RIP: FM

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Tom Taggart
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RIP: FM

Post by Tom Taggart »

FCC yesterday put forth new rules that:

1. Upgrade LPFM stations to same status as other full-power stations;

2. Changes mileage based separations to contour protection separations.

Details not released yet, I assume that the new allocation rules will be similar to those in 73.509.

Changing status will cause more scrutiny to those stations that just relay satellite programming (e.g. 104.5 in Marietta & Athens); likely someone will make issue with this if the LPFM blocks a commercial station's upgrade. Same for stations like the WVVW/WVVP combination that simulcast (not allowed under the rules) and run commercials (also not allowed).

Also may be possibility that new LPFM's can bump translators.

Never underestimate the potential for these political hacks to screw things up. Especially in an election year.
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Hoosier Daddy
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Re: RIP: FM

Post by Hoosier Daddy »

Tom Taggart wrote:FCC yesterday put forth new rules that:

1. Upgrade LPFM stations to same status as other full-power stations;
Excellent!
2. Changes mileage based separations to contour protection separations.
Excellent!
Changing status will cause more scrutiny to those stations that just relay satellite programming (e.g. 104.5 in Marietta & Athens)
Good. The FCC should have never allowed the national Godcaster crowd to skirt the LPFM rules by maintaining each "translator" license in the name of a local church. Cancel EVERY FCC authorization issued under those circumstances. That should send a message.
likely someone will make issue with this if the LPFM blocks a commercial station's upgrade.


What? No level playing field?
Also may be possibility that new LPFM's can bump translators.
This should have always been in the rules. Translators, as much as I hate them, play a role in providing service to fringe areas where the primary signal can't cover BUT THEY ARE A SECONDARY SERVICE. Any station that offers local program origin should have priority.
Never underestimate the potential for these political hacks to screw things up. Especially in an election year.
As opposed to allowing the NAB to write FCC rules and policy from now 'til the end of time? No thanks. This ruling is an uncommon breath of fresh air for Part 73. Now if the FCC would stop everything else and finish licensing the backlog of LPFM applicants from 2000, then open the windows for filing again ...

:D :D :D

Question: Why wasn't it "RIP: FM" back in March of 2003 when the FCC licensed thousands of translators covering almost every inch of the FM spectrum nationwide? If there ever should have been a call-to-arms to undo an FCC ruling because of potential damage to incumbent broadcasters ...

Oh, I forgot. Incumbent broadcasters filed all those thousands of translator applications.

:roll: :evil:
Translators are a Pox on the FM radio dial.
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Arp2
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Post by Arp2 »

This reminds me....

I've been meaning to pick up The Cult Of The Amateur......


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Post by Force Commander »

Here is the link to the FCC release.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/a ... 8449A1.pdf

Please notice (especially Hoosier Daddy) this little nugget in the copy:
Imposes an application cap on 2003 FM translator window filers.
This statement might just put to bed the 2003 translator invasion. It will be interesting to see if the "religious" companies sue over this.
"We are the CC Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your broadcast stations. We will add your biological and creative distinctiveness to our own. Your broadcast personality will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile."
Tom Taggart
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Post by Tom Taggart »

Would be ripe for suit. Unlike the NCE app. window, where a cap was imposed before the window opened, this is well after the window.
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Hoosier Daddy
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Post by Hoosier Daddy »

FCC decisions are re-defined and modified all the time.

Just ask the LPFM'ers or any public safety licensee dealing with the 800 MHz NEXTEL refarming project.

The GodCasters are asking the FCC for an FM Translator Construction Permit.

They'll get a handful instead of several hundred. Or thousand.

It's so hard to shed a single tear ...

:roll:
Translators are a Pox on the FM radio dial.
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