Radio History Documents

On this page, we provide links to many documents relating to the earliest days of radio broadcasting, starting from from the days of radiotelegraphy in the early 1900s.   Some are collections, some are single documents.  Document quality may vary due to differences in copying technology over the past couple of decades.  Most documents are available in PDF format only.

 

A Short History of Radio, from the FCC's Office of Managing Director

History of Commercial Radio

Radio Service Bulletins 1915-1932

Radio Service Bulletins were issued by the Bureau of Navigation (and later the Radio Division, Department of Commerce), during this period.  Radio Service Bulletin Nos. 1 to 183 were generally issued monthly.  183 documents.

Annual Reports of the Federal Communications Commission, 1935 - 1998

Annual Reports of the Federal Radio Commission, 1927 - 1934

Once-a-year reports to Congress summarizing broadcasting, telegraph, telephone, common carrier, land mobile, and many other services regulated by the FCC. The seven Annual Reports issued by the Federal Radio Commission (1927 - 1934) are also available here.

National Archives Catalog

The Catalog can be searched, however be aware that information listed there may not be available online.  Varying the search terms may bring up additional results.  A few items that may be of interest from the WWII era (PDF):

Documents (excluding Annual Reports and Radio Service Bulletins)

1900 - 1926
08/28/1912 Instructions for Radio Communication
05/09/1913 Radio Call Letters (Department of Commerce, Bureau of Navigation)
08/15/1919 Radio Communication Laws of the United States and the International Radiotelegraphic Convention, Edition August 15, 1919 (Department of Commerce, Bureau of Navigation)
04/16/1926 United States v. Zenith Radio Corporation et. al. (District Court N.D., E.D. April 16, 1926)
02/05/1923 Hoover, Secretary of Commerce v. Intercity Radio Co., Decision No. 3766 (52 App.D.C. 339, 286 Fed. 1003))
04/16/1926 United States v. Zenith Radio Corporation, et. al.

 

1927 - 1938
02/23/1927 Radio Act of 1927 (established the Federal Radio Commission)
07/01/1929 Annual Report of the Chief of the Radio Division (Department of Commerce) to the Secretary of Commerce for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1929
07/01/1930 Annual Report of the Chief of the Radio Division (Department of Commerce) to the Secretary of Commerce for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 1930
01/23/1934 Study of Communications by an Interdepartmental Committee
02/19/1934 Regulation of American Companies Operating Across the International Border (Senate Report No. 319)
02/26/1934 Message from the President of the United States Recommending that Congress Create a New Agency to be Konwn as the Federal Communications Commission
03/22/1934 Regulation of American Companies Operating Across the International Border (HR Report No. 10307)
07/17/1934 FCC Order No. 1
01/25/1935 Crosley Radio Corporation (WLW), Cincinatti, Ohio, for extension of Special Temporary Experimental Authrization (500 kW of power)

 

