Method to indicate status of channels assigned to a talkgroup in a multi-site conventional communication system

A method for indicating the status of communication channels assigned to a talkgroup includes: determining the channels in various sites in a conventional communication system that service a talkgroup for media transmissions between subscribers of the talkgroup; receiving notification of the status of transmission activity on the channels; and based on the notification, providing an indication of the status of the channels assigned to the talkgroup so that the talkgroup or subscribers of the talkgroup can choose to proceed with a talkgroup communication. The notification may be received by an infrastructure device in an RF site or a central controlling entity. The indication may be that the channel is free for transmissions or is busy.