STA question

[Sid Schweiger]

"If a radio station is licensed for x,000 watts of power into a directional
> array (different patterns day and night) do they need to get an STA (special
> temporary authorization) to drop down to less than 1/5 power
> omni-directional?   How long is an STA good for?   If they have been doing
> it for well over a year without filing for an STA can there be serious
> ramifications?"

The applicable rule is 47 CFR Sec. 73.1560(d):
(d) Reduced power operation. In the event it becomes technically impossible to operate at authorized power, a broadcast station may operate at reduced power for a period of not more than 30 days without specific authority from the FCC. If operation at reduced power will exceed 10 consecutive days, notification must be made to the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Audio Division (radio) or Video Division (television), Media Bureau, not later than the 10th day of the lower power operation. In the event that normal power is restored within the 30 day period, the licensee must notify the FCC of the date that normal operation was restored. If causes beyond the control of the licensee prevent restoration of the authorized power within 30 days, a request for Special Temporary Authority (see §73.1635) must be made to the FCC in Washington, DC for additional time as may be necessary.