to hear from stakeholders on whether or not this will 
adequately address the rise in interference concerns due to the successful AMR proceeding.  I will happily 
approve the item.