If a station is suspected of being off the air, what is the proper course of action to verify the off-air condition?

To verify if a station is off the air, checking for program audio first is the logical step, as it provides immediate information about the station's operational status. If program audio is absent, it indicates that something is wrong with the broadcast, prompting the operator to then check the transmitter for further issues.

This sequence of actions helps determine whether the problem lies with the program feed or the equipment itself. Checking the transmitter can reveal if there is a technical failure that is preventing the station from broadcasting. By following this methodical approach, operators can efficiently identify the source of the problem and take appropriate actions to restore service.

The other options, while they may contribute to understanding the overall condition of the station, do not provide as direct a verification of the off-air status as checking for program audio followed by examining the transmitter. Checking the power supply might be necessary, but without confirming if audio is present first, this approach may overlook the immediate problem. Calling maintenance directly should be done after verifying the current status, and filing a report is a follow-up action rather than a verification step. Thus, the structured approach of checking audio and then the transmitter ensures a more effective troubleshooting process.