[grc] National LPFM Org

[Michelle Bradley]

It is one thing to have an LPFM organization to gather and share war 
stories and come up with tips and perhaps exchange programming. *But 
what will happen when our spectrum and operating conditions are under 
threat?

*With the new administration, there is a potential of a treat to NCE 
broadcasters mainly due to the GOP's hatred of NPR and the non-NPR NCE 
stations may get dragged through the mud. The only thing that could save 
us from that is the large number of Christian NCE stations that would 
also get dragged through the mud with any changes at the FCC (and we 
know they don't want a "war of Christianity".)

With that said, I saw someone post on here earlier that LPFM is nothing 
like full-power (NCE) stations.  That is a very inaccurate statement 
from a policy standpoint. *LPFM is an NCE station with a smaller reach 
and fewer rules.*  All rules related to underwriting, fundraising, etc. 
that apply to full-power NCE stations also apply to LPFM.

If issues come up, will this new LPFM organization have the resources 
available to put feet on the street in DC?  Do you want to run the risk 
of losing something because there is a conflicting opinion between two 
groups that are perceived to advocate for non-commercial radio?   We 
lost LP-250 in 2012 because of a similar situation.

I have been working closely with the NFCB to make them more LPFM 
accommodating.  There are some out there who are opposed to the NFCB 
based on incidents that took place several years ago under a different 
leadership structure.  Sally and Ernesto are really working to help get 
LPFM better supported within the organization.  This will happen faster 
if we demonstrate willingness through our numbers.

"LPFM" is a service class, just like D, A, C3, C2, C1, C0, C, B1 and B.  
We should be looking at the type of station, which if you are subscribed 
to this list, you are likely a secular *community radio station*.  
Community radio stations come in all shapes and sizes.  The policy 
issues that face LPFM stations are likely the same as those that also 
impact full-power NCE stations.

Also think about this.  A large majority of full-power NCE stations that 
are represented by organizations like NFCB are in the 88~92 MHz spectrum 
(the reserved band) while a large majority of LPFM stations are in the 
92~108 MHz spectrum.  LPFM's "enemy" is not the NCE stations, it is the 
commercial FM stations represented by the NAB.

Myself, I would rather see a single *well-established* organization 
approach the FCC with a message supportive of all secular community 
stations.  Since Prometheus has been narrowed down to two people and no 
longer has the funding or infrastructure to advocate much beyond the 
internet (which is similar to the situation that I am in), they are no 
longer an option without a major infusion.

Despite the number of LPFM stations out there, they are spread among six 
different segments and those stations that would like subscribe to this 
list (in the "community radio" and "cause based" segments) are in the 
minority (where "faith-based") has the biggest piece of the pie.  Some 
LPFMs that I spoke to are concerned about NFCB's $500 low-tier 
membership rate.  So, if a new LPFM organization was to enter with a 
lower membership rate, will they be able to sustain and have the 
resources to provide services to their membership and be able to still 
provide advocacy?   It's going to be a tough stretch if you ask me. 
Organizations like the ARRL are able to sustain with low(er) membership 
fees because of the large number of licensed hams that could be 
potential members.

There is strength in numbers.  I would rather strengthen an existing 
organization.  Get pro-LPFM people on their board to further that 
organization's support of LPFM.  The only (existing) organization that I 
feel that LPFM stations can fit into on a nationwide basis is the NFCB.

If LPFM does decide to establish their own organization, I will support 
it but I do feel that you will be shooting yourself in the foot if you 
expect such an organization to be ready to address policy issues.

Just my two cents worth here.  Have a happy holiday season everyone.  In 
2017, we need to focus on getting LPFM stations up and running so we can 
eventually have these stations in an organization whether it's through 
an established one like NFCB or an LPFM-only one.  I will be spending 
2017 chugging policy and hoping the FCC does not act negatively on LPFM 
(or NCE in general).

Michelle Bradley
Founder
REC Networks
http://recnet.com

=m

**
On 12/23/2016 8:16 PM, Sabrina Roach via grc wrote:
> Also sent to NCEorg
>
> I'm game to work on fundraising for one, but first, let's map out exactly
> what it would provide and what the costs are.
>
> As some folks don't feel like NFCB is a good fit, would Alliance for
> Community Media be a fit? There are many PEG stations that have LPFMs.
> Harrington handles their nonprofit back office and could do the same for a
> national LPFM organization.
>
> Sabrina
> _______________________________________________
> grc mailing list
> grc at maillist.peak.org
> http://maillist.peak.org/mailman/listinfo/grc