1939 - 1945
   
03/13/1939 Frequency Allocations Between 30,000 Kilocycles and 300,000 Kilocycles
09/07/1939 Memorandum of European War Coverage
09/07/1939 Commission discusses radiobroadcasting in light of the European Situation [outbreak of WWII]
09/11/1939 Meeting with broadcasters to discuss coverage of the European Situation (invasion of Poland by Germany)
01/15/1940 Radio Introduces Neutrality Problems
05/20/1940 Aural Broadcasting on Frequencies Above 25,000 Kilocycles Particularly Relating to Frequency Modulation [Docket 5805] - Report on Frequency Modulation
06/05/1940 Foreign Amateur Communication Banned
06/07/1940 Use of Amateur Portable Transmitters for Long Distance Communication Banned
06/11/1940 Order on Amateur Portable transmitters Modified to Permit Domestic Emergency Use
06/14/1940 Warning to All Commercial Radio Operators
06/19/1940 Citizenship Proof Required of All Radio Operators
06/27/1940 Federal Communications Commission Expanding Field Force to Handle New Duties Under national Defense Emergency
07/09/1940 New Rules for Amateur Radio Operators
07/16/1940 Announcement Regarding Temporary Positions for Radio Operators in the Federal Communications Commission
08/05/1940 Month Extension for Submitting Proof of Citizenship -- Answer to Questions Asked by Radio Operators Subject to Compliance with FCC Order No. 75
08/27/1940 Order No. 73-A, Affecting Amateurs, Clarified
09/22/1940 National Defense and the Federal Communications Commission
10/11/1940 No Further Extension of Order No. 75 to be Granted
10/23/1940 New Rule 4.43(f) for International Broadcast Stations
01/24/1942 FCC on 44 Hour Work Week for War
01/30/1942 Preliminary Curb on Broadcast Authorizations
02/13/1942 Wartime Survey of Foreign Language Broadcasts
02/17/1942 Order No. 91
02/21/1942 Requirements for Broadcast Station Operators Relaxed
02/23/1942 Policy and Procedure for Handling Standard [AM] broadcast station Applications
04/27/1942 Policy and Procedure for the Handling of Broadcast Applications exclusive of International, ST[andard or AM], Developmental, High Frequency Experimental and Non-commercial Educational
07/02/1942 Policy and Procedure for Handling Applications in the Emergency, Aviation, Miscellaneous and Experimental Services
07/07/1942 Policy on Handling Applications in the Emergency, Aviation, Miscellaneous and Experimental Services
07/21/1942 Policy and Procedure on Handling Applications Relating To Stations in the Agricultural, Coastal, Marine relay, and Fixed Public Services
08/04/1942 FCC States Policy on Licensing High Frequency (FM) and ST[andard AM] Broadcast stations
08/24/1942 First Licenses for Civilian Defense Radios Granted
09/22/1942 Commission Policy Concerning Applications Unvolving Use of Quartz Crystals Only
11/20/1942 Surplus Equipment Surrvey by FCC
12/01/1942 Policy and Procedure for Handling Applications Under Section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934
02/23/1943 Notice to Television Station Licensees, Permittees, and Applicants
02/23/1943 FM and Television Station Processing [1943]
03/03/1943 FCC rejects proposal to suspend AM broadcast operations during war
05/31/1943 "Ham" Operators' Licenses Extended
06/28/1943 Amended FCC Rules Enlarge Scope of Civilian Defense radio Operations
07/06/1943 Actions By the Commission (Report No. 66)
08/11/1943 Supplemental Statement of Policy Concerning Applications for Permits to Construct or Change Local Channel Standard [AM] Broadcast Stations
01/26/1944 Supplemental Statement of Policy Concerning Applications for Permits to Construct or Change Radio Stations
01/26/1944 War Production Board allows FCC to act on some applications for new or expanded radio service [WPB-4877]
09/28/1944 VHF Radio Field Strength measurements, 1943-1944, Exhiblt No. 4, Docket 6651
09/28/1944 Very-High Frequency [VHF] and Ultra-High Frequency [UHF] Signal Ranges as Limited by Noise and Co-channel Interference, E.W. Allen, Jr., Exhibit No. 593 Docket 6651
01/16/1945 Supplemental Statement of Policy Concerning Applications for Permits to Construct New Radio Stations or Make Changes to Existing Radio Facilities
01/17/1945 Five AM broadcast applications granted under wartime application processing procedures
01/25/1945 Procedure to be Followed in Handling Standard Broadcast Applications Under the January 16, 1945 Supplemental Statement of Policy
05/04/1945 War Production Board to authorize resumption of civilian radio production [WPB-7893]
05/25/1925 Two letters interpreting the January 16, 1945 policy statement regarding AM broadcast station applications
06/27/1945 Allocation of Frequencies to the Various Classes on Non-Governmental Services in the Radio Spectrum from 10 kilocycles to 30,000,000 kilocycles [Docket 6651]
06/29/1945 FCC moving forward on regulations for FM, TV and Facsimile Broacasting
07/17/1945 Supplement to the Statement of Policy Issued on January 15, 1945 Concerning Application to Make Changes in Existing Radio Facilities
07/26/1945 War Production Board ends restrictions on electronic equipment {WPB-8706]
08/07/1945 Policy and Procedure for Handling Broadcast Applications
08/28/1945 Policy for Handling Applications Relating to Stations in the Agriculture, Coastal, Marine Relay, Fixed Public, Emergency, Aviation, Miscellaneous and Experimental Services
08/28/1945 Policy and Procedure for handling Applications Under Section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934
09/04/1945 Policy for processing FM applications
09/12/1945 FM Assignments for Existing Licensees abd Permittees [Docket 6761]
09/25/1945 Commission Policy With respect to Applications for Experimental television and FM Developmental Stations
10/26/1945 Assignment of FM Frequencies to Existing Licenses in the New York Metropolitan District [Docket 6761]
12/04/1945 Foreign Broadcast Intelligence Service of the FCC ceases monitoring of foreign broadcast stations on December 5, 1945

 

1946 - 1955
03/05/1946 Allocation of Frequencies to the Various Classes of Non-Governmental Services in the Radio Spectrum fro 10 Kilocycles to 30,000,000 Kilocyckes [Docket 6561]
07/19/1946 Frequency Service Allocations to Non-Government Fixed and Mobile Services in the Band 42-44 Mc [FM stations moved to 88-108 Mc]
01/02/1947 Petition of clear channel group for reconsideration of the Commission's policy with respect to the licensing odf stations on clear channels and channels adjacent to clear channels
04/03/1947 Midnight Sun Broadcasting Co., Anchorage, AK
05/05/1948 Sharing of Television Channels And Assignment of Frequencies to Television and Non-Government Fixed and Mobile Services {Docket 8487]. TV Channel 1 deleted.
04/19/1949 Synchronous or Common Frequency Broadcasting (North American Regional Broadcasting Committee, Engineering Division).
06/08/1949 Editorializing by Licensees [Appendix, Docket 8516].
10/10/1950 Identification on Broadcast Station [Sponsorship], Public Notice.
10/08/1952 Physical Limitations for Directional Antenna Systems in the Standard [AM] Broadcast Band [T.R.R. Report No. 1.2.6]
04/13/1953 Proposed Agreement Between the United States and Canada respecting Assignment of Class II [AM] Standard Broadcast Stations to clear channels [Docket 10453, FCC 53-407]
12/28/1953 Music Broadcasting Company (WGRD) for Authority to Operate Presunrise Hours
02/24/1954 Amendment of Part 3 (Radio Broadcast Services) ... Concerning Standard [AM] Broadcast Stations< [Docket 10604], regarding ground conductivity & M3 chart.
04/29/1955 To Permit FM Broadcast Stations to Engage in Specified Non-Broadcast Activities on a Simplex and/or Multiplex Basis [Docket 10832, FCC 55-34, SCA]
04/29/1955 To Permit FM Broadcast Stations to Engage in Specified Non-Broadcast Activities on a Simplex and/or Multiplex Basis [Docket 10832, FCC 55-34, SCA]
11/04/1955 Revision of Regulations [for AM, FM, TV, effective 1/2/1956]. Rules published in Federal Register.
12/08/1955 Amendment of 3,261 of Part 3 (Radio Broadcast Services) [to not require Sunday operation by FM stations]

 

1956 - 1960
06/15/1956 Rules and Regulations Relating to Subsidiary Communications Authorizations [SCA] of FM Broadcast Stations [Docket 10832, FCC 56-552]
06/17/1957 Rules and Regulations Relating to Subsidiary Communications Authorizations [SCA] of FM Broadcast Stations [Docket 10832, FCC 57-627]
09/19/1957 Remote Control Operation of Certain Standard [AM], FM, and Non-Commercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations [Docket 11677, FCC 57-1015]
08/28/1958 Clear Channel Broadcasting in the Standard [AM] Broadcast Band {Docket 6761, FCC 58-350]
09/19/1958 Extended Hours of Broadcasting for Daytime [AM] Broadcast Stations [Docket 12274, FCC 58-891].   Petition denied.
07/08/1959 Inquiry into the Advisability of Authorizing Standard [AM] Broadcast Stations to Operate With Facilities Licensed for Daytime Operation from 6 AM or Local Sunrise to 6 PM or Local Sunset [Docket 12729, FCC 59-681].  Rulemaking not initiated.
09/22/1959 Promulgation of Rules and Regulations ... Concerning Daytime Skywave Transmissions of Standard [AM] Broadcast Stations [Docket 8333, FCC 59-970].
10/28/1959 Promulgation of Rules and Regulations ... Concerning Daytime Skywave Transmissions of Standard [AM] Broadcast Stations [Docket 8333, FCC 59-1072/a>.  Supplemental Report and Order.
12/09/1959 Promulgation of Rules and Regulations ... Concerning Daytime Skywave Transmissions of Standard [AM] Broadcast Stations [Docket 8333, FCC 59-1294].  Denied petitions for reconsideration.
05/09/1960 To Permit FM Broadcast Stations to Engage in Specified Non-Broadcast Activities on a Multiplex Basis [Docket 12517, FCC 60-497]
07/29/1960 Commission Programming Inquiry, Report and Statement of Policy

 

1961 - 1965
09/13/1961 Clear Channel Broadcasting in the Standard [AM] Broadcast Band [Docket 641, FCC 61-1106] and Supplement
11/01/1961 Contingent Applications in the Broadcast Services not adopted in 1961.
11/07/1961 Licensee Responsibility With Respect to the Broadcast of False, Misleading, or Deceptive Advertising
11/21/1961 Restatement of Commission Policy on the Broadcast of Horse Racing Information.  1961 policy.
02/12/1962 Amendment of the Commission's Rules to Permit Regional [AM broadcast] Stations to Operate With Powers Up to 25 Kilowatts.  Denied.
03/09/1962 Broadcast Licensees Warned Against Engaging in Double Billing [FCC 62-272]
06/01/1962 Broadcasters Warned Against 'Teaser' or 'Come-On' Spots Where Neither Sponsor Nor Sponsor's Product Is Announced [FCC 62-592]
07/25/1962 Revision of FM Broadcast Rules, Particularly as to Allotment and Technical Standards [Docket 14185, FCC 62-866, First R&O]
10/03/1962 Logging Requirements for Broadcast Stations [Docket 14187, FCC 62-1027]
11/21/1962 Clear Channel Broadcasting in the Standard [AM] Broadcast Band [Docket 6741, FCC 62-1214]. . Petitions for reconsideration denied or dismissed.
12/31/1962 Revision of FM Broadcast Rules, Particularly as to Allotment and Technical Standards [Docket 14185, FCC 62-1243, Second Report, MO&O]
02/20/1963 Use of Automatic Logging Devices [Docket 14661, FCC 63-184]
07/24/1963 Clear Channel Broadcasting in the Standard [AM] Broadcast Band [Docket 6741, FCC 63-702]. . Petition for reconsideration denied.
07/25/1963 Revision of FM Broadcast Rules, Particularly as to Allotment and Technical Standards [Docket 14185, FCC 63-735, Third Report, MO&O]
08/11/1963 Revision of FM Broadcast Rules, Particularly as to Allotment and Technical Standards [Docket 14185, FCC 63-765, Supplement to Third Report, MO&O]
11/16/1964 Revision of FM Broadcast Rules, Particularly as to Allotment and Technical Standards [Docket 14185, FCC 64-919, Fourth R&O]. 1964 grandfathered FM stations.
02/19/1965 Potential Interference to Television Reception from the Operation of FM Broadcast Stations on Certain Frequencies [Information Bulletin, FCC 65-130]
03/31/1965 Permit the Use of the Frequency 108.0 MC/s by VOR Test Facilities [Docket 15578]
05/26/1965 Policy Statement Concerning the Height of Radio and Television Antenna Towers [Public Notice, FCC 65-455]
07/02/1965 Amendment of Section 73.207, concerning minimum required spacings between FM Broadcast Stations, to provide for I.F. interference protection [Docket 15934, FCC 65-575]

 

