SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

Vol. VIII, No. 9

September 2000

LPFM Round Two

As of this writing, there has been no official word on the number of applications the Commission received during the last LPFM window. Based on discussions with various firms, the number is expected to be close to the 700 figure from the first window -- only time will tell. The next window is expected near the end of November. A Public Notice announcing the window will be released 30 days prior to the opening. Applicants from the following states will be able to participate in the next round: Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Wisconsin and American Samoa.

The US Senate is still reviewing legislation to change the LPFM service, possibly requiring third adjacent station protection. The current rules only require LPFM stations to protect other stations on co-, first and second adjacent channels. It is not known if the Senate will act prior to the next window or wait until next year.

Auxiliary Services

Some time ago the FCC asked all broadcast licensees to account for their auxiliary services facilities (STL, RPU and TSL). Many replied to the Commission that they were using the listed facilities. However, during several recent applications to buy or sell stations, still more licenses that no one knew about came out of the woodwork, even some very old remote authorizations below 160 MHz authorized before 1970. The stations have no equipment for the facility and no one remembers ever using the system. A review of the auxiliary licenses also reveals equipment and frequency changes that were not filed with the Commission. Since the time has come once again to pay the FCC annual regulatory fees, this is a good time to account for all of the auxiliary call signs associated with each of your stations. Why pay for something you can't use?

New RFR Rules In Effect

The Commission has issued a Release reminding licensees that their transmission facilities must comply with the revised guidelines of OET Bulletin Number 65. The guidelines have been around for several years and most new services have been reviewed under the new rules. Some facilities went through their last license renewals based on previous rules, being given until September 1, 2000, to come into compliance. These changes can affect the distance to fences for AM stations, require antenna system changes for FM stations, or more restricted access to sites. Review your last license renewal to verify your particular circumstances.

New LPTV Rules Go Into Effect

After October 1, 2000, the definition for major and minor changes for LPTV facilities will go into effect. The most important change will allow existing LPTV stations to increase power, thus extending their protected contours. This will now be considered a minor change. A major change requires the opening of a filing window. While there have been many new LPTV applications filed during the recent window, there are still opportunities for existing stations.

Westward Bound

We look forward to seeing all of those who will be making the trek to San Francisco later this month. For those who will be attending the NAB radio show, you can reach Stu or Jeff at the San Francisco Hilton from Wednesday through Friday. Hope to see you there!

Save A Tree!!!

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