The Federal Communications Commission has released its settlement window for Low Power FM radio station applicants in the southeastern states (public notice here). Now the Commission will choose among these 281 non-profit contenders deemed eligible for LFPMs in various southern markets. As is my habit, I am surveying the list of groups for the most intriguing names. These include:
The Ordinary People Society of Dothan, Alabama (or T.O.P.S. as the group acronyms itself), is “a nonprofit, faith-based organization that offers hope, without regard to race sex, creed, color or social status, to individuals and their families who suffer the effects of drug addiction, incarceration, homelessness, unemployment, hunger and illness, through comprehensive faith-based programs that provide a continum of unconditional acceptance and care.” T.O.P.S. seeks a LPFM for Dothan.
Beware Inc. has applied for a LPFM in a very competitive Miami contour. The group’s name is actually B.E.W.A.R.E. Inc., according to its application, but I cannot figure out from the documentation what the acronym stands for. In any event, it seems like a worthy non-profit, providing tutoring services for students taking particularly challenging classes. Here is a sneak peak at B.E.W.A.R.E’s proposed programming schedule. Lots of news, weather, and jazz, plus a midnight show dedicated to Teddy Pendergrass!
Electron Benders wants a LPFM in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It appears that this application emanates from Electron Benders Amateur Radio Club, incorporated in 1956. The club was formed “to promote the experimentation, research and practice for the amateur in electronics, to aid and provide communications in disasters, national emergencies and in the defense of our country, and to set up a club station or stations to aid in carrying out these purposes and any other purpose not contrary to the law of the State of Oklahoma.” The application promises that the proposed LFPM will “IMPART KNOWLEDGE THROUGH RESEARCH, PRACTICE AND EXPERIMENTATION IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.” (All caps in the original).
Zoo Art Radio. Inc. is also applying for a Miami based LPFM signal. Not a whole lot out there about this interestingly named non-profit. From its application (all caps in the original): “OUR RADIO WILL MIX EDUCATIONAL ART AND MUSIC INFORMATION. OUR PROGRAMMING WILL BE RELATED TO ALL THE ART EVENTS IN THE MIAMI DADE: INTERVIEWS, GUESTS LIVE, ON THE PHONE, MIXED WITH THE BEST MUSIC FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. OUR PASSION FOR ART NEEDS A RADIO TO EXTEND IT ALL OVER THE MAGIC CITY.”
Last but not least, Snuggle Buddy seeks an LFPM for Tupelo, Mississippi. It’s hard to argue with Snuggle Buddy’s statement of purpose:
“Snuggle Buddy and our LPFM project will air programs that are family oriented and focus on families providing for infants and kids. We also will be available for other non profits and air their public service announcements and programs. The special LPFM station will be unique in serving the community where other broadcasters fall short. We will provide entertainment to build an audience and then educate them community on ways to take care of children. Education will lead to fewer families doing without warm dry sleeping conditions. Professionals will contribute to our programming content so we can transmit effective educational information to families.”
Good luck to all the applicants.