1966 - 1970
02/3/1966 Policy to Govern the Change of FM Channels to Avoid Interference to Television Reception [Public Notice, FCC 66-106]
04/27/1966 Use of Broadcast Facilities by Candidates for Public Office [Public Notice, FCC 66-386]
05/25/1966 Require FM Broadcast Stations Engaging in Multiplex Stereophinic Broadcasting or SCA Operation to Install Frequency and Modulation Monitors Capable of Monitoring Subcarrier Operation [Docket 15404, FCC 66-459]
09/07/1966 Development if VHF and UHF Propagation Curves for TV and FM Broadcasting, Report No. R-6602
11/09/1966 Revision of FM Rules, Particularly as to Allotment and Technical Standards (Educational FM Channels) [Docket 14185, FCC 66-1007].  Notice of Inquiry asks about a Table of Allotments for noncommercial educational FM stations.
11/09/1966 Amendment of Subpart C of Part 73, Non-Commercial Educational Broadcast Stations, to Provide for a National Symphony Network [FCC 66-994].  Denied.
03/30/1967 Foreign Language Programs [Public Notice, FCC 67-368]
05/17/1967 Amendment of Sections 73.253 and 73.553 ... Concerning Stereophonic and SCA Modulation Monitors [Order, FCC 67-601].  Type-acceptance of modulation monitors.
06/27/1967 Amendment of the Rules With Respect to Hours of Operation of Standard [AM] Broadcast Stations [Docket 14419, FCC 67-767. . 500 watt cap on presunrise operations.
06/28/1967 Presunrise Operation by Class II Stations under Presunrise Service Authorization on U.S. I-A Clear Channels [Docket 17562, FCC 67-768]
07/14/1967 Calculations for Educational FM Channel Assignments in Areas Served by TV Channel 6, Report No.R-6702.  Applies to analog NTSC TV Channel 6 operations.
09/01/1967 FM Interference to Reception [Public Notice, FCC 67-1012]
10/11/1967 Amendment of the Rules With Respect to Hours of Operation of Standard [AM] Broadcast Stations [Docket 14419, FCC 67-1143]
10/17/1967 Presunrise Operation by Class II Stations under Presunrise Service Authorization on U.S. I-A Clear Channels [Docket 17562, FCC 67-1144]
11/16/1964 Operation During Hours Before Local Sunrise by Unlimited-Time [AM] Standard Broadcast Stations [Order, FCC 67-1274]
02/28/1968 Presunrise Operation by Class II Stations on U.S. Clear Channels before 6 A.M. [Docket 18036, FCC 68-194].  NPRM.
08/21/1968 Amendment of Section 73.99 ... (Presunrise Service Authority) to Specify 6 A.M. 'Local Time' [Docket 18023, FCC 68-659].  Rule correction for Daylight Saving Time.
07/29/1969 Presunrise Operation by Class II Stations on U.S. I-A Clear Channels [Docket 17562]; Amendment of Section 73.99 ... (Presunrise Service Authority) to Specify 6 A.M. 'Local Time' [Docket 18023]; Presunrise Operation by Class II Stations on U.S. Clear Channels before 6 A.M. [Docket 18036]. FCC 69-844]. 
09/04/1969 Remove Section 316(f) requirement for filing an AM construction permit when sidemounting an FM antenna on an AM tower [Order, FCC 69-953]
10/29/1969 Permit Standard [AM] Broadcast Stations Operated By Remote Control To Transmit Telemetry Signals Directly Related to the Technical Operation of the Broadcast Station [Docket 17873, FCC 69-1176]
10/29/1969 Clarification of Subparts B and C of Part 73 (Noncommercial Educational FM Stations operating on Unreserved FM Channels) [MO&O, FCC 69-1174
05/11/1970 Amendment of Those Provisions of Part 73 ... Which Describe and Delimit the Nature of Non-Commercial, Educational FM and Television Broadcast Service, and Related Matters (Sections 73.503 and 73.621) [MO&O, FCC 70-487]. . See also FCC 70-1196.
05/13/1970 Amendment of Sections 73.124(a) (AM), 73.299 (FM), and 73.678 (TV) ... In Order to Prohibit Certain Fraudulent Billing Practices [MO&O, FCC 70-512
05/15/1970 Applicability of Fraudulent Billing Rule (73.124(a), 73.299, 73.678, and 73.1205) [News Release, FCC 70-513
06/03/1970 Revised Period of Construction for Various Broadcast Stations [Docket 18763, FCC 70-592
06/09/1970 Application of Sections 317 and 508 of the Communications Act to 'Kickbacks' of Fees Paid to Performers [Public Notice, FCC 70-593
10/21/1970 Rebroadcast of National Weather Service (Weather Bureau) Transmissions [Public Notice, FCC 70-1108]
05/11/1970 Amendment of Those Provisions of Part 73 ... Which Describe and Delimit the Nature of Non-Commercial, Educational FM and Television Broadcast Service, and Related Matters (Sections 73.503 and 73.621) [MO&O, FCC 70-1196]. . See also FCC 70-487.
12/16/1970 Formulation of Appropriate Further Regulatory Policies Concerning Cigarette Advertising and Antismoking Presentations [Docket 19050, FCC 70-1305.  Cigarette smoking advertising on broadcast media ended 1/1/1971.

 

