Big Problem For This LPFM Applicant

[purpledevil]

http://fccdata.org/?facid=194052

This LPFM lists the coordinates for a small tower next to Doctors Hospital Tidwell. Where it runs into trouble is that the tower has suddenly been dismantled and removed in the last couple of weeks. I just noticed it's gone without a trace while driving up Stuebner Airline last week.

What now? Maybe an attempt to co-habitate with KRUT-LP behind O'Reilly's on down N. Shepherd? Joe, have you heard anything on your end? That little tower had been there behind the hospital for years, and just like that...it's a memory.

 

[stevenNOLA]

Purple, any gossip on when KRUT will sign on or any possible format? Both of these in my backyard...

 

[purpledevil]

Haven't heard a thing, Steven. The 101-7 application's proposed tower site is just down the road from here, KRUT's is two or three miles south.

The 101-7 application was just granted Wednesday, KRUT-LP just hit the one year mark since it was granted a couple of days ago, and its CP expires in July. Barring an extension being granted, it has to be on the air by then. 101-7 has until July of next year to find a new tower site, rebuild one on the hospital's property, or simply call it a day. As for format, likely Spanish religious, given the applicants.

 

[stevenNOLA]

I checked out the proposed KRUT tower site last weekend and still no activity. Not looking good...

It seems there's been a drought on new LPFMs lately. It's time for something exciting...

 

[Kelly A]

Another LPFM CP in trouble before it even gets on the air? Not surprising.

 

[b-turner]

Not trying to start anything, just curious about why you say this. What is not surprising?: "Another LPFM CP in trouble before it even gets on the air? Not surprising."

 

[Mediafrog+]

Another LPFM CP in trouble before it even gets on the air? Not surprising.

The trouble will really start after it gets on the air and has to deal with KNTE. KQEU-LP on the west side will have the same issues. Just ask KCYB, which had to move from 101.7.

 

[Mediafrog+]

It seems there's been a drought on new LPFMs lately. It's time for something exciting...

Still several unbuilt CPs out there. KOER 101.5 was making some noise about launching in February, but they apparently need a few more $$$ for the antenna construction.

KTTF appears to be on fulltime now, simulcasting KYBY (last I checked.)

 

[purpledevil]

The trouble will really start after it gets on the air and has to deal with KNTE. KQEU-LP on the west side will have the same issues. Just ask KCYB, which had to move from 101.7.

I've been wondering about that KQEU, Frog. Somebody had posted that it was live, but I've yet to catch any glimpse of it. Did it test and power back down, or is it still going strong in Westchase?

 

[Mediafrog+]

I've been wondering about that KQEU, Frog. Somebody had posted that it was live, but I've yet to catch any glimpse of it. Did it test and power back down, or is it still going strong in Westchase?

A couple of months ago I talked to someone who was involved with NTD Media, and they said that plans for KQEU were still moving ahead, but it wasn't on the air yet. The station will be aimed at the Chinese community here.

I think the earlier reports of something on 101.7 were actually just KNTE booming in during some good tropo enhancement.

 

[purpledevil]

Still several unbuilt CPs out there. KOER 101.5 was making some noise about launching in February, but they apparently need a few more $$$ for the antenna construction.

KTTF appears to be on fulltime now, simulcasting KYBY (last I checked.)

Last time I heard KTTF it was the same. That was a little better than a week ago. As you said, several still unbuilt LPFMs out there, a couple that have been outright dismissed such as the proposed 89-7 off of Ella Boulevard, and others that have been built but are currently lining up operating costs and overhead to bring the station to the airwaves. Very interesting to learn that KQEU will be Asian language. Guess this will somewhat put to test our theory of a localized AM or FM signal other than KREH being successful with an Asian format there in SW Houston. It's pretty much Radio Saigon or bust, unless you want to give mention to the brokered material on KCHN. Good to see that this LPFM will attempt to provide an alternative to some in the area.

Sorry, Steven. The clock only goes so fast. These applicants can take as much time as needed, up to the expiration date on the permit. Even then, an extension is almost sure to be granted if additional time is required to get up and running.

 

[b-turner]

Extensions are granted very quickly and easily to extend a CP for a total of 36 months for LPFMs or the same as the other classes of stations get to build. I think the FCC will likely go 36 months on a future LPFM filing window given the number of extensions they have handed out.

 

[Unknowable]

Here is the version on the FCC's site. https://licensing.fcc.gov/cdbs/CDBS...?appn=101723804&qnum=5000&copynum=1&exhcnum=1

It looks like the mod was granted so I don't think that did anything.

 

[b-turner]

Actually members might not be aware of the LPFM station. The pastor and the parent church might be the only folks in the loop. One pastor told me you only tell the members what the church is going to do, not what it will try to do...in other words, you don't speak until it is a done deal.

For example, one entity will say, for example, we found a frequency for your church and if you want a station we can sell you our engineering work for, say, $10 and for that we can file the application for you. If you are awarded the Construction Permit, you are responsible for everything but we will try to locate equipment and people to complete the project. We cannot guarantee it will all be donated but we will try to find equipment and people who are willing to donate to the cause. If we cannot find the people to construct the station and you cannot afford to hire those people, we will come out and do it if you are in jeopardy of losing your Construction Permit. They might charge $10 for this. This will be your station, period. If you should choose to utilize any of our satellite delivered programming, you may do so but you are not obligated to do so. Of the stations that have been applied for via this entity, some never got built. Some have gone off the air. Some carry the satellite programming, some only take an hour or two a week. The entity clearly states once you are on the air, the bills, maintenance and programming are your responsibility and the station is yours without any obligation to us. All of this seems to be above board. Naturally most of the churches run the satellite programming 24/7 if only because they know nothing about radio.

I cannot say this is the case here, just merely stating how one group does things. Yes, I am aware of another 'entity' that applies for frequencies on behalf of local churches and does so without their knowledge. The church hears about it if the FCC grants a Construction Permit to the church.

 

[b-turner]

That's just it, under the situation I described it does not violate any FCC rules. There are no obligations or favors. It might not be the way either of us like LPFM stations to come about but it doesn't violate the rules.

 

[b-turner]

There is nothing in FCC rules saying a LPFM must originate programming. There are literally hundreds of LPFMs where the only local programming is the Legal ID

 

[robertsez]

An LPFM station is supposed to originate local programming, not become a satellite fed station.

Very true. However, you'd be surprised how many are doing exactly that.

As you know, the justified reason for the existence of LPFM is localism. Community broadcasting. Serving the public interest, convenience and necessity. A satellite-fed translator in the guise of an LPFM station does none of this, and remote operation is contrary to law.

Unfortunately, the FCC is no longer in the proactive enforcement business. From what I understand, they react to complaints, however this is yet to be seen. If this was the case, why is there a Hispanic religious pirate in the vicinity to Baytown still lighting up 87.9?

I don't think this is ignorance on the part of the broadcasters. They know exactly what they are doing. They also have reasonable assurance that their activity will be tolerated, especially in the current political climate.