Technical Standards and Operating Requirements for AM Broadcasting Stations in the

Philippines (1991 Revised Edition)

I. Introduction
Ever since the advent of radio, there have been progressive efforts in regulating this medium
of communication. At the turn of the 20th century, international conferences were convened to discuss
problems in radio communications – primarily, to minimize mutual interferences among the growing
number of stations. The use of radio in mass communications, or broadcasting, eventually compelled
governments of nations to take over the regulation of radio in their respective nations in response to
the people’s needs. Thus, controlling agencies, organized by governments, took the avowed task of
formulating rules, regulations and technical standards which are mostly so designed for the benefit of
the listening public.
In the formulation of Technical Standards for domestic broadcasting, the more important
considerations must include:
1. The prevention of harmful signal interferences;
2. The provision for better signal quality, so that the listener may enjoy a clear and more realistic sound
reproduction, and
3. The proper utilization of the broadcast spectrum.
The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas and the National Telecomunications Commision,
cognizant of these criteria, have designated professionals directly involved with the broadcast
industry and representatives of the government to revise existing local standards, or formulate new
standards, which shall be applicable to the country’s broadcast industry.
2. Definition of Terms
2.1 Medium Frequency Broadcast Station
An AM Broadcast Station licensed for aural or sound transmissions intended for direct reception by
the general public and operated on a channel in the Medium Frequency band.
2.2 Medium Frequency Broadcast Band
The band of frequencies from 526.5 to 1705 kilohertz.
2.3 Medium Frequency Broadcast Channel
The band of frequencies occupied by the carrier and two (2) sidebands of an AM Broadcast signal with
the carrier frequency at the center. Channels shall be designated by the assigned carrier frequencies
starting from 531 kHz in increments of 9 kHz.
2.4 Carrier Wave
A sinusoidal voltage or current generated in a transmitter and subsequently modulated by a modulating
wave.
2.5 Carrier Frequency
The frequency of the carrier wave. 2.6 Operating Frequency. The carrier frequency at any particular
time.
2.7 Authorized Frequency
The carrier frequency authorized by the Authority.
2.8 Hertz
The term "Hertz" abbreviated "Hz", is used as a unit of frequency, supplanting the term "cycle per
second" (cps).
2.9 Percentage Modulation (Amplitude)
In a positive direction: M=(MAX-C)100C
In a negative direction: M=(MIN-C)100C
Where:
M – modulation level in percent
MAX – instantaneous maximum level of the modulated radio frequency envelope
MIN – instantaneous minimum level of the modulated radio frequency envelope
2.10 Maximum Percentage of Modulation
"Maximum percentage of modulation" means the greatest percentage of modulation that may be
obtained by a transmitter without producing, in its output, harmonics of the modulating frequency in
excess of those permitted by these regulations.
2.11 High-Level Modulation
"High-level modulation°" is modulation produced in the last radio stage of the system,
2.12 Low-Level Modulation
"Low-level modulation" is modulation produced in an earlier stage than the final.
2.13 Operating Power
"Operating power" is the transmitter output power.
2.14 Maximum Rated Carrier Power
"Maximum rated carrier power" is the maximum power at which the transmitter can be operated
satisfactorily and is deter-mined by the design of the transmitter.
2.15 Authorized Operating Power
"Authorized operating power" is the power authorized by the Authority.
2.16 Input Power
"Input power" is the product of the voltage and current at the output of the last radio stage, measured
without modulation.

Channel Frequency(kHz) Channel Frequency(kHz)

1 531 66 1116
2 540 67 1125
3 549 68 1134
4 558 69 1143
5 567 70 1152
6 576 71 1161
7 585 72 1170
8 594 73 1179
9 603 74 1188
10 612 75 1197
11 621 76 1206
12 630 77 1215
13 639 78 1224
14 648 79 1233
15 657 80 1242
16 666 81 1251
17 675 82 1260
18 684 83 1269
19 693 84 1278
20 702 85 1287
21 711 86 1296
22 720 87 1305
23 729 88 1314
24 738 89 1323
25 747 90 1332
26 756 91 1341
27 765 92 1350
28 774 93 1359
29 783 94 1368
30 792 95 1377
 31 801 96 1386
32 810 97 1395
33 819 98 1404
34 828 99 1413
35 837 100 1422
36 846 101 1431
37 855 102 1440
38 864 103 1449
39 873 104 1458
40 882 105 1467
41 891 106 1476
42 900 107 1485
43 909 108 1494
44 918 109 1503
45 927 110 1512
46 936 111 15211
47 945 112 1530
48 954 113 1539
49 963 114 1548
50 972 115 1557
51 981 116 1566
52 990 117 1575
53 999 118 1584
54 1008 119 1593
55 1017 120 1602
56 1026 121 1611
57 1035 122 1620
58 1044 123 1629
59 1053 124 1638
60 1062 125 1647
61 1071 126 1656
62 1080 127 1665
63 1089 128 1674
64 1098 129 1683
65 1107 130 1692
131 1701

2.17 Antenna Input Power

"Antenna input power" is the product of the square of the antenna current and the antenna resistance
at the point where the current is measured.
2.18 Antenna Current
"Antenna current" is the radio-frequency current in the antenna with no modulation.
2.19 Antenna Resistance
"Antenna resistance" means the total resistance of the transmitting antenna system at the operating
frequency and at the point at which the antenna current is measured.
2.20 Modulator Stage
"Modulator stage" means the last audio amplifier stage of the modulating wave which modulates a
radio-frequency stage.
2.21 Modulated Stage
"Modulated stage" means the radio-frequency stage to which the modulator is coupled and in which
the continuous wave (carrier wave) is modulated in accordance with the system of modulation and the
characteristics of the modulating wave.
2.22 Daytime
The term "daytime" refers to that period of time between 2200 Universal Time Coordinates (UTC) to
1000 Universal Time Coordinates (UTC) (6:00 AM-6:00 PM lo-cal standard time).