1971 - 1975
02/02/1972 Unauthorized Broadcast of Federal Aviation Administration Communications by Broadcast and other Federal Communications Commission Licensees [Public Notice, FCC 70-105]  47 CFR Section 73.4102.
05/18/1972 Station Initiated Telephone Calls Which Fail to Comply With Section 73.1206 of the Rules [Public Notice, FCC 72-431]
08/08/1972 Discrete Four-Channel [Quadrophonic] Transmission Requires Prior Approval from FCC [Public Notice, Report No. 10851]
03/13/1973 Licensee Responsibility to Exercise Adequate Control Over Foreign Language Programs [MO&O, FCC 73-269]
03/30/1973 Operation in the Band 535-1600 kHz Without an Individual License (Bulletin No. OCE12, March, 1973). . 1973 limitations.
06/01/1973 Identification of Source of, or Party Supplying, Certain Broadcast Matter [Public Notice, FCC 73-595].  47 CFR Section 73.4215.
06/25/1973 Restrict Transmission of the Stereophonic Pilot Subcarrier by FM Stations During Periods of Monophonic Transmission [Docket 15971, FCC 73-680]
06/25/1973 Assignment of New or Modified Call Signs to AM, FM, and TV Broadcasting Stations [Docket 17477, FCC 73-677]
07/02/1973 Amendment of Section 73.593, NCE FM Multiplex channels involving a charge to the audience [Docket 19078, FCC 73-692]
10/26/1973 Constants for [AM] Directional Antenna Programs [Public Notice, FCC 73-1096]
12/20/1973 Emergency Implementation of National Daylight Saving Time Legislation (Public Law 93-182) With respect to Sign-On Practices of Daytime-Only AM Broadcast Stations [Docket 19902, NOI & NPRM, FCC 73-1324]
12/20/1973 Provide for a one-hour advancement in the sign-on times of daytime AM broadcast stations to recoup the hour lost by the enactment of year-round Daylight Saving Time [Docket 19902, Order, FCC 73-1323]
01/29/1974 Applicability of Commission Policies on Program Length Commercials [Public Notice, FCC 74-77]
02/11/1974 Provide for a one-hour advancement in the sign-on times of daytime AM broadcast stations to recoup the hour lost by the enactment of year-round Daylight Saving Time [Docket 19902, Order, FCC 74-135]
02/13/1974 Waiver of Part 15 ... to relax the Technical Limitations Imposed on Operation of a Low Power Communication Device in the AM Broadcast Band.   Denied.
07/10/1974 Commission Authorizes Dolby Encoder for Use By FM Broadcast Stations [Public Notice]
09/05/1974 The Public and Broadcasting [1974 Edition]
10/09/1974 Provide for a one-hour advancement in the sign-on times of daytime AM broadcast stations to recoup the hour lost by the enactment of year-round Daylight Saving Time [Docket 19902, Order, FCC 74-1086]
10/30/1974 Provide for Extension Metering of Broadcast Transmitters [Docket 19906, FCC 74-1150]
11/29/1974 Provide for Pre-sunrise Operation by U.S. Class II Am Stations Assigned to the Bahamian Clear Channel 1540 kHz [Order, FCC 74-1264]
12/05/1974; Amendment of Part 73 ... Regarding AM Station Assignment Standards {Docket 20265, NPRM, FCC 74-1307].
02/07/1975 Provide for a one-hour advancement in the sign-on times of daytime AM broadcast stations to recoup the hour lost by the enactment of year-round Daylight Saving Time [Docket 19902, Order, FCC 75-144]
06/05/1975 Field Strength Curves for FM and TV Broadcast Stations; Field Strength measurements for FM and TV Broadcast Stations [Dockets 16004 and 18052, R&O, FCC 75-636]
07/14/1975 AM Station Assignment Standards [Docket 20626, R&O, FCC 75-769].  Errata, released 7/21/1975.
07/23/1975 Motion for Declaratory Ruling on a Broadcast Station's Promotional Practices [Order, FCC 75-808]
08/13/1975 Multiple Ownership of Non-commercial Educational Radio and Television Stations; Freeze on All Applications by Government Owned and Controlled Groups for NCE Channels, and Freeze on Applications by Religious and Sectarian Schools, Colleges, Instititutions. . Denied.
08/20/1975 AM Station Assignment Standards Docket 20626, MO&O, FCC 75-947]
11/05/1975 Temporary Suspension of Certain Portions of Sections 73.313, 73.333, 73.684, and 73.699 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations [Dockets 16004 and 18052, Order, FCC 75-1226].  Terrain roughness adjustment suspended.
11/07/1975 Subscription Agreements Between Radio Broadcast stations and Musical Format Service Companies [Docket 19743, Report and Policy Statement, FCC 75-1234]
11/19/1975 Reregulation of Radio and Television Broadcasting.  Rules changes: broadcast equipment, time brokerage agreements, music service contracts.
12/15/1975 Commission Reaffirms Policy With Respect to Agreements Between [1964 Grandfathered] Short-Spaced FM Stations {Public Notice, FCC 75-1347]
12/19/1975 Agreements Between Broadcast Licensees and the Public [Docket 20495].  Broadcasters and special interest groups.
12/29/1975 Use of Recording Devices in Connection With Telephone Service [MO&O, 75-1406].  Broadcast licensee exception to recording device beep tone.
12/31/1975 FM Channel Frequency Spacing (FCC/OCE RS-75-08).  Comparison of 150 kHz vs. 200 kHz FM channel spacing.

 

