Yes, LPFM stations are allowed to rebroadcast the programs or live audio of international broadcasters like VOA (Voice of America), RFI (Radio France Internationale), BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), and others, as long as they adhere to certain rules and regulations.
Yes, LPFM stations are allowed to rebroadcast the programs or live audio of international broadcasters like VOA (Voice of America), RFI (Radio France Internationale), BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), and others, as long as they adhere to certain rules and regulations.
LPFM stations in the United States operate under the guidelines of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). When rebroadcasting content from international broadcasters, LPFM stations need to ensure compliance with FCC regulations, including those related to content origin, copyright, and licensing.
LPFM stations must obtain the necessary permissions to rebroadcast copyrighted content and ensure that the rebroadcast does not violate any intellectual property rights. Additionally, LPFM stations should be aware of any potential content restrictions or regulations set by the international broadcasters themselves.
In summary, while LPFM stations can rebroadcast international broadcasters’ content, it’s crucial to navigate the legal and regulatory landscape to ensure proper compliance with all relevant rules and permissions.
Given that you have obtained the necessary clearances from the international broadcaster, let’s delve into the concerns associated with this matter and our interpretation of the regulations in this context. Please note that the following is not to be construed as legal advice. If legal counsel is sought, it’s recommended to consult an attorney. Your attorney is welcome to contact REC for consultation prior to arriving at a decision.
The central matter under consideration revolves around the language stipulated in §73.879 of the regulations, which succinctly states:
“An LPFM licensee may not retransmit, either terrestrially or via satellite, the signal of a full-power broadcast station.”
International broadcasters such as VOA, NHK, and others may possess shortwave and, in certain cases, mediumwave (AM) transmitters situated in various parts of the world. This has led to the consideration of whether these broadcasters might be categorized as “full-power broadcast stations.”
The question concerning the retransmission of content from full-power stations by LPFM stations initially arose during the original Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for MM Docket 99-25, predating the establishment of the LPFM service. In paragraph 68, the FCC addresses matters related to local programming and proposes the restriction of LPFM stations “functioning as a translator”:
For LPFM stations listed under the Pledge List, the act of rebroadcasting content from an international programming provider will not be considered as part of the mandatory minimum requirement of 8 hours per day for local programming.
Naturally, if you intend to rebroadcast content from an international broadcaster, it is imperative to obtain proper clearance from the respective broadcaster. For further insights on securing the necessary permissions to carry out such rebroadcasting activities, the following links offer additional information: