Is there a place on the FCC website where I can find out when a station was first licensed? I've seen information like this somewhere, but I cant' place it.
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How do I find out when my stations signed on?
- Thread starter maxwellmarconi
- Start date
R
Radio-X
Guest
Check on the FCC's FM Query. Just type in "FM Query" on the search box on fcc.gov. If it was built after 1980, it will show up under "application list". Otherwise, you'd have to make a trip to Washington, I think.
Radio-X
Radio-X
If more that 20+ years old, and if you have a general idea of the year, start digging through the local newspaper's archives. Used to be a new radio station was a big deal. Maybe even locate some old print ads.
Another possible source would be Broadcasting Yearbook, which in more recent years has been known as Broadcasting & Cable Yearbook. I haven't seen a copy for a few years, so I'm not sure if it still goes by that name. They usually listed the sign on dates for stations when they were available, but I have found that the accuracy was hit and miss on some of them. Still, it's worth a try.
Yet another possible publication is the SRDS books. Again, I haven't seen any SRDS books for quite a while, so I don't even know if they are still being issued, or if they are still using that name. Check the reference section of major libraries, or the business and technology sections for them. SRDS was pretty good about listing sign on date information for most stations.
Yet another possible publication is the SRDS books. Again, I haven't seen any SRDS books for quite a while, so I don't even know if they are still being issued, or if they are still using that name. Check the reference section of major libraries, or the business and technology sections for them. SRDS was pretty good about listing sign on date information for most stations.
maxwellmarconi said:
If you're looking for early AM stations, a very good source is http://earlyradiohistory.us/pion622.htm
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I
ISUcyclone
Guest
Uh, just file a freedom of information act (FOIA) and ask for the first license to cover application. (Assuming its older than about 1980). Among other things, you'll find the date the station applied for their license, which should be within a few days of the sign-on date.
It'll take you a few minutes to fill out the request and the FCC will generally respond with a printed copy of the license materials at your door in a few weeks.
http://www.fcc.gov/foia/
Also, have you checked the public file? Many stations keep this stuff forever even when they're no longer required.
It'll take you a few minutes to fill out the request and the FCC will generally respond with a printed copy of the license materials at your door in a few weeks.
http://www.fcc.gov/foia/
Also, have you checked the public file? Many stations keep this stuff forever even when they're no longer required.
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