2.23 Nighttime
The term "nighttime" refers to that period of time between 1000 Universal Time Coordinates (UTC)
to 2200 Universal Time Coordinates (UTC) (6:00 PM-6:00 AM local standard time).
2.24 Experimental Period
The term "experimental period" means that time between 12 midnight to 5:00 AM local standard time
(1600-2100 Universal Time Coordinates). (UTC). This period may be used for experimental purposes
in testing and maintaining apparatus by the licensee of any medium frequency broadcast station on its
assigned frequency and with its authorized power, provided no interference is caused to other stations
maintaining a regular operating schedule within such period.
2.25 Field Strength
The root-mean-square (RMS) value of the voltage stress produced in space by the electric field or a
radio wave, and is ex-pressed in volts per meter or in decibels (dB) relative to it.
2.26 Effective Field
The term "effective field" or "effective field intensity" is the rootmean-square (RMS) value of the
inverse distance field at 1.6 km. from the antenna in all directions in the horizontal plane.
2.27 Service Areas
2.27.1 The term "primary service area" of a broadcast station means the area in which the groundwave
field of 1 mV/m (60 dBu) is not subject to objectionable interference or objectionable fading.
2.27.2 The term "secondary service area" of a broadcast station means the area served by the save and
not subject to objectionable interference. The signal is subject to intermittent variations in
intensity.
2.27.3 The term "intermittent service area" of a broadcast station means the area receiving service from
the groundwave but beyond the primary service area and subject to some interference and
fading.
2.28 Audio- Frequency (AF) Signal -to - Interference Ratio Is the ratio (expressed in dB) between the
values of the voltage of the wanted signal and the voltage of the interference, measured under
specified conditions, at the audio-frequency output of the receiver.
2.29 Audio-Frequency (AF) Protection Ratio
Is the agreed minimum value of the audio-frequency signal-to interference ratio considered necessary
to achieve a subjectively defined reception quality.
2.30 Radio- Frequency (rf) Wanted -to- Interference Signal Ratio is the ratio (expressed in dB),
between the values of the radiofrequency voltage of the wanted signal and the interfering signal,
measured at the input of the receiver under specified conditions.
2.31 Radio-Frequency (rf) Protection Ratio is the value of the radio-frequency wan to-interference
signal ratio that enables, under specified conditions, the audio-frequency protection ratio to be obtained
at the output of a receiver.
2.32 Attended Transmitter
Attended transmitter means a transmitter where a qualified technician is in attendance during all
periods of its operation.
2.33 Carrier Shift
The variation of the mean carrier amplitude resulting from the process of amplitude modulation; carrier
shift is expressed in terms of variations produced at a given percentage modulation by a sinusoidal test
signal, the variation being expressed as a percentage of the unmodulated
carrier amplitude.
2.34 Total Harmonic Distortion
The effective value of the harmonic voltages presents in the audio frequency output of the equipment
under test. It is expressed as a percentage of the effective value of the fundamental audio frequency
voltage and the harmonic voltages present in the output.
2.35 Noise Level
2.35.1 "Noise level" means the rootmean-square (RMS) value of the voltage of spurious origin present
in the audio frequency output of the equipment under test, ex-pressed in decibels relative to a specified
root-mean-square (RMS) value of sinusoidal audio frequency voltage.
2.35.2 "Unweighted noise level" in a specified band means the noise level in that band measured by
an instrument, the frequency response of which is uniform over that band.
2.36 Frequency Response
The variation, over a specified audio frequency range of the transmission efficiency of the equipment
under test; the variation is expressed in decibels relative to the transmission efficiency at a specific
frequency, such as 1,000 Hertz.
2.37 Gain of an Audio Frequency Amplifier
The gain of an audio-frequency amplifier or a chain of audio frequency equipment
incorporating one or more such amplifiers, means the ratio, expressed in decibels of the power
delivered to the load at a specific frequency (usually 1,000 Hertz) to The power which would be
delivered to the same load if the amplifier or chain of equipment were replaced by an ideal transformer
matching the nominal load and source impedances.
2.38 Spurious Emission
The emission on any frequency outside of the assigned channel or authorized band of frequencies and
tolerances allowed by these regulations. Emissions outside of the assigned channel, as a result of the
modulation process, is not considered spurious, unless it is due to overmodulation.
2.39 Authority
The National Telecommunications Commission.
2.40 Licensee
The holder of a license for a broadcasting station issued by the Authority.
2.41 Qualified Technician
A person who is a holder of a radio operator's license or its equivalent, as required by these regulations,
issued by the Authority.

3. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
3.1 General Technical Requirements
Equipment shall be constructed according to good engineering practice, such as mechanical soundness,
neatness of wiring and accessibility for maintenance. Ad-equate testing and monitoring points shall be
provided to permit the isolation and testing of individual items of the equipment.
3.1.1 Adequacy of components
The quality of all component parts shall be in accordance with good engineering practice. Where
appropriate, the specifications of these components shall comply with standards set by the Authority,
or, in the absence of such standards, the components shall comply with CCIR standards.
3.1.2 Compliance with Electrical Wiring Rules
All equipment using electrical power shall comply with the rules of the Philippine Electronics Code
and the Philippine Electrical Code.
3.1.3 Regulation of Supply Voltage
Adequate voltage regulation shall be provided, where necessary, to ensure that equipment performance
is not affected by variations in supply voltage.
3.1.4 Protection
3.1.4.1 Protection of Persons
Having regard for the high voltage employed in transmitting apparatus, adequate provision
shall be made in the construction of all equipment and in the protective enclosure. Warning signs and
safety switches shall be provided, in accordance with good engineering practice, to ensure, as far as
practicable, the safety of all persons.
3.1.4.2 It shall be the responsibility of the management or the licensee operating a broadcasting station,
to ensure that protective devices are installed and appropriate safety rules are observed.
3.1.4.3 Protection of equipment
Equipment shall be protected, in accordance with good engineering practice, against unsafe conditions
and damage that may otherwise result under faulty conditions.
3.2 Detailed Technical Requirements
3.2.1 Consideration of the Antenna System
The chief purpose of the medium-wave radio broadcasting antenna is to radiate efficiently the energy
supplied by the transmitter, more so, towards the horizon or along the ground and least to-wards the
sky. It is usually the vertical tower radiator that meets these requirements successfully over most other
models because of its superior groundwave propagation characteristics and simplicity of antenna
design. The antenna, being the take-off point of radio waves, is the last element of the system under
the control of the radio broadcasting station. Radio waves radiated from the transmitting antenna are
propagated through space to the receiving antenna. The only control over these propagated waves is in
the selection of the antenna site, the polarization, and the strength of the signal leaving the transmitting
antenna. Further consideration must be given to
directional antenna systems which concentrate the amount of radiation in the direction(s) where it is
wanted and restricts the radiation in the direction(s) where it is not wanted. Since both the intensity
and direction of all electromagnetic transmissions are regulated by the Authority for all classes of
stations, due consideration must also be given to:
3.2.1.1 Location of Antenna Site
3.2.1.1.1 The main considerations in the selection of an antenna site are:
a) Location in relation to the population to be served and to other communication installations and
airports;
b) Conductivity of the soil at and immediately adjacent to the site;
c)Conductivity of the path between the site and the target area.
3.2.1.1.2 Before the approval is given for any site, the
Authority shall refer to existing local and national regulations governing antenna construction.
Restrictions may be imposed on the height and location of masts in certain areas and obstruction
painting and/or lighting may be necessary. Except in the area now officially designated as an antenna
farm, masts or towers less than 150 feet from the ground in height may be erected and are exempted
from this provision. Masts or towers with heights above 150 feet from the ground are normally required
to put up the standard obstruction lighting and painting.
3.2.1.2 Antenna Design
3.2.1.2.1 The transmitting antenna system shall be vertically polarized and shall radiate an effective
field of not less than that of a 60-degree vertical radiator.
3.2.1.2.2 For economic reasons, a single vertical tower radiator as mentioned above may be employed
to serve as a common antenna (multiple frequency antennas) for two or more stations.
3.2.1.2.3 In the case of a directional antenna system, its composition shall be of the same vertical tower
radiators as mentioned above, arranged to conform to a design configuration that would emit the
desired radiation pattern.
3.2.1.2.4 The antenna, antenna lead-in, and counter-poise (if used), shall be installed so as not to
present a hazard. The antenna may be located close by or at a distance from the transmitter building.
A properly designed and terminated transmission line should be used between the transmitter and
the antenna.
3.2.1.2.5 The antenna radio frequency current meters (both regular and re-mote or any other radio
frequency instrument which is necessary for the operator to read) shall be so installed permanently as
to be easily and accurately read without the opera-tor having to risk contact with circuits carrying high
potential radio frequency energy.
3.2.1.2.6 It is not necessary to protect the equipment in the antenna tuning house and the base of the
antenna with screens and interlocks, provided, the door to the tuning house and antenna base are fenced
and locked at all times, to ensure that no unauthorized person can gain access; thus, providing
maximum safety to lives. Ungrounded fencing or wires must be effectively grounded, either directly
or through proper static leaks. Lightning protection for the antenna system must be
installed.
3.2.2 Transmitting Equipment
The transmitting equipment and facilities shall be laid outing accordance with good engineering
practice, thereby providing ease of maintenance and operation, and safety to personnel.
a) Location and Layout
The building shall be of a design and type of construction suitable to the area in which it is located and
it shall comply with relevant building regulations.
1) Adequate space shall be provided in the building to facilitate access to all equipment for operation
and maintenance purposes. Adequate s pace for staff facilities shall also be provided.
