Federal Communications Commission	"FCC  XX-XXX"


STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL

Re: 	All-Digital AM Broadcasting, MB Docket No. 19-311; Revitalization of the AM Radio Service, MB Docket No. 13-249.

In a world with so many ways to listen, there is still something special about a signal in the air.  Radio, and AM radio in particular, has long played a role beyond just informing and entertaining.  It has created communities and anchored people to place.  That capacity for localism is what still makes the medium distinct.  It is what gives it the ability to shine when so much other audio content is available.

Today’s decision provides the AM band a bit more opportunity to glow.  That’s because in light of the growing interference issues with the band, we offer licensees the opportunity to transition to digital service.  In doing so, we let stations decide if all-digital is right for them and the listeners they serve.  We recognize the right receivers may not be ubiquitous and that moving from analog to digital format may fracture audiences.  So we allow licensees to choose the way forward, without mandates that impose widespread costs on consumers.  This is a prudent approach and it has my support.
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