1976 - 1980
01/09/1976 Reimbursement for Legitimate and Prudent Expenses of a Public Interest Group for a Consultancy to a Broadcaster in Certain Circumstances [Docket 19519, R&O, FCC 76-5]
01/18/1976 Development of Policy re: Changes in Entertainment Formats of Broadcast Stations [Docket 20682, NOI, FCC 75-1426].  See also FCC 76-744 and FCC V. WNCN Listeners Guild.
01/30/1976 Field Strength Calculation for FM and TV Broadcasting (Compuuter program TVFMFS) FCC/OCE RS76-01
02/12/1976 Establish Standards for the Design and Installation of Sampling Systems for Antenna Monitors in Standard [AM] Broadcast Station With Directional Antennas [Docket 19692, FCC 76-101]
02/19/1976 Noncommercial Educational Stations Required to Retain Audio Recordings Under Certain Circumstances [Docket 19861, FCC 76-78]
05/10/1976 Temporary Suspension of Certain Portions of Sections 73.333, 73.333, 73.684, and 73.699 [Dockets 16004 and 18052, Order, FCC 76-382].  Suspension continued.
05/19/1976 Commission adopts Interim Policy Pending Amendment of FM Rules relating to Power vs. Height [Dockets 16004 and 18052, Public Notice, FCC 76-438]
06/07/1976 Design and measurement of radiation patterns for standard [AM] broadcast stations with directional antennas [Docket 20645, R&O, FCC 76-511]
07/02/1976 Use of 'Tone Clusters' and other Attention Getting Devices at AM, FM, and TV Broadcast Stations.  Referenced in former rule Section 73.4235.
01/18/1976 Development of Policy re: Changes in Entertainment Formats of Broadcast Stations [Docket 20682, MO&O, FCC 76-744].  See also FCC 75-1426 and FCC v. WNCN Listeners Guild.
08/26/1976 Commission Adopts a New Method of Computing Nighttime Service Area of Class II and III Standard [AM] Broadcast Stations [Public Notice, FCC 76-800].  Section 73.182(o) clipping studies.
06/20/1977 Use of Frequencies 530, 1605, and 1612 kHz by Stations in the Local Government Radio Services for the transmission of Certain Kings of Information to the Traveling Public [Docket 20509, R&O, FCC 77-414]  Travelers' Information Service created.
07/29/1977 Sudbrink Broadcasting of Georgia, Radio Station WIIN, Atlanta, GA for Construction permit to Relocate Antenna-Transmitter Site.  'Last in' required to fix cross-modulation interference.
11/17/1977 Conversion of radiation patterns for AM broadcast stations [Docket 21473, NOI, FCC 77-777]
05/25/1978 Statement of Policy on Minority Ownership of Broadcasting Facilities [Public Notice, 78-322]
06/12/1978 Changes in the Rules Relating to Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations [Docket 20735, First R&O, FCC 76-386]. Freeze on new NCE FM Class D stations.
06/19/1978 Changes in the Rules Relating to Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations [Docket 20735, Further NPRM, FCC 76-385].
07/12/1978 Petition for reconsideration on Rulings on Auction Programs as Program-Length Commercials [MO&O, FCC 78-469].  Denied.
07/14/1978 Amendment of the Commission's Multiple Ownership Rules to Include Educational FM and TV Stations [BC Docket 78-165, NPRM, FCC 78-387]
07/17/1978 Commission Policy Concerning the Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcast Stations [Docket 21136, First Report and NPRM, FCC 78-383].  See also Nature of Noncommercial Educational Broadcasting.
07/31/1978 Commission Policy in Enforcing Section 312(a)(7) of the Communications Act [Public Notice [BC Docket 78-102, R&O, FCC 78-504].  Political programming, reasonable access.
08/16/1978 The Law of Political Broadcasting and Cablecasting [Public Notice, FCC 78-523].  1978 primer.
09/01/1978 Changes in the Rules Relating to Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations [Docket 20735, Second R&O, FCC 76-384].  Class D FM NCE, operating schedule, Channel 200.
  Clear Channel broadcasting in the AM Broadcast Band [Docket 20642, Further NPRM, FCC 78-863]
01/31/1979 Investigation of the Methods for Converting the FCC Ground Wave Field Intensity Curves to the Metric System (FCC/OCE RS79-01)
03/26/1979 FCC Summarized Method of Considering Class D (10 Watt) Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations in Allocation Studies [Docket 20735, Public Notice]
05/17/1979 Application of Street Broadcasting Corporation, Radio Station WIZR-FM, Johnstown, NY for Subsidiary Communications Authorization [MO&O, FCC 79-296].  Horse racing info over SCA.
06/15/1979 Environment Impact Standards, Radio Frequency Radiation, Radio Frequency Safety Regulations [Gen. Docket 79-144, NOI, FCC 79-144]
07/25/1979 Commission Reaches Agreement with Canada on Moving Class D Educational Stations to Commercial Band [Public Notice]
12/06/1979 Letter to Don G. Everist, Association of Federal Communications Consulting Engineers, regarding Monitoring Point Limits to AM Directional Stations [Letter, 12/8/1979]
12/07/1979 Commission Relaxes Monitoring Point Policy for AM Directional Stations [News Release, 12/07/1979]
06/10/1980 Amendment of Section 73.99 of the Commisssion's Rules [BC Docket 80-244, NPRM, 80-316]
09/10/1980 Patton Communications Corporation, for Declaratory Ruling  Concrete tower footings not premature construction.
09/26/1980 Amendment of the Rules governing conversion of radiation patterns for AM Broadcast stations [Docket 21473, NPRM, FCC 80-538]
10/17/1980 Petition for Rulemaking to Establish Standards for Determining the Standing of a Party to Petition to Deny a Broadcast Application MO&O, FCC 80-509].  Denied.
10/27/1980 Petition to Institute a Notice of Inquiry and Proposed Rulemaking on the Airing of Public Service Announcements [PSA] by Broadcast Licensees [BC Docket 78-251, R&O, FCC 80-557].
10/31/1980 Use of the frequency 530 or 531 kHz for AM broadcasting, and to set aside such frequency for minority ownership [BC Docket 80-594, MO&O, FCC 80-594]  Denied.
11/13/1980 Petition for Issuance of Policy Statement or Notice of Inquiry on Part-Time Programming [BC Docket 78-355, Policy Statement, FCC 80-621].  Time brokerage and share time operation.

