[Brybry]

To add to this with sources:

"Loss of primary station's signal. The translator must be set up to go off the air if the main station's signal is lost." [1] and cites regulations [2][3]

[1] https://www.fcc.gov/media/radio/fm-translators-and-boosters

[2] https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-C...

[3] https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-C...

[Angostura]

Shame they can't set up 1 1-Watt transmitter on a poll to meet the regulations and then sent a direct feed to to the FM transmitter

[amelius]

Shame they can't just retransmit an internet radio station they receive over satellite.

[geerlingguy]

The main purpose of translators is to give AM radio stations an avenue (at lower cost than an FM only license) to reach listeners on the FM band and have a more consistent signal throughout the day — but they only keep that privilege if they continue maintaining the AM broadcast facilities as the primary signal.

There are issues with FCC public licensing to be certain, but the way a lot of stations deal with translators isn't quite above the board considering many stations attempt to follow the regulations (IMO).

[15457345234]

How would that provide any sort of unique service to the local community? Anyone who wants to hear that dreck can presumably do so.