Effective use of the radio frequency spectrum is inextricably linked to the accounting and control of the actual occupancy of radio channels and frequency bands. The conduct of such measurements is based on methodologies defined by the documents from the Radiocommunication Sector of the International Telecommunication Union. (ITU-R). However, when attempting to practically apply the methodological recommendations, a contradiction arises: ITU documents mention the necessity of monitoring changes in occupancy over time, while the recommendations for ensuring measurement reliability are dealing solely with the case of the observation of stationary radio channels with time-invariant occupancy. For the channels and frequency bands where the occupancy significantly exceeds 10%, or for channels where numerous short-duration radio signals are observed, the mentioned contradiction is not significant yet. To ensure reliable occupancy measurements in such channels, an observation interval of less than 1 h is often sufficient, and it is quite consistent with the requirement to monitor changes in occupancy. However, for infrequently used radio channels with a typical transmission duration of 10 s or more, ensuring reliable occupancy measurements presents a significant challenge. The aim of the paper is to develop proposals that eliminate the identified contradiction, as well as to study the dependence of the reliability of occupancy estimates on the duration of data collection and the parameters of the radio environment. To achieve it, a model for improving the radio frequency channel occupancy in accordance with the daily cycle, as well as a statistically valid method for conducting occupancy measurement estimation are introduced. The developed recommendations for improving occupancy measurements are based on practical approaches of radio monitoring services and classical statistical analysis methods. The proposed methodology allows for a practically oriented procedure for monitoring changes in occupancy, without requiring the replacement of the equipment traditionally used by radio monitoring services; the implementation of updates can be achieved through relatively simple software modifications. The implementation of the developed methodology will eliminate the existing contradiction between the theoretical provisions underlying the ITU recommendations and the practice of conducting radio monitoring measurements. #CSOC1120.