1981 - 1985
01/22/1981 Editorial Correction to Section 73.150(b)(1)(i) in the Code of Federal Regulations [Order]
01/30/1981 FCC Eliminates the Deadline for Noncommercial Educational Class D FM Stations to File Construction Permit Applications to Increase Their Power in the FM Band [Docket 20735, Public Notice, FCC 81-41]
02/09/1981 Amendment of the Rules Governing the Conversion of Radiation Patterns for AM Broadcast Stations [Docket 21473, R&O, FCC 81-45]
02/25/1981 Certain Class II [AM] Stations To Be Allowed to Commence Presunrise Operation at 6 A.M. Local Time (BC Docket 80-244) [News Release]
03/09/1981 Amendment of Section 73.99 of the Commission's Rules [BC Dpcket 80-244, R&O, FCC 81-80]
05/19/1981 Commission Policy Concerning the Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcast Stations [BC Docket 21136, Second R&O, FCC 81-204].  See also Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcasting.
06/08/1981 Amendment of Part 73.293 and 2.106 ... Concerning the Use of the Subsidiary Communications Authorization [SCA} for Utility Load Management [BC Docket 81-352, NPRM, FCC 81-258]
07/17/1981 FCC Delegates Authority to the Chief of the Broadcast Bureau to Waive Small Amounts of Interference Received by Noncommercial Educational FM Stations [Public Notice, FCC 81-332]
07/22/1981 FCC to Withhold Action on Certain FM Educational Applications Because of Potential Interference to Television Channel 6 [Docket 20735, Public Notice, FCC 81-340]
08/21/1981 Commission Policy Concerning the Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcast Stations [BC Docket 21136, MO&O, FCC 81-401].  Request for stay denied.  See also Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcasting.
01/07/1982 Preliminary U.S. Delegation Report of Results of AM Broadcasting Conference in Rio de Janeiro
01/08/1982 Amendment of Part 73.293 and 2.106 ... Concerning the Use of the Subsidiary Communications Authorization [SCA} for Utility Load Management [BC Docket 81-352, R&O, FCC 81-584]
06/02/1982 Review of FM Assignment Polices and Procedures [BC Docket 80-130, 2nd R&O, FCC 82-240]
07/30/1982 Commission Policy Concerning the Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcast Stations [BC Docket 21136, MO&O, FCC 82-327]
01/14/1983 Wider Use of Toroidal Transformers Proposed for AM Directional Antenna Monitoring (MM Docket 83-16) [News Release]
01/19/1983 Expand the use of toroidal transformers as a method of deriving current samples in directional AM antenna systems; radio frequency relays in sampling element transmission lines [MM Docket 83-16, NPRM, FCC 83-12]
03/14/1983 Amendment of the Suburban Policy, Berwick Doctrine, and the De Facto Reallocation Policy [BC Docket 82-320, R&O, FCC 83-81]  Three policies discontinued.
05/19/1983 Amendment of Parts 2 and 73 of the Commission's Rules Concerning Use of Subsidiary Communications Authorizations [SCA] [BC Docket 82-536, First R&O, FCC 83-154]
06/03/1983 Amendment of Section 73.593 ... concerning use of Subsidiary Communications Authorizations [SCA] by noncommercial educational FM stations [BC Docket 82-1, R&O, FCC 83-155]
06/14/1983 Modification of FM Broadcast Station Rules to Increase the Availability of Commercial FM Broadcast Assignments [BC Docket 80-90, R&O, FCC 83-259]
08/02/1983 Eliminate unnecessary broadcast regulations concerning licensee misuse of ratings data and inaccurate or exaggerated coverage maps [Policy Statement and Order, FCC 83-339]
08/12/1983 Operating and maintenance logs for broadcast and broadcast auxiliary stations [BC Docket 82-537, R&O, FCC 83-338]
09/20/1983 Hours of Operation of Daytime-Only AM Broadcast Stations [BC Docket 82-538, First R&O, FCC 83-412]
11/01/1983 Amendment of Section 73.1201(b)(2) ... Additional City Identification [BC Docket 82-374, R&O, FCC 83-487]
12/14/1983 New and Modified Call Letters to AM, FM, and TV Broadcast Stations [MM Docket 83-373, R&O, FCC 83-573]
012/20/1983 Amendment of Section 73.52 of rules regarding relative phase tolerances of AM directional stations; expand the use of toroidal transformers as a method of deriving current samples; radio frequency relays in sampling element transmission lines [BC Docket 78-28, MM Docket 83-16, R&O, FCC 83-572]
02/17/1984 Request for declaratory ruling on the applicability of Section 605 of the Act to manufacture/sale/lease of tunable FM subcarrier receivers filed by Dataspeed [Letter, FCC 84-48]
03/13/1984 Modification of FM Broadcast Station Rules to Increase the Availability of Commercial FM Broadcast Assignments [BC Docket 80-90, R&O, FCC 84-65]
03/23/1984 Amendment of Part 73 ... Concerning the Nighttime Power Limitations for Class IV AM Broadcast Stations [BC Docket 79-265, R&O, FCC 84-88]
04/09/1984 Commission Policy Concerning the Nature on Noncommercial Educational Broadcasting Stations [Docket 21136, MO&O, FCC 84-105]
04/09/1984 Amendments of Parts 2 and 73 .. Concerning Use of Subsidiary Communications Authorizations [BC Docket 82-536, Second R&O, FCC 84-113]
04/13/1984 Hours of Operation of Daytime-Only AM Broadcast Stations; Amendment of Section 73.81, Hours of Operation of Dominant and Secondary Stations [BC Docket 82-538, Docket 18421, MO&O, FCC 84-157]
04/30/1984 Corporate Ownership Reporting and Disclosure by Broadcast Licensees; Multiple Ownership of AM, FM, and TV; Attribution of Ownership Interests [Dockets 20521 and 20548, BC Docket 78-239, MM Docket 83-46; R&O, FCC 84-115]
04/27/1984 Deregulation of Radio [BC Docket 79-219, Second R&O, FCC 84-67].  Issues/programs list, program logs,
05/18/1984 FM Translator Stations; alternative input sources for FM broadcast translator stations and uniform 10 watt translator power [Docket 19918, MO&O, FCC 84-158].  FM translator expansion denied.
06/01/1984 AM Broadcast Station Rules With Respect To Signal Coverage Over Community Business and Factory Areas [MM Docket 83-15, R&O, FCC 84-243].
06/13/1984 Reclassification of FM Facilities in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Re. BC Docket 80-90; BC Docket 84-231; MMB Order of May 10, 1984 [Public Notice]
07/13/1984 Use of Computer Generated Terrain Data for Determining Antenna Height Above Average Terrain [Public Notice, FCC 84-341]  Interim procedure per Gen. Docket 84-705.
07/1/1984 Reclassification of FM Facilities in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands Re. BC Docket 80-90; BC Docket 84-231; MMB Order of May 10, 1984 [Public Notice]
07/19/1984 Amendment of the rules concerning phase tolerances for directional AM stations and to expand the use of toroidal transformers (petitions for reconsiideration) [BC Docket 78-28, MM Docket 83-16, MO&O, FCC 84-333]
08/02/1984 Commission States Future Policy on Incomplete and Patently Defective AM and FM Construction Permit Applications [Public Notice, FCC 84-366]
08/14/1984 Amendment of the Rules Concerning Use of the AM Carrier [MM Docker 83-1222, R&O, FCC 84-301].  Subcarrier use.
08/22/1984 Revision of Program Policies and Reporting requirements Related to Public Broadcasting Licensees [BC Docket 81-496, R&O, FCC 84-294]
09/14/1984 Criteria for Licensing of FM Broadcast Antenna Systems [Public Notice, FCC 84-347]
10/25/1984 Protection Standards for AM Broadcasting Stations in Alaska [MM Docket 83-807, R&O, FCC 84-489]
11/06/1984 Changes in the Rules Relating to Noncommercial, Educational FM Broadcast stations [Docket 20735, Third R&O, FCC 84-515]
11/21/1984 Amendment of the rules concerning remote control of AM, FM, and TV transmitters [MM Docket 84-110, R&O, FCC 84-549]
12/07/1984 A Re-Examination of Technical Regulations [Gen. Docket 83-114, R&O, FCC 84-521]
01/29/1985 FCC Relaxes Freeze on Acceptance of Educational FM Applications {Docket 20735, Public Notice, FCC 85-47]
05/06/1985 Processing of FM and TV Broadcast Applications [MM Docket 84-750, NPRM, FCC 85-125].  Filing windows proposed.
05/07/1985 Nighttime operations on Canadian, Mexican, and Bahamian AM Clear Channels [MM Docket 84-281, R&O, FCC 85-224]
05/08/1985 Notice of Random Selection of FM Channels [Public Notice]
06/07/1985 'Universal' Window Filing Period Announcement (Corrected) [Public Notice].  6/07/1985 correction.  6/12/1985 correction.
06/13/1985 Amendment of Parts 73 and 97 ... Concerning Rebroadcasts of Transmissions of Non-broadcast Radio Stations [BC Docket 79-47, R&O, FCC 85-302]
06/27/1985 Changes in the Rules Relating to Noncommercial, Educational FM Broadcast stations [Docket 20735, MO&O, FCC 85-328]
07/15/1985 Predicted Interference Area for NCE-FM to TV Channel 6 Stations, per Procedure Section 73.525 (Docket 20735) [Public Notice]
07/18/1985 Oversight of the [AM] Broadcast Rules in Regard to Temporary and Emergency Operation
09/16/1985 Amendment of Parts 21, 22, 23 25, 73, 90, and 94 ... to clarify the protection provisions for the Table Mountain Radio Receiving Zone [Order, FCC 85-497]
10/11/1985 The Application Process and the Use of Non-Discrete Power Levels for AM Stations [Public Notice]
11/05/1985 Petition for Declaratory Ruling by 960 Radio Inc., Licensee of KSJN (FM), Klamath Falls, OR [FCC 85-578].   FCC has jurisdiction over interference, not local authorities.
11/05/1985 AM directional sampling systems and proof of performance field strength measurements [Docket 85-90, R&O, FCC 85-590]
12/09/1985 Criteria for Approval of Sample Systems for Directional AM Broadcast Stations [Public Notice]
12/17/1985 Concerning the Time Period for the Construction of Broadcast Stations [MO&O, FCC 85-647]

