Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP)

Technical Standards

And

Operating Requirements

For

Broadcast Stations

In the Philippines

General Index

I. Technical Standards and Operating Requirements for Medium

Frequency Broadcast Stations in the Philippines

II. Technical Standards and Operating Requirements for FM Broadcast

Stations in the Philippines

III. Technical Standards and Operating Requirements for Television in

the Philippines

Technical Standards and Operating Requirements for Medium Frequency

Broadcasting Stations in the Philippines (1991 Revised Edition)

By:

Technical Standards Committee of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa

Pilipinas

Arcadio Carandang, Jr. --- Chairman

Leoncio Galang --- Vice-Chairman

Carlos Saliuan, Jr. --- NTC Representative

Alfredo Ceralde --- Member

Romualdo Lintag --- Member

Salvador Castillo --- Member

Filomeno Babas --- Member

Ernesto Claudio --- Member

Pete Lagusay --- Member

Endorsed by:

MIGUEL C. ENRIQUEZ

Chairman – Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas

ANDRE S. KAHN

President – Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas

Approved by:

MARIANO E. BENEDICTO II

Commissioner – National Telecommunication Commission

Table of Contents

Section

1. Introduction

2. Definition of Terms

3. Technical Requirements

4. Broadcast Auxiliary Services

5. Operating Requirements

6. Allocation Rules and Regulations

7. AM Stereophonic Standard

8. Public Information File

9. Annexes

Medium Frequency Broadcast Standards

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 listerner

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.

Channe

l

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 1521

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 root-

mean-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 radio-

frequency 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 present 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 re-

sponse 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 accord-

ance with good engineering practice, to ensure, as far as prac-

ticable, 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 an-

tenna 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 direc-

tional 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 men-

tioned 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 outin

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 read-

ings 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 re-

quired 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 specifi-

cations:

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.

b) 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 in-

strument 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 insure 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 in-

strument or equipment.

b. Modulation Monitor

1) The licensee of each station shall have in operation, either at the trans-

mitter 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 switchings 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 fre-

quency monitor are required to be installed along with it.

c) 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.

d) Emergency Announce Equipment Complement

Where the need exists, an emergency announce equipment

complement shall be maintained in the transmitter side for

emergencies, to en-sure uninterrupted programming during the

station's authorized hours of operations.

e) Spare Component Parts

I n 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.

f) Fire Fighting Facilities

Appropriate and adequate fire-fighting facilities shall be

maintained within the establishment, especially in fire-prone

areas therein.

g) 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 (non-

exclusive)Band B 25.67 - 26.1. MHz

Band C 162.235-

162.615 MHz166.250 and

170.150 MHz

Band D 432.5

433 MHz 437.5 -

438 MHz

The maximum power allowable for Communications, Coordination and Con-

trol 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 effected.

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 an-

nouncement 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 trans-

mitter 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 auto-

matically 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 en-

tered 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 sta-

tion, 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 kilo-

watts 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.

Frequency R.F. Signal Ratio

R.F. Protection Ratio

(dB)

Co-channel

(same

frequency)

73 dBu:43 dBu

(4.47mV/m:141.25uV

/m)

30

1st Adjacency

(9kHz away)

73 dBu:64 dBu

(4.47mV/m:1.6mV/m

)

9

2nd

Adjacency

(18kHz away)

73 dBu:97 dBu

(4.47mV/m:70.8mV/

m)

-24

b) 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.

6.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.