By a 3-0 vote, the FCC adopted an order yesterday that officially allows AM radio stations — many of which program News/Talk/Sports — to use FM translators, effectively granting AM outlets the ability to enhance their reach within the communities they serve. Commenting on the FCC action, NAB EVP Dennis Wharton said, “AM stations broadcast some of the most localized programming in America, providing listeners with News, Talk and Sports programming focused on community issues. Allowing the use of FM translators will help stations overcome some of the many technical challenges that are unique to AM broadcasters. We salute the FCC for recognizing the important role played by AM stations across the country.”

Earlier this week we learned that former KLSX/Los Angeles PD Jack Silver was being hired back for a new role at CBS Radio’s L.A. cluster. Today we learn that former WFAN/New York VP/GM Lee Davis is returning to the company’s Gotham City cluster as GSM of All-News WINS. Most recently VP/GM for Cox Radio’s southern Connecticut stations, Davis has a long prior history with CBS Radio. First joining WFAN in 1990 as an Account Executive, Davis went on to become LSM, then GSM, before rising to VP/GM of the Sports/Talker. “Lee’s stellar performance has always been evident in the numbers he’s delivered,” said CBS Radio/New York SVP and Market Manager Don Bouloukos. “I am thrilled to be working with Lee again and we are all glad to have him back home in New York City with the CBS Radio team.” Davis officially begins his new gig on July 8th.

Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has launched an investigation into Arbitron’s PPM electronic audience measurement methodology. The U.S. lawmaker says an investigation is warranted because he believes PPM may under represent minority broadcasters. “I remain deeply concerned that without deliberate and timely investigations into this matter the increased use of PPM will further threaten the financial viability of minority targeted radio stations,” said Towns (pictured) in a letter to FCC Commissioner Michael Copps. “To date, many of these stations continue to suffer from significant downgrades in ratings, threatening the extent of their programming, or even ultimate closure.” Arbitron President Michael Skarzynski said the ratings company “welcomes any opportunity to discuss the importance of electronic measurement, the effectiveness of PPM technology, the value of the data it produces and our disciplined approach to the deployment of the service across the U.S.”

The Library of American Broadcasting will honor its 2009 “Giants of Broadcasting” at ceremonies to be held October 1st at New York City’s Grand Hyatt Hotel. Among this year’s honorees are just-retired RTNDA President Barbara Cochran, CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric, Westwood One founder and Chairman Norm Pattiz, and legendary radio and TV broadcaster Ed McMahon (who will be honored posthumously). CBS News veteran Charles Osgood (pictured) will serve as master of ceremonies. You can learn more and register for the luncheon event HERE.

With the approach of this week’s Independence Day holiday, numerous TEA (”Taxed Enough Already”) Parties are scheduled to take place across the nation. WLAC/Nashville and Radio America syndicated host Steve Gill sent the above photo of yesterday’s TEA Party held in Music City that also featured crosstown WWTN hosts Phil Valentine and Ralph Bristol. “The mainstream media here kept calling it an ‘anti-Obama’ rally,” Gill told NTS MediaOnline Today. “But most of the conversation focused on Congress passing the ‘crap and trade’ bill.”

CBS Radio News VP Harvey Nagler points out that with yesterday’s announcement of this year’s Edward R.Murrow Award winners by the RTNDA, the network has received the award for “Overall Excellence” for the third consecutive year. Adding to that the four other awards won by the network, Harvey notes with obvious pride that CBS Radio News won the most Murrow trophies of any network radio news division this year … And Bonneville VP/News and Programming Jim Farley also checked in to brag just a little bit, noting that the company’s DC all-newser WTOP-FM picked up more Murrow’s this year than any other individual radio or TV station. Got something special about your station or company that’s you’d like to brag about? Email the details to al@ntsmediaonline.com.