1986 -
1/10/1986 Meter Orientation when taking AM broadcast station field strength measurements [letter]
1/28/1986 Policy Regarding Character Qualifications in Broadcast Licensing [Gen. Docket 81-500], Written responses to Commission Inquiries, Misrepresentation [BC Docket 78-108][Report, Order, and Policy Statement]
1/28/1986 Further Guidance for Broadcasters Regarding Radiofrequency Radiation and the Environment [Public Notice]
4/24/1986 Three Outdated Broadcast Business Practices Rules and Policies Deleted [News Release, MM Docket 83-842]
4/03/1986 Report of the Status of the AM Broadcast Rules [Mass Media Bureau]
4/24/1986 Commission Policy Concerning the Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcasting Stations [Public Notice]
4/04/1986 AM-FM Program Duplication Rules eliminated [R&O, MM Docket 85-357]
4/21/1986 Reclassification of Class B [FM] Facilities [Public Notice, MM Docket 80-90]
4/21/1986 Reclassification of Class C [FM] Facilities [Public Notice, MM Docket 80-90]
4/24/1986 Commission Policy Concerning the Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcasting Stations [Public Notice]
5/01/1986 FCC Modifies Record-Keeping Requirement for Commercial FM Stations [News Release, BC Docket 79-219]
5/28/1986 Deregulation of Radio: concerning quarterly program and issues lists [MO&O, BC Docket 79-219]
6/24/1986 Changes to AM Technical Rules to Reflect New International Agreements [Order, MM Docket 84-752]
10/09/1986 Review of Section 73.1690 Regarding Modifications of Broadcast Transmitters [R&O, MM Docket 86-264]
11/04/1986 Declaratory Ruling on Citizenship Requirements of Sections 310(b)(3) and (4) of the Communications Act [MO&O]
10/17/1986 AM Directional Sampling Systems and Proof of Performance Field Strength Measurements [MO&O, MM Docket 85-90]
10/30/1986 Main Studio and Program Origination Rules, Sections 73.1125 and 73.1130 [NPRM, MM Docket 86-406]
11/04/1986 Review of Section 73.1690 Regarding Modifications of Broadcast Transmitters [R&O, MM Docket 86-264]
11/06/1986 Policy Regarding Character Qualifications in Broadcast Licensing [Gen. Docket 81-500], Written responses to Commission Inquiries, Misrepresentation [BC Docket 78-108] [MO&O]

 



For more information on AM and FM radio broadcasting, please visit the Audio Division website, and the Broadcast Radio Links page.

For more information on Television broadcasting, please visit the Video Division website.

FCC > Media Bureau > Audio Division, (202) 418-2700, and Video Division, (202) 418-1600.

 

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Updated:
Wednesday, February 3, 2021