In re Application of STORER
BROADCASTING CO.,
Authorizing the Construction of
Improved Facilities
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 F.C.C.2d 282; 12 Rad. Reg. 2d (P
& F) 815
RELEASE-NUMBER: FCC 68-338
March 27, 1968 Adopted
JUDGES:
BY
THE COMMISSION: COMMISSIONER BARTLEY ABSENT; COMMISSIONER
OPINION:
[*282] 1. For consideration is the above-captioned application looking
toward issuance of program test authority to radio station WJBK,
2. WJBK (Storer) is a class II station
presently operating unlimited time on 1500 kHz with a power of 10 kw day and 1
kw night. The outstanding construction
permit authorized an increase in daytime power to 50 kw and a nighttime power
increase to 5 kw, utilizing different directional antenna systems day and night
(DA-2). WTOP's objections are addressed
solely to Storer's nighttime operation, construction and equipment testing for
which was completed November 20, 1967. n1
n1 A partial program test authorization
covering the 50-kw daytime portion of BP-14275 was issued by the Commission on
Nov. 23, 1965, and was contested neither by WTOP nor by the other class I-B
assignment on 1500 kHz (KSTP, St. Paul, Minn.).
3. Storer's construction permit contains 10
technical conditions related to the stability and other operating
characteristics of the proposed nighttime directional antenna pattern. A further special condition was included to
the effect that, before program tests could be authorized, Storer would seek
modification of the construction permit to reflect maximum expected operating
values (MEOV's) consistent with the conditions thus imposed. This requirement has been satisfied and is
not here at issue.
4. Against this background, WTOP now alleges
that Storer's proof of performance for the nighttime array is deficient, in
terms of demonstrating the required degree of signal suppression toward the
service area of station WTOP. This question raises the possibility of [*283]
objectionable interference, and thereby confers standing on WTOP as a
party in interest -- NBC (KOA) v. FCC, 132 F. 2d 545 (1942), affd. 319
5. First, WTOP points to Storer's failure to
make 30-40 field intensity measurements along each radial at locations
previously measured in the 1956 WJBK proof-of-performance, as specified by the
outstanding construction permit.
Although the current proof-of-performance is essentially similar to that
filed in 1956, it must be conceded that Storer has not literally satisfied this
condition. However, we view WTOP's
position as unrealistic, in that Storer has inspected all locations where
measurements were made in 1956 and has, in fact, made measurements at all such
locations still accessible and suitable as measuring points. We note that Storer has expended
considerable time and effort in selecting locations where good measurements may
be made. Although measurements were
made at fewer than the number of comparable locations used in 1956 (19-31, as
against 31-46), measurements at additional locations within the limited span of
distance along each radial where measurements are feasible, in order to satisfy
the letter of the condition, would not necessarily have improved the analysis
or validity of the proof-of-performance submitted.
6. While it is generally true that the
usefulness of measurement data is related to the number of locations measured,
it is also affected by the suitability of each measurement location selected
and the reliability of measurements made at each location. In minimizing the latter considerations, it
would appear that WTOP has placed undue emphasis on the number of measurements
supporting the 1967 proof. We find
Storer's selective omission and substitution of measurement locations to have
been dictated by environmental changes in the area since 1956, and that the
current proof satisfies the intent of the condition in question.
7. Next, WTOP contends that Storer's field
strength measurements made in deep null areas show a number of variations above
and below the indicated average value, with a large number of measurements
exceeding the inverse-distance filed strength determination. In anticipation of problems of analyzing
measurements made at close ranges from the directional antenna system, Storer's
construction permit was conditioned to require that such measurements be
evaluated for proximity effects.
Appendix C of Storer's 1967 proof entitled "Proximity Studies"
shows that the computed field intensities in protected directions at distances
close to the array indicate a higher than expected inverse-distance field from
the array. A like study was submitted
with the 1956 proof, which exhibited similar characteristics. Moreover, variations above and below the
indicated average are common to both the 1967 and 1956 proofs. The average value was arrived at by Storer
using the "logarithmic method" in 1956, and this method was also used
in connection with the 1967 proof. Our
analysis of the proximity effects agrees with Storer's findings.
8. WTOP also claims that the radiated fields
along certain critical azimuths, notably 122 degree True, are substantially
higher than the values [*284] as
analyzed by Storer, and also exceed the values specified in the outstanding construction
permit. WTOP bases this determination
on a ratio comparison of directional measurements made at or near the same
locations as reported in the 1967 and 1956 proofs. Specifically, WTOP finds the average ratio (0.72/0.45) of the
1967 to 1956 directional measurements to be about 60 percent higher than that
based on the ratio of the inverse-distance fields set forth in the respective
proof reports, with due allowance for differences in conductivity.