2) Adequate ventilation and, where necessary, air-conditioning shall be provided to ensure satisfactory
working conditions for staff and equipment.
3) Adequate lighting shall be provided in all equipment rooms to facilitate operation and maintenance
of the equipment.
Design, Construction, and Safety to Life:
1) The transmitter must be capable of delivering its rated carrier power, with the provision for varying
the same to compensate for variations in line voltage and other factors which may affect the power
output.
2) The transmitter must be capable of delivering and maintaining its carrier power within the required
limits of + 10 percent, whether to be at full power daytime mode or at reduced power nighttime mode.
The power shall be determined by the direct methods, i.e., the square of the transmission line current
measured at the input of the antenna matching network multiplied by the resistance at this same point.
[The indirect method (Ep x Ip x Efficiency of the last radio frequency
stage) may also be used.]
3) The transmitter must be capable of satisfactory operation at the authorized operating power with
modulation of at least 90 percent with no more distortion than given in Sub-section 3.2.2.b (7).
4) The transmitter must be capable of maintaining the operating frequency within the limits of ± 10
Hertz of the assigned frequency.
5) The carrier shift (current) at any percentage of modulation shall not exceed 5 percent.
6) The carrier hum and extraneous noise level, (unweighted r.s.s.) exclusive of microphone and studio
noises over the frequency band 30 to 20,000 Hz is, at least, 45 dB below the level of a sinusoidal tone
of a 400 Hz, producing 90 percent modulation of the carrier.
7) The total. audio frequency distortion from microphone terminals, including micro-phone amplifier,
to antenna output, must not exceed 5 percent harmonics (voltage measurements of arithmetical sum or
r.s.s.) when modulated from 0 to 84 percent, and not over 7.5 percent
harmonics when modulating from 85 percent to 95 percent. Distortion shall be measured with
modulating frequencies of 50, 100, 400, 1000, 5000, and 7,500 Hertz up to the tenth harmonic or
16,000 Hz or any intermediate frequency that readings on these frequencies indicate is desirable.
8) The audio frequency transmitting characteristics of the equipment from the microphone terminals
(including microphone amplifier, unless microphone frequency correction is included, in which event
proper allowance shall be made accordingly) to the antenna output, does not depart more than 2
decibels (dB) from that at 1, 000 Hertz between 80 and 7,500 Hz. 9) The transmitter must be equipped
with indicating instruments to continuously measure the DC plate cur-rent and voltage and any other
indicating instruments necessary for proper operation.
10) The transmitter shall be equipped with an adequate control system for the application and removal
of power.
11) Adequate allowances shall be provided for all component parts to avoid over-heating at the
maximum rated power output.
12) Any emission appearing on a frequency removed from the carrier by between 15 kHz and 30 kHz
inclusive, shall be attenuated at least 35 decibels below the level of the unmodulated carrier.
13) Any emission appearing on a frequency removed from the carrier by more than 30 kHz and up to
and including 75 kHz, inclusive, shall be attenuated at least 35 decibels below the level of the
unmodulated carrier.
14) Any emission appearing on a frequency removed from the carrier by more than 75 kHz shall be
attenuated at least 43 ± 10 log10 (Power in watts) decibels below the level of the unmodulated carrier
or 80 decibels which-ever is the lesser attenuation.
15) The transmitter shall be operated, tuned, and adjusted so that emissions outside of the authorized
channel do not cause harmful interference to the reception of other stations. In any case, should harmful
interference to the reception of other radio stations occur, the licensee may be
required to take further steps as may be necessary in accordance with Sec. 3.2.2.b) (14).
16) In general, the transmitter shall be constructed either on racks and panels or in totally enclosed
frames protected as required by the Philippine Electronics Code.
17) Means shall be provided for making all tuning adjustments of any circuit involving the application
of voltages in excess of 110 volts AC or DC from the front panel with all access doors closed.
18) Bleeder resistors or such other automatic means shall be installed across all the condenser banks
to re-move any charge which may remain after the high volt-age circuit is opened.
19) Plate supply and other high voltage devices, including transformers, filters, rectifiers, and motor
generators, shall be provided with protective circuits so as to prevent injury to operating personnel.
20) In case the voltmeter is located on the low potential side of the multiplier resistor with one terminal
of the instrument at or less than 1,000 volts above ground, no protective case is required. However, it
is a good practice to protect voltmeters that are subject to more than 5,000 volts with suitable protective
de-vice across the instrument terminals in case the winding opens.
21) Wiring between units of the transmitter shall be in-stalled in conduits or approved fiber or metal
raceways to protect it from mechanical injury.
22) Circuits carrying low level radio frequency energy between units of the transmitter shall be
properly wired and shielded to prevent the pick-up of modulated radio frequency energy from the
output circuits.
23) Each stage (including the oscillator) preceding the modulated stage shall be properly shielded and
filtered to prevent feedback from any circuit following the modulated stage.
24) An oscilloscope or a type approved meter indicator type modulation monitor is required for
monitoring transmitter modulation.
25) A frequency monitor or a type approved frequency meter indicator is required for monitoring
transmitter carrier frequency.
3.2.3 Metering Equipment
a) Linear scale instruments indicating the plate current or plate voltage of the last radio stage shall meet
the following specifications:
1) Length of scale shall not be less than 6 cm.
2) Accuracy shall be at least 2 percent of the full reading.
3) The maximum rating of the meter shall be such that it does not read off scale during normal operation.
4) Full scale reading shall not be greater than five times the minimum normal indication.
