February 24, 2026
by John Baich, SECC Chair & CBA ABIP Inspector
Sangre de Cristo Broadcast Consulting, LLC
Another common violation I run into in the field are translators that are not running proper ID’s. It is the misconception of some station operators that the hourly ID on the main station is enough, unfortunately the FCC rules state otherwise.
For translators there are two methods to avoid this violation:
- The primary station (the one being rebroadcast) is to announce along with the primary station’s ID the translator’s call sign and community of license. This must occur three times daily during these specific windows:
- 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
- 12:55 p.m. – 1:05 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Alternatively, you can use ATIS (Automatic Transmitter Identification System) International Morse Code: The station may instead transmit its call sign in Morse code at least once per hour. Transmitters with more than 1 watt of output power must use an automatic keying device for this purpose.
FM broadcast booster stations shall be identified by their primary stations, by the broadcasting of the primary station’s call signs and location, in accordance with the provisions of § 73.1201.
Stations are to maintain in their file’s records of the ID method, occurrences, and station contact information should there be a failure.
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-74/subpart-L/section-74.1283
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-73/subpart-H/section-73.1201