9. The WTOP determination of the
inverse-distance field by rationing the respective directional measurements,
where the greater numbers of measurements were made at close ranges to the
respective arrays, does not take into account any change in proximity effects
between the 1967 12-tower array and the 1956 eight-tower array and changes which
have taken place since 1956 at the various points measured. Therefore, we must rely upon the more recent
measurements made in 1967 to establish present antenna performance.
Accordingly, the WTOP finding of an inverse-distance field of 16 mv/m, which exceeds
the 11-mv/m maximum specified in the construction permit, is not justified.
10. Finally, WTOP questions Storer's assessment
of variation effects due to anticipated changes in array parameters, concluding
that it does not "indicate clearly that the inverse-distance field
strength at 1 mile can be maintained within the MEOV * * * specified in the
radiation pattern." More precisely, WTOP asserts that Storer's study of
anticipated variations in the phase and magnitude of current in the individual towers
of the 12-element directional antenna system do not provide sufficient
information as to variation effects of operating parameters.
11. The construction permit issued Storer did
not require the submission of a study based on variations of the operating
parameters of Storer's 12-element array.
However, a study was carried out on Storer's eight-element array to
determine the effect of variations in the antenna parameters on the theoretical
radiation in the direction of 122 degree True (toward WTOP) as well as in the
direction of 287 degree True (toward KSTP).
The decision granting the outstanding construction permit expressly
stated that "the experience derived from WJBK's existing operation with an
eight-element array may be relied upon as an indication of the reliability and
response which may be expected from the 12-element array." Paragraph 52,
Initial Decision (FCC 63D-26). We did
not intend that this statement be interpreted as requiring Storer to make a
similar study on the 12-element array.
12. The anticipated variations in phase and
magnitude of current in the individual towers are related to the construction
permit condition requiring "maintenance of the phase of the currents and
relative current in the several elements of the nighttime directional antenna
system within plus or minus 0.25 degrees and plus or minus 0.4 percent of the
assigned value." Our studies indicate that the construction permit
limitations on radiation will not be exceeded where the variations in phase and
magnitude of current in the individual towers fall within the parameter
variations stated above. Storer's study
demonstrates that the median resultant field at the most critical angle (122
degree [*285] True, on the direct bearing toward WTOP) will not exceed the
specified MEOV of 11 mv/m, if the phase does not vary more than plus or minus 1
degree from the values established in the 1967 proof and the current ratios do
not vary more than plus or minus 1.75 percent from those established in the
1967 proof.
13. We conclude that the limits specified in the
construction permit regarding maintenance of phase and magnitude of current in
the individual towers are adequate to assure the required degree of nighttime
protection to WTOP, and that Storer's data satisfies construction permit
requirements in this crucial respect.
14. As in other cases of this type, the
information submitted was examined for the purpose of determining if the
operation complies with the terms of the applicable construction permit. Storer's 1963 construction permit, BP-14275
as modified, is the proper reference basis for making this determination, and
on the information before us we conclude that Storer's nighttime
proof-of-performance is in substantial compliance with the terms of this
construction permit. However, we also
recognize and stress Storer's continuing responsibility to assure that the
operation of WJBK's directional antenna system will be maintained within
prescribed tolerances.
Accordingly,
it is ordered, That the objections of Post-Newsweek Stations, Capitol Area,
Inc. (WTOP), Are denied.
FEDERAL
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION, BEN F. WAPLE, Secretary.
DISSENT:
DISSENTING
OPINION OF COMMISSIONER NICHOLAS JOHNSON
(In
re Application of Storer Broadcasting Co. * * *)
(AM
Interference)
The
two AM radio stations involved in this case, WTOP and WJBK, operate on 1500
kc. WTOP is in
I
will not attempt a detailed discussion of the engineering data and procedures
involved in a case of this kind. It
seems to me we need go no further than to listen to our own home and automobile
AM radios at night. The overlapping
signals and congestion are a monument to years of decisions like this one --
our definitions of "acceptable interference"; rules that permit
interference in the name of "a first service" for a community that
may well be a suburb of a metropolitan area with multiple stations; shoehorned
stations with "directional" antenna patterns; bootstrapped automatic
increases in power once a 250-w daytime station is established; the very
definitions of "daytime"; and then the "waiver" or liberal
interpretation of the rules that do
exist.
The
Commission makes a creative, and in many instances commendable, effort to
satisfy as many requests as possible.
The danger, of course, is that our efforts to serve everyone may end up
serving no [*286] one. And the ultimate irony is that, when
substantial numbers of listeners finally give up, and go from AM to FM listening,
the very owners creating the signal interference today will be the ones to
suffer the greatest financial loss tomorrow.
I
would prefer stricter engineering standards and a higher burden of proving
noninterference by those who seek to increase power than the Commission applies
in this case and, accordingly, dissent.