a) Instruments indicating antenna current, common point current, and base currents shall meet the
following specifications:
1) Instruments having logarithmic or square law scales:
(a) Shall meet the requirements of paragraph 3.2.3.1 a(1), a(2), and a(3) of this section for linear scale
instruments.
(b) Full scale readingshall not be greater than three times the minimum normal indication.
(c)No scale division above one-fifth scale reading (in amperes) shall be greater than one-fiftieth of the
full-scale reading. (Ex: An ammeter meeting requirement (1) is acceptable for indicating currents from
1 to 5 amperes, provided no division between 1 and 5 amperes is greater than one-fiftieth of 5 amperes,
0.1 ampere).
c)A radio frequency ammeter meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section shall be
permanently installed in the antenna circuit and a suitable arrangement may be made to protect it from
damage by lightning. Where this arrangement is used, contacts shall be protected against
corrosion. Since the meter is permanently connected in the antenna circuit, provision may be made to
short the meter when it is not being used. Such switching shall be accomplished without interrupting
the transmission of the station. d)Remote reading antenna ammeter(s) may be employed and the
indications logged as the antenna current, or in the case of a directional antenna, the common point
current and base currents, in accordance win the following:
1) Remote reading antenna common point or base am-meters maybe provided by:
(a) A factory-calibrated cur-rent transformer connected to a metering instrument for RF antenna current
indication.
(b) Using indications of phase monitor for deter-mining the antenna base currents or their ratio in the
case of directional antennas, provided:
(1) the base current readings are logged in accordance with the pro vision of the station license;
(2) that the indicating instruments in the unit are connected directly in the current sampling circuit with
no other shunt circuits of any nature.
(3) all sampling fines have equal total lengths and identical electrical characteristics. Portions of
sampling lines between towers and transmitter building, prefer-ably, should be buried, if run above
ground, the lines should be rigidly supported and positioned with the outer conductors grounded, where
necessary, to ensure that fields from the array will not induce error currents in the line.
(c) Using indications of re-mote control instruments, provided that such indicating instruments are
capable of being connected directly into the antenna circuit at the same point as the antenna ammeter.
2) Remote ammeters shall be connected into the antenna circuit at the same point as, but below
(transmitter side) the antenna ammeter(s), and shall be calibrated to indicate within 2 percent of the
regular meter over the entire range above one-third or one-fifth full-scale.
3) All remote meters shall meet the same requirement as the regular antenna ammeter with respect to
scale accuracy, etc.
4) Calibration shall be checked against the regular meter at least once a week.
5) All remote meters shall be provided with shielding or filters as necessary to pre-vent any feed-back
from the antenna to the transmitter.
6) In the case of shunt-excited antenna, the transmission line current meter at the transmitter may be
considered as the remote antenna ammeter, provided the transmission line is terminated directly into
the excitation circuit feed-line, which shall employ series tuning only (no shunt circuits of any type
shall be employed) and, inasmuch as is practicable, the type and scale of the transmission line meter
shall be the same as those of the excitation circuit feed-line meter (meter in slant wire feed line or its
equivalent).
7) In the event that there is any question as to the method of providing the re-mote indication, or the
ac-curacy of the remote meter, the burden of proof of satisfactory performance shall be upon the
licensee and the manufacturer of the equipment.
e) The function of each instrument shall be clearly and permanently shown on the instrument itself or
on the panel immediately adjacent thereto.
f) Digital meters, printers, or other numerical read-out devices may be used in addition to or in lieu of
indicating instruments meeting the specifications of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. If a single
digital device is used at the transmitter for reading and logging of operating parameters, either (1)
indicating instruments meeting the above-mentioned specifications shall be installed in the transmitter
and antenna circuit, or (2) a spare digital device shall be maintained at the transmitter with the provision
for its rapid substitution for the main device, should that device malfunction. The readout of the device
shall include at least three digits and shall indicate the value or a decimal multiple of the value of the
parameter being read to an accuracy of at least 2 percent. The multiplier to be applied to the reading
of each parameter shall be indicated at the operating position of a switch used to select the parameter
for display, or on the face of an automatically
printed log at least once for each calendar day.
g) The antenna ammeters (both regular and remote) and any other radio frequency instrument which
are necessary for the operator to read shall be so installed as to be easily and accurately read without
the operator having to risk contact with circuits carrying high potential radio frequency energy.
h) Frequency Monitor Specifications:
1) The unit shall have an accuracy of at least 5 parts per million under ordinary conditions of
temperature and humidity encountered in standard broadcast stations throughout the Philip-pines.
2) The range of the indicating device shall be, at least, from 20 Hertz below to 20 Hertz above the
assigned frequency.
3) The scale of the indicating device shall be so calibrated as to be accurately read within at least 1
Hertz.
3.2.4. Monitoring Equipment
a. Frequency Monitor
1) The licensee of each station shall have in operation, either at the transmitter or at the place where
the transmitter is controlled, a frequency monitor of a type approved by the Authority which shall be
independent of the frequency control of the transmitter.
2) In the event that the frequency monitor becomes defective, the station may be operated without such
