Sec.  73.1715   Share time.

   Operation is permitted by two or more broadcast stations using the same
   channel in accordance with a division of hours mutually agreed upon and
   considered part of their licenses.

   (a) If the licenses of stations authorized to share time do not specify
   hours of operation, the licensees shall endeavor to reach an agreement for a
   definite schedule of periods of time to be used by each. Such agreement
   shall be in writing and each licensee shall file it in duplicate original
   with each application to the FCC in Washington, DC for renewal of license.
   If and when such written agreements are properly filed in conformity with
   this Section, the file mark of the FCC will be affixed thereto, one copy
   will be retained by the FCC, and one copy returned to the licensee to be
   posted with the station license and considered as a part thereof. If the
   license specifies a proportionate time division, the agreement shall
   maintain this proportion. If no proportionate time division is specified in
   the license, the licensees shall agree upon a division of time. Such
   division of time shall not include simultaneous operation of the stations
   unless specifically authorized by the terms of the license.

   (b) If the licensees of stations authorized to share time are unable to
   agree on a division of time, the FCC in Washington, DC shall be so notified
   by a statement filed with the applications for renewal of licenses. Upon
   receipt of such statement, the FCC will designate the applications for a
   hearing and, pending such hearing, the operating schedule previously adhered
   to shall remain in full force and effect.

   (c) A departure from the regular schedule in a time-sharing agreement will
   be permitted only in cases where an agreement to that effect is put in
   writing, is signed by the licensees of the stations affected thereby and
   filed in triplicate by each licensee with the FCC in Washington, DC prior to
   the time of the time of the proposed change. If time is of the essence, the
   actual departure in operating schedule may precede the actual filing of
   written agreement, provided appropriate notice is sent to the FCC.

   (d) If the license of an AM station authorized to share time does not
   specify the hours of operation, the station may be operated for the
   transmission of regular programs during the experimental period provided an
   agreement thereto is reached with the other stations with which the
   broadcast day is shared: And further provided, Such operation is not in
   conflict with  Sec. 73.72 (Operating during the experimental period).
   Time-sharing agreements for operation during the experimental period need
   not be submitted to the FCC.

   (e) Noncommercial educational FM stations are authorized for share time
   operation according to the provisions of  Sec. 73.561.

   [ 43 FR 45849 , Oct. 4, 1978, as amended at  47 FR 40174 , Sept. 13, 1982]