[grc] FM translator displacing listeners

[Danny]

Our LPFM is not on the air yet, but our 55 watt FM translator is as of 2
weeks ago and just got licensed last Wednesday.  For now, we're
rebroadcasting the local NPR station with express written permission. Today,
we got our first complaint and he made a point he's complained to the FCC
and the station he can no longer receive, which is a 2100 watt signal of
contemporary Christian station Air 1 in a neighboring market, well outside
their 60dBu contour.

 

The FCC website says: "Interference caused.  A translator or booster may not
cause predicted or actual interference.  If any actual interference is
created, the Commission requires the permittee or licensee to resolve all
interference complaints by appropriate means.  If the interference cannot be
resolved, the Commission will require the FM translator or booster station
to discontinue operations.  See 47 CFR Section 74.1203.  A translator
construction permit application will not be granted if an objecting party
provides convincing evidence that the proposed translator station would
likely interfere with off the air reception of a full service FM station,
even if there is no predicted prohibited contour overlap."

 

But what does this mean in real world experience? What are we obligated to
do for listeners like this that no longer hear their favorite station
outside its protected contour because of our new FM translator?

 

Thanks!

Danny

WSPJ-LP

W228CS