[grc] National LPFM Org

[Robert Park]

I would like to see a NFCB membership fee for LPFMs based on a percentage
of staff salaries paid by the station. (That would be $0 for those of us
with no paid staff, and should be well below $500 for stations with a
single part-time staff person.)

For the Madison WI area we have an association of area community LPFM
stations, with our first newsletter due out in January. (See
http://lpfm.madisonwi.us/.)

On Fri, Dec 23, 2016 at 8:31 PM, Michelle Bradley via grc <
grc at maillist.peak.org> wrote:

> 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
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>
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