AUGUST NEWSLETTER

Vol. VIII, No. 8 - August 2001

LPTV Deadline Approaches

The opportunity for applicants to file amendments or engineering solutions to their pending LPTV applications ends August 23, 2001. Applicants who submitted new or major change filings last August and found themselves mutually exclusive with other applicants may submit amendments to remove the conflicts through the use of directional antennas, channel off-set changes and power reductions. Settlements may also be submitted, provided they resolve the mutual exclusivity of the entire group of applications. Partial settlements are not allowed. Those parties that could not reach a settlement or resolve matters with engineering changes by the deadline will be auctioned at a future date.

Are You Prepared For Bad Weather?

With the start of hurricane season, stations in states that could be threatened by storms should have their emergency plans in place. Nearly two years ago, Hurricane Floyd brought the southeastern states to a standstill. Has your station set up its emergency plans? Will the station sign-off the air? If not, who will stay? Is there a back-up for the power at the studio and transmitter site? Are there enough supplies to feed the staff that stays? These and other questions should be addressed before the next storm approaches the coast.

Hot Off The Press

If you would like to receive our monthly newsletter the moment it is completed and not have to wait around for it to arrive by snail mail, please email us at newsletter@grahambrock.com with your name and email information. We will be happy to add you to our expedited list.

Class C or C0.....That Is The Question

As a result of the Commission's streamlining and the creation of the new FM Class C0, there have been many applications and Petitions for Rule Making submitted to take advantage of this new Class. As we previously reported, existing Class C stations with a height above average terrain less than 451 meters have the potential for being downgraded to Class C0. If another party submits a request, an application or Petition that would meet the Commission's rules, the under-built Class C is considered a C0. Procedurally, the Commission has issued numerous Orders to Show Cause to the licensees of some of these stations giving them 30 days to respond. Many licensees are indicating their intention to retain Class C status, requiring a taller tower or site relocation to a structure that will provide them with minimum Class C height. The licensees have 180 days from the Order to submit an application specifying the minimum facility. In some cases, the licensee may not be sure how or where the station can move or change to retain its status. If they fail to submit an application, their facility will be downgraded after the 180 days and the triggering application could then potentially be processed. However, if the Class C remains, the party seeking the downgrade will have its request dismissed.

The Big Easy Beckons

The Fall NAB Radio Show is convening once again in the city beside the Big Muddy. The convention starts right after Labor Day and runs through September 8^th. Stu and Jeff will be making the trek to New Orleans and will be on site from Wednesday through Saturday. They welcome the opportunity to meet with those who will also be on hand. If you would like to schedule a time to meet, please let them know.