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FCC Fast Tracks LPFM Window![]() Tuesday afternoon FCC Audio Chief Peter Doyle was a panelist at the annual National Religious Broadcasters Conference at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. The first question concerned LPFM and translators with several related follow-up questions. The FCC plans in the next six to nine months to start processing frozen translator applications (starting in rural areas) and simultaneously open an LPFM Window. Apparently the Audio Division has made its recommendations and the proposed rulemaking is "at the Commission." Pundits believe the Rulemaking will be voted on by the Commission at its April meeting. |
FCC LPFM Window to Open “Before Presidential Election”![]() Much internet chatter indicates we should expect to hear from the FCC on two major policy issues that are the result of years of work by Nexus Broadcast and supporters like you. The FCC will be releasing its final rules to preserve channels for community radio in urban areas, as well as new proposed rules that will shape the future of the Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service. Those new LPFM rules should be codified later this year at which time the FCC will be announce an application filing window, when groups can apply for new LPFM radio stations. 'Austin Airwaves Predicts 10,000 Applicants' The Audio Division of the Federal Communications Commission confirmed to Austin Airwaves on January 20th that the Commission is “shooting for the Fall” for the opening of the highly-anticipated ‘window’ for applications for new Low Power FM (LPFM) educational radio stations. The previously-reliable government source asked not to be named. Another source outside the Commission, long familiar with the LPFM issue, stated she thought that the FCC wanted to get “the ‘process rolling’ before the presidential election." Austin Airwaves predicts that nationwide there will be as many as ten thousand applications for the new LPFM licenses. When asked if he felt this number was a good guestimate, the FCC source said, “We never know what a particular demand will be until we open a window. We have stopped conjecturing about how many applications there may be. It depends in part on supply and demand, availability of LPFM Economic Study, FCC “No Impact”![]() We previously provided an overview of the Local Community Radio Act of 2010 (LCRA), and the rule changes that the law requires the FCC to make in response. Changes to the level of protection that LPFM stations must provide to full-service FM stations and FM translators were discussed, along with ambiguous language relating to the establishment of priority of LPFM stations in relation to pending FM translator applications are awaiting resolution through a rulemaking proceeding.
The Local Community Radio Act, signed by President Obama last year, repealed restrictions on low-power FM stations, or LPFMs. The law required the FCC to study whether additional community stations hurt large stations. Recently The Commission concluded the economic impact study, indicating whether LPFM stations will economically impact full-service FM stations. While LPFM stations are noncommercial, the FCC noted, through the underwriting and sponsorship of programs, revenue that may have previously been directed to full-service FM stations in the market may be redirected to LPFM stations. The report released found LPFM radio stations do not impact the ratings or revenue of commercial stations. Surprisingly was the study indicated the LPFM stations may actually help the effected commercial stations overall revenue. "Our final conclusion is that the analysis finds no statistically reliable evidence that LPFM stations have a consistent effect on the economic performance of full-service commercial FM stations," That is the conclusion of a |
FCC Completes LPFM Market Analysis, Anticipates New Applications![]() The FCC is busy working on new low-power FM rules in light of December's Community Radio Act of 2010 that allows elimination of third-adjacent channel protections for full-power FMs to fit new LPFMs on the band. Audio Division Chief Peter Doyle said, "We've done extensive market-by-market analysis" about where new low-power stations could be allocated. The protection changes will "provide meaningful opportunities for LPFMs" even in large markets, he told attendees of "The FCC And You" session at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Some parties argued the cap is ineffective to provide spectrum relief in the largest markets, and unnecessary in the smaller markets where's there's ample spectrum for both LPFMs and translators, Doyle said . He added that if the FCC agrees, "It means we'll have to go back to the drawing board and think about a translator processing policy that does a better job of ensuring that licenses will be available in the largest markets." Asked after the session by Radio World when the LPFM rulemaking could be completed, Doyle said the item "is deep into the process" and he hopes its ready "in weeks, not months." It sounds like the commission is rethinking its proposed FM translator cap for frozen translator applications, previously announced in anticipation of opening a new LPFM application window. Testimonials![]() If Nexus Broadcast has provided satisfactory service to your organization - please let others know - fill out the quick form located here. Thanks! “I have had over 10 years experience working with Leo. He has technical and regulatory competence as a leader in the LPFM Community. He assisted KGCA-LP obtain its CP. Leo has a passion for Community Broadcasting. He has focused on how to provide affordable services to broadcasters with limited resources. His dedication and efforts are known to the FCC and the LPFM community from the very beginning of LPFM broadcasting service. I recommend that anyone wanting to obtain an LPFM discuss their project with Leo. I am not aware of anyone with more commitment and expertise in LPFM..” February 27, 2011 Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Good Value Robert Kelley,
“Leo At Nexus Broadcast can be a great asset to you if you are thinking of starting a new radio station. From LPFM Radio to full power commercial he can handle it all. Nexus is for a friendly, courteous, knowledgeable broadcast engineer , thanks Mike” March 3, 2011 Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Good Value Michael Brandt, |






