The FM to AM non-duplication rule of 1964 required what for stations in the same major market?

• A. Program the stations separately 50% of the time
• B. Simulcast all programming
• C. Share 50% of programming
• D. Not to operate both stations in the same market

Answer: (A)

The rule was meant to ensure FM stations in the same market offered distinct content rather than simply duplicating what the AM station aired. In practice, this meant the FM outlet had to program separately from the AM for about half of the schedule, so it would serve a different audience and justify its existence as a separate service. This is why the correct description is that the stations must be programmed separately 50% of the time. The other ideas—simulcasting all programming, only sharing content, or not operating in the same market—don’t align with the rule’s aim to diversify FM offerings in major markets.