Low Power Is Here!
The Federal Communications Commission approved a new low power FM service at their meeting on January 20, 2000. While
1000 watt effective radiated power stations at 200 feet above ground will not be allowed, a 100 watt station or a 10 watt station
at 100 feet will be allowed. The new LPFM facilities will operate as non-commercial facilities and specify frequencies in both the
non-commercial and commercial bands. The new LPFM stations will be placed into communities based on minimum distance
separation requirements to both existing full service stations and FM translators and will not be required to provide spacing
clearances to stations operating on a 3rd adjacent channel. In addition, the new LPFM stations will not be required to protect other
LPFM stations operating on 2nd adjacent channels.
The minimum distance separation requirements are based on the LPFM stations not delivering interference to the full service
stations. However, in some cases, the LPFM stations will receive interference from the full service stations. A secondary table
with increased distances is also provided for those who wish to insure no interference received from full service stations. An
additional buffer has been added to the spacing tables to provide co- and 1st adjacent channel stations within 20.0 kilometers (12.4
miles) the opportunity to relocate without impacting the LPFM station. Graham Brock has the necessary software to undertake
these channel searches on your behalf.
During the first two years of LPFM service, a single entity with no other broadcast interests will be allowed to operate only one
LPFM station in the country. After this initial period, they can own up to five stations. After three years, a maximum of ten can be
controlled by one entity. Further, in the first two years, the entity controlling the LPFM station must have its home office, campus,
etc., headquartered within 10.0 miles of the LPFM site.
The Commission's Notice indicated they expect to open a window for the LP100 stations in May. The window, which is expected
to be five days, will allow all interested parties to electronically file their request for facilities. If there are mutually exclusive
applications after the close of the window, the FCC has methods in place to select between them. The window for LP10 stations
will be announced at a later date.
This is all predicated on the Commission's actions becoming final. There is the likelihood that Petitions for Reconsideration will
be filed, as well as possible Congressional action, that will impact the final implementation of the LPFM service. Stay tuned!
LPTV Stations Look For Protected Status
On February 8, 2000, the Commission released a list of over 1,000 low power TV stations which are seeking designation as Class
A stations. The Class A status will provide a level of protection from further changes by full service stations that could cause the
LPTV stations to relocate or cease operation. In order to be eligible for Class A status, as of November 29, 1999, the station must
have operated a minimum of 18 hours per day, broadcast at least three hours per week of programming produced within the market
area served by the station and be in compliance with the Commission's LPTV rules. The Commission is now expected to review
each of the requests to verify eligibility.
FCC Reminder
At a recent statewide broadcasters meeting, several members of the Commission's Southern Regional Office were in attendance
and stated that the biggest violation they continue to see is the lack of recordkeeping, EAS logs in particular. This violation results
in fines of $4,000. (Ouch!) In addition, they continue to have problems finding the station's main studio in this age of consolidation.
When they come to town, the FCC inspectors go to the last address they have on file for an operating station and frequently find
that it has been moved without notifying the Commission. Does the FCC know where your main studio is located?
NAB Spring Show
Although it is still two months away, the NAB Spring Convention to be held in Las Vegas in early April will be here before you know
it. Both Stu and Jeff will attend and if you would like to get together with them, please contact our office.