|
Graham Brock, Inc. |
|
Broadcast Technical Consultants |
| Vol. XIV, No. 10 |
R. Stuart Graham, Jr. |
| October 2007 |
Jefferson G. Brock |
As of October 12th, the non-commercial window for filing
applications for new stations or major changes for
existing non-commercial stations is open. However, the
Commission has issued a Public Notice confirming that an
entity can file no more than ten applications in the
window. Once the applications are submitted, the FCC’s
CDBS will hold the filings until some time after the
October 19th closing date, so it may be a while before
anyone who filed knows if their request is mutually
exclusive with any other.
We would also like to thank our commercial broadcasting
clients for allowing us the time we needed to address
all of the requests from non-commercial clients who
desired to file applications in this window. When the
window closes, we will return to our standard policy of
addressing all requests for analysis, etc., as quickly
as possible. |
|
There have been rumors circulating that the FCC
might consider providing some added protection to
existing LPFM stations, where the LPFM stations
might be displaced by a full service station’s city
of license change request. While the LPFM service
was implemented as a secondary service, some LP
licensees have objected to requests for full service
station’s changes that have an adverse effect on the
LPFM station. Full service FM stations that are
proposing to make a change may want to consider the
LPFM stations that are impacted to see if there is
an alternate frequency available for the LPFM. |
|
The Commission has extended the deadline for
filing comments on a series of studies conducted
regarding the on-going efforts of the FCC to
make changes to the broadcast ownership rules.
Ten studies were conducted and provided to the
FCC for consideration in the process; these
studies are available on-line at the
Commission’s website, www.fcc.gov. Parties now
have until October 22, 2007 to submit comments. |
|
White Space Technology Being
Tested, Again |
|
Several months ago we noted that the
device intended to operate on un-used TV channels
did not work as anticipated; as such, the Commission
was concerned the devices might actually cause
interference to operating TV stations. The
Commission is now moving forward with additional
reviews, and plans another round of tests to
determine if the devices can, in fact, determine
channels that are not occupied by TV stations, not
cause interference to existing stations, and work as
planned. Parties who wish to submit devices for
testing have been asked to send the units to the
Commission as soon as possible. |
|
Dual Antenna Notification for
FM IBOC |
| Last month we noted that the
Commission’s IBOC (HD Radio) notification procedures
were updated. Now a licensee or permittee may simply
notify the Commission of intended IBOC operation,
using the expanded hybrid mode and separate antennas
for digital operation, rather than requesting
Special Temporary Authority (“STA”), or seeking an
Experimental authorization. The Commission recently
clarified what was needed for notification for dual
antenna operation. They stated that the same
requirements that were part of the STA request must
be included with the notification: the dual antenna
must be within 3 seconds (latitude and longitude) of
the main antenna; the height above average terrain
(“HAAT”) of the dual antenna must be between 70% to
100% of the main antenna HAAT; and the dual antenna
must be an authorized auxiliary. Those stations
previously operating under STA’s are deemed to have
already notified the Commission and need take no
further action (unless there has been a change to
the dual antenna). |
|
What Would You Like to See? |
|
If you have a suggestion of a topic for an
upcoming newsletter, just send us a note or
email. Also, if you would like to receive the
newsletter via email, rather than postal service
delivery, please send an email to
cathy@grahambrock.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
