January 19, 2026
by John Baich, SECC Chair & CBA ABIP Inspector
Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC
Tower maintenance and inspections should be at the very top of every broadcaster’s to-do list. Without a functioning tower, you are simply not broadcasting, unless you are licensed and operating from a fully compliant auxiliary facility on a separate structure. While tower failures are relatively infrequent, when they do occur the consequences are almost always severe.
The capital cost of replacing a tower can be prohibitively expensive. Extended periods off the air, combined with revised zoning or local ordinances that may prevent rebuilding, can easily put a broadcaster out of business. Proactive inspection and maintenance are not optional expenses; they are essential risk-management tools.
Consider all your vertical assets: main towers, auxiliary towers, translators, and ancillary structures such as studio STL or microwave relay towers. Each one is critical to delivering your product to viewers and listeners. In the end, routine tower maintenance costs are a fraction of what replacement or prolonged downtime would require.
General Inspection Intervals and Recommended Tasks
Quarterly Inspections
These tasks are recommended even if you do not own the tower. Any deficiencies should be documented and communicated to the tower owner in writing.
- FAA obstruction lighting: Inspect and document quarterly tests. Visually confirm that all beacons and side lights are operational and verify that tower monitoring and remote control systems are functioning properly.
- Tower paint: Check for flaking, fading, corrosion, or bare steel.
- Main structure: From the ground, using binoculars, conduct a thorough visual inspection of the tower, antennas, transmission lines, mounts, and appurtenances.
- Tower base: Inspect concrete foundations, grounding connections, base insulators, and hardware.
- Guy wires and anchors: Inspect each guy wire individually from bottom to top. Pay close attention to anchor rods, fan plates, hardware, concrete, insulators, and the grounding system.
- Fencing and security: Fencing is required for AM towers and strongly recommended for all towers and guy anchor points. Verify the integrity of fences, gates, and locks.
- Signage: Confirm that ASR numbers, “No Contact,” and RF exposure warning signs are present and legible.
- Vegetation and wildlife: Remove vegetation and address wildlife issues promptly.
- Ice bridges: Inspect ice bridges to ensure they are properly installed.
- Antennas and transmission lines: Check for leaks, overheating, missing hangers, damaged weatherproofing, or other signs of deterioration.
Every 1–2 Years
Engage a qualified tower contractor to perform an on-tower inspection focusing on corrosion, loose or missing hardware, grounding systems, and lighting.
Every 3 Years
Plumb and tension guyed towers and perform a detailed structural inspection.
Every 5 Years
Conduct a comprehensive structural inspection of the tower.
After Severe Weather
Inspect towers immediately following major wind, ice, or other extreme weather events.
Key Standards, Compliance, and Considerations
- ANSI/TIA-222: Primary industry standard for tower design, analysis, and maintenance.
- FCC requirements: Daily monitoring of obstruction lighting with quarterly testing and documentation.
- Insurance and local codes: Review for additional inspection or documentation requirements.
- Tower contractors: Use reputable, properly insured contractors only.
- RF safety plan: A written RF safety plan is required for every tower site.
Protecting your vertical assets through routine inspections and disciplined maintenance is one of the most cost-effective steps you can take to safeguard your operation, your people, and your license.