equipment pending its repair or replacement for a period not in excess of 60 days without further
permission of the Authority: Provided, That: a) Appropriate entries shall be made in the operation log
of the station to show the date and time the monitor was removed from and restored to service.
b) The Engineer in Charge of the Region in which the station is located shall be notified both
immediately after the monitor is found to be defective and immediately after the repaired or re-
placement monitor has been installed and is functioning properly.
c) The frequency of the station shall be compared with an external frequency source of known accuracy
at sufficiently frequent intervals to ensure that the frequency is maintained within the tolerance. An
entry shall be made in the station log as to the method used and the results thereof.
3) If conditions beyond the control of the licensee or permittee prevent the restoration of the monitor
to service within the above allowed period, informal request may be filed with the Engineer in Charge
of the Region in which the station is located for such additional time as may be required to complete
re-pairs of the defective instrument or equipment.
b. Modulation Monitor
1) The licensee of each station shall have in operation, either at the transmitter or at the place where
the transmitter is control-led, an oscilloscope or a modulation monitor of a type approved by the
Authority.
2) In the event that the modulation monitor becomes defective, the station may be operated without
such equipment pending its re-pair or replacement for a period not in excess of 60 days without further
authority of the Commission: Provided that:
a) Appropriate entries shall be made in the operation log of the station to show the date and time the
monitor was removed from and restored to service.
b) The Engineer in Charge of the Region in which the station is located shall be notified both
immediately after the monitor is found to be defective and immediately after the repaired or re-
placement monitor has been installed and is functioning properly.
c) The degree of modulation of the station shall be monitored with a cathode ray oscilloscope or other
means.
3) If conditions beyond the control of the licensee or permittee prevent the restoration of the monitor
to service within the above allowed period, informal request may be filed with the Engineer in Charge
of the region in which the station is located for such additional time as may be required to complete
repairs of the defective instrument or equipment.
3.2.5 Studio, Equipment, and Allied Facilities
The studio, being the source of programs, must be provided with such control room, equipment and
other accommodation as are necessary to ensure the provision of a satisfactory service by the station.
a) Studio Location and Layout
1) The building that will contain the studio shall satisfy the provisions given in Section 3.2.2.a. of these
standards.
2) Each studio shall be associated with a control room from which the operational area of the studio
may be viewed with ease. The Authority may, however, approve an operation whereby the studio
and control rooms are integrated into one and that responsible personnel shall perform simple front
panel type functions like level adjustments and switching during his/her board hours, provided,
a licensed radio technician with a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Crass radiotelephone license is employed to perform
all the more complicated pre-and post-sign-on adjustments of a more technical nature including
maintenance jobs which are necessary for the proper operation of technical studio equipment. Provided
further, that for this kind of operation, an automatic program level control
is employed to ensure that a proper program level is fed to the transmitter.
3) Studios and control rooms shall be so constructed that they are adequately insulated from sources
of extraneous noise and vibration, and the acoustic treatment of such studios and control
rooms shall be in accordance with good engineering practice.
3.2.6 Emergency Equipment and Facilities
a) Alternate Main Transmitter
1) The regular and the optional main transmitter are co-located in a single place.
2) The external effects from both regular and alternate main transmitters shall substantially be the same
as to frequency stability.
b) Auxiliary Transmitter
1) An auxiliary transmitter may be provided and may be installed in the same location as the regular
main transmitter or in an-other location.
2) its operating power shall not be less than 10% or never greater than the authorized operating power
of the main transmitter.
3) A licensed operator shall be in control whenever an auxiliary transmitter is placed in operation.
4) When installed in a location different from that of the regular main transmitter, a type-approved
modulation monitor and a frequency monitor are required to be installed along with it.
b) Emergency Electric Power Generating Unit
An electric power generating unit with sufficient electrical capability to sustain the station's emergency
or regular operations shall be maintained to ensure an uninterrupted operation. Should this generating
unit, however, in the course of its operation, cause or emit radio frequency energy and/or harmonics
that may prove harmful to the purity of the station's signal, such interference shall be contained
sufficiently as to satisfy the provisions of sections 3.2.2.b) 12) through 3.2.2.b) 15) of these standards.
c) Emergency Announce Equipment Complement
Where the need exists, an emergency announces equipment complement shall be maintained in the
transmitter side for emergencies, to en-sure uninterrupted programming during the station's authorized
hours of operations.
d) Spare Component Parts
In order to cut down-times during scheduled on-air operations, a reasonable variety and number
of spare components appropriate to the equipment installed at the site, shall be kept on hand at each
studio and transmitter sites in the most convenient location therein.
e) Fire Fighting Facilities
Appropriate and adequate fire-fighting facilities shall be maintained within the establishment,
especially in fire-prone areas therein.
f) All stations, whether operating by remote control or direct control, shall be so equipped as to be able
to follow the prescribed EBS alerting procedures set forth in the EBS Manual for Broadcast Stations.

