If LPFM stations operating under a time share arrangement wish to temporarily alter their schedules for a specific event, they should follow these steps:
FAQ Tag: time share
Is there a method to make the license renewable if I find myself in an involuntary time-share arrangement?
To ensure a renewable license in an involuntary time-share situation, it’s essential to achieve a universal settlement with all the applicants in the time-share group. This can be done even after the FCC has determined involuntary time-sharing, or there’s an option to wait and see if other applicants (s) opt-out, no longer wish to hold a non-renewable license. This highlights the significance of cooperative collaboration from the outset to avoid such complexities.
Is it possible for one of the two stations currently in a time-share agreement to request a move to another available channel that is properly spaced, citing the elimination of the time-share as a means to reduce interference?
Yes, if two LPFM stations are currently operating under a time-share agreement and another channel becomes available that is properly spaced to either of the stations, one of the stations can request a move to the new channel while claiming that eliminating the time-share arrangement will “reduce interference.” However, the success of such a request will depend on several factors:
Are there specific FCC requirements that necessitate informing the FCC when deciding to temporarily sign off the station, such as during the hours of 3 AM to 7 AM, and what are the considerations regarding the Emergency Alert System (EAS) in such cases?
Yes, LPFM (Low-Power FM) stations are generally required to inform the FCC if they decide to sign off or cease operations for any extended period, including during hours such as 3 AM to 7 AM. This is to ensure compliance with FCC regulations and to maintain accurate records of station operations and potential silent periods.
My application is part of an MX (Mutually Exclusive) group that has been unable to establish a time-share agreement. We have the highest score in the group, and now we are considering options. Is there a possible solution in this scenario?
Approximately a month following the closure of the application window, assuming no objections have been filed against any group members, the FCC will send out letters to all tentative grantees. In these letters, the FCC will request confidential responses within 30 days regarding your preferred time slot. Additionally, this communication provides a 30-day window for potential universal settlement negotiations with the other tentative grantee(s).
I’ve heard a rumor that if you’re compelled into a timeshare arrangement, the license becomes non-renewable. Is this accurate?
Regrettably, that statement is correct. According to §73.872(d)(4) of the rules, if the applicants within the mutually exclusive (MX) group end up in involuntary time sharing without a settlement agreement, the licenses will have non-renewable terms. However, if the group members later come to a settlement, even if the hours of operation remain the same, the licenses will become renewable.
What Happens When an MX Group Contains Both 5-Point and 4-Point Applicants?
When an MX (Mutually Exclusive) group includes both a 5-point applicant and a 4-point applicant, a point-based preference system is used to determine the tentative selectee within the group. Here’s how it typically works: