[grc] Statement of REC: NHMC letter to Chairman Pai

[Michi Bradley]

REC Networks, the primary entity supporting policy for Low Power FM 
(LPFM) wholeheartedly supports the statement of the National Hispanic 
Media Coalition to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai calling on the FCC to provide 
aid to Puerto Rico.  REC also supports similar aid to the U.S. Virgin 
Islands (USVI).

According to the most recent update from the FCC, only a handful of 
full-service FM stations are currently reported to be on the air.  REC 
is currently assessing the state of LPFM and any needs.  At our last 
check, no LPFM has filed for silent authority.  This may be because 
principals of the station may have not been able to reach someone to 
file a silent STA.

Consistent with the Astrodome emergency operation that was started by 
Austin Airwaves in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, REC agrees with NHMC 
that temporary emergency facilities should be permitted to operate for 
as long as necessary until full-service FM services can be better 
restored.  REC also supports temporary power increases to any LPFM 
stations that are currently operating until full FM services are 
restored on the island.

REC Networks has established a telephone number in Puerto Rico:  (787) 
334-3199.

LPFM stations needing assistance with filing silent authority or have 
other needs should contact REC by telephone or by e-mail 
atlpfm at recnet.com <mailto:lpfm at recnet.com>.  REC will file silent 
authority and restoration of operations for LPFM stations in Puerto Rico 
and the USVI at no charge until further notice.  We are also interested 
in any other needs that LPFM stations may have on the islands.

REC also makes its services available to the NHMC and other 
organizations showing support for the recovery efforts.  Representatives 
of these organizations can contact Michelle Bradley at (202) 621-2355.

REC calls upon the Chairman Pai and the rest of the FCC to step-up the 
assistance to Puerto Rico and the USVI.  We are also calling on the 
grassroots radio community as well as the full-service radio community 
to step up and help out in any way that they can.

Puerto Ricans are Americans.  We support our fellow Americans.

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Contact: Michelle Bradley 202 621-2355