4. BROADCAST AUXILIARY SERVICES

Broadcast transmission auxiliary services fall under these three categories:
1) Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL)
2) Remote Pick-Up Broadcast Station
3) Communications, Coordination and Control Link
4.1 The frequency band allocation for STUDIO-TO-TRANSMITTER
LINK/REMOTE CONTROL SYTEM shall be:
Band A 300-315 MHz
Band B 734-752 MHz
Band C 942-952 MHz
The maximum power allowable for STL's shall be 15 watts.
4.2 The frequency band allocation for REMOTE PICK-UP STATION shall be:
Band A 315-325 MHz
Band B 450-451 MHz
Band C 455-456 MHz
The maximum power allowable for Remote Pick-up Stations shall be 35 watts.
4.3 The frequency band allocation for COMMUNICATIONS, COORDINATION
AND CONTROL LINK shall be:
Band A 412 MHz (nonBand B exclusive) 25.67 - 26.1. MHz
Band C 162.235–
162.615 MHz
166.250 and
170.150 MHz
Band D 432.5
433 MHz 437.5 -
438 MHz
The maximum power allowable for Communications, Coordination and Control Link shall be:
Band A - 100 watts (SBS)
B - 160 watts (ERP)
C - 160 watts (ERP)
D - 200 watts (for repeater)
The Authority shall authorize the employment of any one or all of these broadcast transmission services
to a station depending on the necessity and availability of frequencies for the purpose. Any AM or FM
station authorized to operate is entitled to use any broad cast transmission service relevant to the
efficient operation of the station where the use of physical lines arcades is not feasible.

5. OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Hours of Operation
5.1.1 Minimum Operating Schedule
The licensee of each medium-frequency broadcast station shall maintain a minimum operating
schedule of two-thirds of the total hours that it is authorized to operate except that in emergencies when,
due to causes beyond the control of the licensee, it becomes impossible to continue operating, the
station may cease operations for a period not exceeding 10 days.
5.1.2 Broadcast(s) outside of the authorized regular operating schedules (as before regular sign-on
schedules and/or beyond the regular sign-off schedules) may be aired without prior authorization
from the Authority provided the program falls under an emergency category or of very important
relevance to the station's existence. The information shall be entered in the program and operating logs
at the time the broadcast was aired.
5.1.3 if a permanent discontinuance of operations is being contemplated, then the licensee shall notify
in writing the Authority or regional office where the station is located at least two (2) days before the
actual discontinuance is affected.
5.2 Other Operating Practices
The percentage of modulation shall be maintained as high as possible, consistent with good quality
transmission and, in no case, more than 125 percent on positive peaks nor more than 100 percent on
negative peaks of frequent recurrence during any selection which is transmitted at the highest level of
the program under consideration.
5.3 Posting of Station and Operator Licenses
5.3.1 The station license and other instruments) of station authorization shall be posted in a
conspicuous place in such a manner that all terms are visible, at the place the licensee considers to be
the principal control point of the transmitter. At all other control points listed on the station
authorization, a photocopy of the station license and other instruments of station authorization shall be
posted.
5.3.2 The original copy of the operator's license shall be posted at the place where he is on duty as an
operator.
5.4 Operator Requirements
5.4.1 A radio operator holding a valid radio telephone first class operator's license shall be in actual
charge of the transmitting apparatus and shall be on duty either at the transmitter location or
remote control point.
5.4.2. The licensee of a station shall employ at least one (1) full time licensed first-class radiotelephone
operator whose primary duty shall be to effect and in-sure the proper functioning of the transmitting
equipment.
5.5 Station identification Announcements
5.5.1 A licensee of a medium-frequency broadcast station shall make station identification
announcements (call letters, frequency, and location) at the beginning and ending of each time of
operation and during operation on the hour and either on the half hour or at the quarter hour preceding
the next hour: Provided,
5.5.2 Such identification announcement need not be made on the half hour or quarter hour when, to
make such announcement, would interrupt a single consecutive speech, play, religious service,
symphony concert, or operatic production. In such cases, an identification announcement shall be made
at the first interruption of the entertainment continuity and at the conclusion of. the program:
Provided, that an announcement within five minutes of either on the half hour or at the quarter hour
preceding the next hour will satisfy the requirements of identification announcements. In the case of
variety show programs, basketball game broadcasts, or similar programs of longer duration than 30
minutes, the identification announcement shall be made within 5 minutes of the times specified in
Section 4.5.1.
5.5.3 In the case of all other pro-grams, the identification announcement shall be made within 2 minutes
of the times specified in Section 4.5.1.
5.6 Logs
The licensee or permittee of each medium frequency broadcast station shall maintain program and
operating logs and shall require entries to be made as follows:
a) In the Program Log:
I) An entry of the time each station identification announcement (call letters, frequency, and location)
is made.
2) An entry briefly describing each program broadcast, such as "music", "drama", "speech", etc.
together with the name or title thereof, and the sponsor's name, with the time of the be-ginning and
ending of the complete program. If a mechanical record is used, the entry shall show the exact nature
thereof, such as "record", "transcription", etc., and the time it is announced as a mechanical
record. if a speech is made by a political candidate, the name and political affiliations of such speaker
shall be entered.
3) An entry showing that each sponsored program broadcast has been announced as sponsored, paid
for, or furnished by the sponsor.
4) An entry showing, for each pro-gram of network origin, the name of the network originating the
program.
5) An entry of the time the program begins and ends.
b) In the Operating Log (Transmitter Log)
1) An entry of the time the station begins to supply power to the antenna, and the time it stops.
2) An entry of each interruption to the carrier wave, its cause, and duration.
3) An entry of the following every 30 minutes:
a) Operating constants of the last radio frequency stage plate current and plate volt-age
b) Antenna current
4) Any other entries required by the instrument of authorization.
5) A log of all operations must be kept during the experimental period. If the entries required above
are not applicable thereto, then the entries shall be made so as to fully describe the operation.
6) Logs of medium frequency broadcast stations shall be retained by the licensee or permitee for a
period of two (2) years: Provided, however, that logs involving communications incident to a disaster
or which include communications incident to or involved in an investigation by the Authority and
concerning which the licensee or permittee has been notified, shall be retained by the licensee or
permittee until he is specifically authorized in writing by the Authority to destroy them: Provided,
further, that log s incident to or involved in any claim or complaint of which the licensee or permittee
has notice shall be retained by the licensee or permittee until such claim or complaint has been fully
satisfied or until the same has been barred by the statute limiting the time for filing of suits upon such
claims.
7) Each log shall be maintained and signed by the radio operator during his tour of duty. The logs shall
be made available upon request by an authorized representative of the Authority.
8) The log shall be kept in an orderly manner, in suitable form, and in such detail that the data required
for the particular class of station concerned are readily available. Key letters or abbreviations may be
used if proper meaning or explanation is contained elsewhere in the log.
9) No log or portion thereof shall be erased, obliterated, or willfully destroyed within the period of
retention provided by the rules. Any necessary correction may be made only by the person originating
the entry who shall strike out the erroneous portion, initial the correction made, and indicate the date
of correction.
10)Rough log may be transcribed into condensed form, but in such cases the original rough log or
memoranda and all par-dons thereof shall be preserved and made a part of the complete log.
5.7 Remote Control Operation
Operation by remote control shall be subject to the following conditions:
5.7.1 The equipment at the operating and transmitting positions shall be so installed and protected that
it is not accessible to or capable of operation by per-sons other than those duly authorized by
the licensee.
5.7.2 The control circuits from the operating positions to the transmitter shall provide positive on and
off control and shall be such that open circuits, short circuits, grounds or other line faults will not
actuate the transmitter and any fault causing loss of such control will automatically place the
transmitter in an inoperative position.
5.7.3 A malfunction of any part of the remote control equipment and associated line circuits resulting
in improper control or inaccurate meter readings shall be cause for the immediate cessation of operation
by remote control
5.7.4 Control and monitoring equipment shall be installed so as to allow the licensed operator at the
remote control point to per-form all the functions in a manner required by the rules. Control point of
the antenna current meter for directional antenna, the common point current meter and remote base
current meters shall be read and entered in the operating log each half hour.
5.7.5 The indications at the remote control point of the antenna current meter for directional antenna,
the common point cur-rent meter and remote base current meters shall be read and entered in the
operating log each half hour.
5.7.6 The indications at the transmitter, if a directional antenna station, of the common point cur-rent,
base currents, phase monitor sample loop currents and phase indications shall be read and entered in
the operating log once each day for each pattern. These readings must be made within two hours after
the commencement of operation for each pattern.
5.7.7 Stations with authorized operating power in excess of 10 kilowatts employing directional antenna
and operated by remote control, shall make a skeleton proof of performance each year, consisting of
three or four measurements on each radial used in the original application and must submit the results
of these measurements, plus the monitoring point readings with the renewal application.

