Sec.  73.1680   Emergency antennas.

   (a) An emergency antenna is one that is erected for temporary use after the
   authorized main and auxiliary antennas are damaged and cannot be used.

   (b) Prior authority from the FCC is not required by licensees and permittees
   to erect and commence operations using an emergency antenna to restore
   program service to the public. However, an informal letter request to
   continue operation with the emergency antenna must be made within 24 hours
   to the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Audio Division (radio) or Video
   Division (television), Media Bureau, within 24 hours after commencement of
   its use. The request is to include a description of the damage to the
   authorized antenna, a description of the emergency antenna, and the station
   operating power with the emergency antenna.

   (1) AM stations. AM stations may use a horizontal or vertical wire or a
   nondirectional vertical element of a directional antenna as an emergency
   antenna. AM stations using an emergency nondirectional antenna or a
   horizontal or vertical wire pursuant to this section, in lieu or authorized
   directional facilities, shall operate with power reduced to 25% or less of
   the nominal licensed power, or, a higher power, not exceeding licensed
   power, while insuring that the radiated filed strength does not exceed that
   authorized in any given azimuth for the corresponding hours of directional
   operation.

   (2) FM, TV and Class A TV stations. FM, TV and Class A TV stations may erect
   any suitable radiator, or use operable sections of the authorized antenna(s)
   as an emergency antenna.

   (c) The FCC may prescribe the output power, radiation limits, or other
   operating conditions when using an emergency antenna, and emergency antenna
   authorizations may be modified or terminated in the event harmful
   interference is caused to other stations or services by the use of an
   emergency antenna.

   [ 43 FR 53741 , Nov. 17, 1978, as amended at  44 FR 22740 , Apr. 17, 1979;  50 FR 30948 , July 31, 1985;  63 FR 33878 , June 22, 1998;  65 FR 30005 , May 10, 2000;
    67 FR 13232 , Mar. 21, 2002]