|
Graham Brock, Inc. |
|
Broadcast Technical Consultants |
| Vol. XIII, No. 1 |
R. Stuart Graham, Jr. |
| January 2006 |
Jefferson G. Brock |
| Several months ago we
noted that the FCC adopted a two step electronic filing
process for auxiliary authorizations (STL, ICR and RPU).
After the FCC has issued an authorization for a new or
modified station, it is necessary for the licensee to
inform the FCC when the auxiliary facility has been
constructed. On February 1, 2006, the Commission will
delete any auxiliary authorization issued after April
16, 2003 if the FCC was not notified of its construction
by the construction deadline. RPU’s are given 12 months
and STL’s are given 18 months to notify the FCC of the
auxiliary’s construction. In the case of a modification,
the authorization will revert back to the former
facility. For new stations, the construction permit will
simply be cancelled. If the authorization is cancelled,
the process must be started anew because new
coordination and frequency analysis are required for
most modifications and all new applications. You should
review all presently authorized auxiliary facilities to
verify FCC notification of construction. If the
authorization does not have one, then the FCC should be
notified that the facility is built.
We also recommend that your existing STL and RPU
authorizations be reviewed for correctness. It is likely
that you have received coordination notices from
companies proposing to make changes in facilities or
requesting new authorizations. The frequency review
searches the FCC ULS database for all nearby facilities
to determine if the proposed system will impact or cause
interference to other facilities. If your STL
authorization does not have the correct data, such as
corporation name and address, frequency or coordinates,
it may not be adequately protected and you may not
realize this until another station’s program ends up on
your airwaves. |
| Both the Congress
and Senate recently specified February 17, 2009 as
the date on which TV stations must totally convert
to digital operation. Funds have tentatively been
allotted for those needing assistance to obtain a
box that will convert the digital signals back into
an analog compatible signal for older sets. |
| Radio stations
in New York and New Jersey must file license
renewals by February 1, 2006. Owners of stations
in these states should have already completed
the RF certifications for renewal. The next
round of renewals will consist of stations in
Pennsylvania and Delaware (radio) and Texas
(television). This is another reminder to not
wait until the last minute to consider any
issues there may be for showing compliance with
the Commission’s RF exposure rules. In some
cases, local measurements may be needed, so
review your renewal promptly to avoid problems. |
| Along with
our STL reminders, we also note that our
associate engineer, Cliff Woodman, has
accepted a position as General Manager of a
new boat dealership in Jacksonville,
Florida. So instead of processing
applications, inspecting stations, and
assisting in directional AM tune-ups, Cliff
will be taking people on test rides in new
boats. He will be missed.
We are seeking a qualified person to fill
the position. If you or someone you know is
interested, please contact Marilyn Matheny
for details at 912-638-8028 or
marilyn@grahambrock.com. |
|
|
|