6. ALLOCATION RULES AND REGULATION

6.1 Maximum Power Allocation
AREA MAXIMUM POWER IN KW
Metro Manila* 50kw
All other areas 10kw
* NOTE: Transmitters of Existing Metro Manila Stations may be located outside of Metro Manila.
Provided, Metro Manila remains within the 80 dBu contour of the transmitter.
a) The station shall not operate more than 5% and not lower than 10% of its authorized operating power.
b) The Authority may grant a permit to operate a non- commercial AM broadcast station exceeding
these Maximum Power Allocations on a case-to-case basis; Provided, such pro posed station shall
conform with the Frequency Allocation Rules and Regulations.
c) For new stations and increase of power applications, the maximum power allowed must conform to
protection ratios embodied in the medium-wave band and therefore, shall be acted upon on a case to
case basis.
6.2 Radio Frequency Protection Ratio
a) The following radio frequency protection ratios provide for the minimum physical separation of AM
stations and their protection from interference.

a) Frequency Separation
The minimum frequency separation in any service area is 36 kHz.
c) Number of AM Radio Stations Per Commercial Broadcast Entity in Each Service Area. Each
commercial broadcast entity may be allowed to operate not more than one AM radio station in any
broadcast service area.

7. AM STEREOPHONIC STANDARD
The AM stereophonic standard is the C-QUAM AM stereophonic system.

8. PUBLIC INFORMATION FILE

An updated Public information File at each broadcast station shall be made available to the NTC
inspector or to any interested parry. The Public Information File shall contain the following:
a) A copy of the station license.
b) Documents as to mode of ownership whether partnerships, corporation or single proprietorship
including trade name as registered in the Department of Trade.
c) A list of changes in transmitting facilities arranged chronologically). Annex to this list, the
corresponding licenses and permits supporting the changes.
d) Copies of the Program Standards, the Technical Standards, the NTC compilation of laws, regulations,
circulars and memoranda.
e) Evidence of membership in the KBP.

9.ANNEXES: Fig.1. FCC Graphs - Ground Wave Field Intensity Vs. Distance, for different
frequencies from 540 KHz to 1640 KHz. Fig. 2. Effective Field At One Mile for CO2 kilowatt. Fig.3.
Sample forms for frequency/interference studies.