As the year draws to a close, more and more low power FM (LPFM) stations are getting on the air. In light of that, Paul offers some sage advice to new LPFMs, suggesting that they look closely at how a station is programmed from the very beginning.
In FCC news, two LPFM applications were dismissed this week: Missouri City Community Church (Missouri City, TX) and Hilshire Village Community Radio (Houston, TX). Both applications were prepared by serial LPFM filer Antonio Cesal Guel. Lawyer Dan Alpert (who was listed as the contact representative for the applications) asked the FCC to dismiss those applications.
Additionally, the FCC has denied a Petition for Review that was filed earlier this year related to an application for a new LPFM station for the Cocoa Minority Educational Media Association (CMEMA) in Cocoa, Florida. In the FCC’s Memorandum and Order, it determined that, “CMEMA–which, according to its Application, appears to consist solely of one member, Johnny Boone – has not provided documentation showing that it is an eligible non-profit entity rather than an alter ego for Mr. Boone.”
In other LPFM news, WXRW-LP (Riverwest Radio) is set to launch in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on New Year’s Day. On Milwaukee reports that, the station, which was founded by Riverwest Film and Video, will hold a public launch celebration on January 1st.
I was also pleased to learn that Prometheus Radio Project recently received a grant from the Knight Foundation in order to create LPFM Impact Maps. According to Philadelphia Business Journal, “LPFM Radio Impact Maps by Prometheus Radio Project will receive $35,000 to help radio stations ‘understand and better engage with audiences, funders and volunteers by creating software that maps interference and population demographics for low-power FM (LPFM) radio stations in an inexpensive and straightforward way.'”
And, finally, REC Networks has a helpful article this week called “Do I Need a License?” The piece outlines the types of transmitters that can be legally used for LPFM service in the United States. REC Networks writes,
If you are the permittee or licensee of a Low Power FM (LPFM) broadcast station, you are required by FCC rules to use a transmitter that has been specifically type certified for the Low Power FM service. These are transmitters that have been tested in a laboratory and meet specific federal specifications. These transmitters are made by the major manufacturers such as Nautel and BW. Even older Part 73 ‘type accepted’ transmitters that do not bear the LPFM certification are not legal for use by LPFM stations and in no case are any of the transmitters sold on Ebay or through Chinese importers legal for use by a licensed LPFM station.”
Be forewarned…
