[grc] Low-power FM radio advocates file 1,000 Objections with FCC

[Paul Bame]

https://www.prometheusradio.org/InformalObjections20180516

Low-power FM radio advocates file 1,000 Objections with FCC
California and Pennsylvania, USA

May 17, 2018

Advocate groups Center for International Media Action, Common Frequency,
Inc, and Prometheus Radio Project are filing objections to over 1000
applications by full-power stations which seek to extend their coverage
with repeater stations. These repeaters, also known as FM translators, can
fit in similar spaces as low power radio. Low-power FM radio stations
(LPFM) and FM translators compete for space on the FM dial, and there are
few or no remaining opportunities in urban radio areas.

In 2011, the Local Community Radio Act (LCRA) was signed into law. Congress
ordered the FCC to make sure that urban areas had opportunities for LPFM
and translator applications, and that the two types of radio facility be
treated equally. The FCC then carefully and responsibly modified their
translator processing procedures so that applicants could show that they
were honoring the LCRA. Some full power owners, who had applied for many
hundreds of repeaters of their signal across the country, were forced to
choose their top fifty and dismiss the rest, so that there would be room
for LPFM stations. There have been just two very short windows to apply for
new LPFM radio stations, separated by 13 years.

“The FCC audio division did a good job of honoring the will of Congress in
2013, and was even-handed in it’s treatment of LPFMs and translators. But
since 2014, something switched and they have allowed a giant spectrum grab
by repeaters without regard to future LPFM opportunities. The Congressional
mandate is still in force, but seems to have been forgotten by the FCC,”
said Paul Bame, of the Prometheus Radio Project.

Advocates’ study shows that while Congress ordered parity between LPFM and
translator facilities, in many cities in the US there are 10, 20, and even
40 times more population and square miles covered with translator service
than LPFM service.

“The FCC was supposed to be the referee between the interests of stations
that wanted to extend their coverage with repeaters, versus new LPFMs
wanting to get a start in broadcasting. And from 2011 to 2013, they got it
right. Unfortunately the referee has stepped off of the field, and
incumbent owners are grabbing up everything they can, hoping no one will
remember Congress’ mandate. But the rule of law still applies, and the FCC
is bound by the orders that Congress gave it,” said Todd Urick, of Common
Frequency. “Our objection to these 998 applications is a reminder that
there was no sunset on compliance with this law in 2014—it is still on the
books and must be obeyed. Urban LPFM was never supposed to be a
one-time-only opportunity, while translators get multiple bites at the
apple.“

LPFM radio stations are a relatively new class of FM radio station formed
by the FCC around the year 2000. They are required to be locally owned,
noncommercial, and with a reach of less than 4 miles, need community
support in order to thrive. Almost 2,400 licensed LPFM stations exist
across the US.

FM translators repeat the signal of an existing FM station, or an AM
station, so it can be heard on the FM dial. This has become quite important
lately to AM station owners. AM reception quality is deteriorating and
their listenership is declining so they acquire FM translators in order to
get their broadcast on the FM dial. Their interests must be balanced
equally against low power applicants, who by definition are new entrants to
the market, who have never had any station or listeners. At present there
are approximately 9,000 licensed FM translators in the US.

Common Frequency, the Prometheus Radio Project, and Center for
International Media are service and advocacy groups for grassroots
community radio -- in particular low-power FM radio.

Contact:

Paul Bame, Prometheus Radio Project, info at prometheusradio.org, 215 727 9620
x505

Clay Leander, Common Frequency Inc. clay at commonfrequency.org 510 858 4097

References:

Copy of the Informal Objection,

https://www.prometheusradio.org/sites/default/files/InformalObjectionsPendingTranslators-20180516.pdf

Prometheus Petitions FCC to Protect LPFMs from Big-AM-Station Translators,

https://www.prometheusradio.org/prometheus-petitions-fcc-protect-lpfms-big-am-station-translators

LPFMs Boxed in by New AM Translators
https://www.prometheusradio.org/lpfms-boxed-new-am-translators

The Local Community Radio Act,

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_Community_Radio_Act

FCC introduction to FM Translators,

https://www.fcc.gov/media/radio/fm-translators-and-boosters

FCC introduction to Low-power FM Stations,

https://www.fcc.gov/media/radio/lpfm