Technical Standards and Operating Requirements for Medium

Frequency Broadcasting Stations in the Philippines (1991 Revised

Edition)
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
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 peoples 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 countrys 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)100
C

In a negative direction:

(MIN-C)100
M=
C

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

576

71

1161

585

72

1170

594

73

1179

603

74

1188

10

612

75

1197

11

621

76

1206

12

630

77

1215

2.11 High-Level Modulation

"High-level modulation" is modulation produced in the last
radio stage of the system.

13

639

78

1224

14

648

79

1233

15

657

80

1242

2.12 Low-Level Modulation

"Low-level modulation" is modulation produced in an earlier
stage than the final.

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

2.15 Authorized Operating Power

"Authorized operating power" is the power authorized by the
Authority.

25

747

90

1332

26

756

91

1341

27

765

92

1350

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.

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

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.

2.13 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.

Chann
el
1

Frequency (kHz)

Channel

531

66

Frequency
(kHz)
1116

540

67

1125

549

68

1134

558

69

1143

567

70

1152

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 rootmean-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-tointerference 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 radiofrequency 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 response of which is uniform over that band.
2.36 Frequency Response
The variation, over a specified audio frequency range of the
transmission efciency of the equipment under test; the variation is
expressed in decibels relative to the transmission efciency 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 audiofrequency 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 accordance with good engineering practice, to ensure, as far as practicable, 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 antenna is to radiate efciently 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 directional 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 ofcially 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
mentioned above, arranged to conform to a design configuration
that would emit the desired radiation pattern.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Efciency of the last radio frequency stage) may also be
used.]

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) 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.

3.2.2 Transmitting Equipment

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 readings
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 inter-

ference to the reception of other stations. In any case, should harmful

interference to the reception of other radio stations occur, the licensee
may be required 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
specifications:
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.

(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.

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 instrument for RF antenna current indication.

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 sufciently
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 instrument or
equipment.
b. Modulation Monitor
1) The licensee of each station shall have in operation, either at the transmitter 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 replacement 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.

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 frequency monitor are required to be installed along with it.

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 and Layout Location
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

c)

Emergency Electric Power Generating Unit

An electric power generating unit with sufcient 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 sufciently 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 SYSTEM 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
412
MHz
(nonA
exclusive)
Band
25.67 - 26.1. MHz
B
Band
162.235 162.615 MHz
C
166.250 and 170.150
Band
D

MHz
432.5 433 MHz
437.5 438 MHz

The maximum power allowable for Communications, Coordination and Control

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
efcient 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 ofce 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 announcement 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 afliations 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
transmitter 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 automatically 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 entered 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
station, 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 proposed
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.

R.F. Protection Ratio

(dB)

Frequency
Co-channel
(same
frequency)

R.F. Signal Ratio

73 dBu:43 dBu
(4.47mV/m:141.25u
V/m)

1st Adjacency
(9kHz away)

73 dBu:64 dBu
(4.47mV/m:1.6mV/
m)

2nd Adjacency
(18kHz away)

73 dBu:97 dBu
(4.47mV/m:70.8mV/
m)

-24

30

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 CO 2 kilowatt.
Fig.3. Sample forms for frequency/interference studies.