FCC proposes AM radio revitalization

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to help revitalize AM radio by making it less restrictive on stations to operate.

Commissioner Ajit Pai proposed that the FCC launch a two-stage initiative that would improve AM radio service: a) reconsider hardships such as the "ratchet rule" that was intended to curtail night interference from AM stations (but also restricts AM stations from airing at night) and let AM stations apply for FM translators, and b) seek public input about the future of AM radio.