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

[Caitlin Reading]

Fabulous! Outstanding work! Regrettably more case studies are forming..
 What can we do to help?
               Caitlin Reading
              LPFM Start up Specialist

On Thu, May 17, 2018, 9:29 AM Paul Bame via grc <grc at maillist.peak.org>
wrote:

> 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
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