Join The New Space Race
In just 29 days (but hey, who’s counting?) radio stations across this great country will lose all network programming from all major companies if they do not run out into the backyard and re-aim their satellites from AMC-8 to the new AMC-18 at 105 degrees West Longitude.
All stations currently receiving programming from the aging AMC-8 have only until June 30, 2017 to re-point their downlink dishes. After that, AMC-8 will no longer serve as the radio network “neighborhood,” and there will not be a suitable replacement satellite at the 139-degree position. AMC-8 exceeded its design life and is not being replaced by an equivalent C-band satellite at the same location.
The five major commercial radio networks — Learfield, Orbital Media Networks (OMNi), Premiere Networks, Skyview Networks and Westwood One — now have their full complements of satellite-delivered programming available on their new frequencies on AMC-18. This also includes programming from syndicators who lease their satellite time from these five companies.
• It is imperative that stations have a plan in place and conversations with their technical teams. Engineers and parts may become scarce as the June 30 deadline fast approaches. For more info, including satellite vendors, a full list of frequencies for each network, or technical questions about satellite settings, visit http://www.amc8migration.com/docs/RNUG_FAQ.pdf. Stations in need of vendors to re-aim their dishes can visit http://www.amc8migration.com/Vendors.html.
