Well, now that a government shutdown is on the horizon one wonders if the FCC will be affected. We recall that the FCC had a partial shutdown in 2018 and a full shutdown in 2019. If the FCC should shutdown, partial or total, how will it impact the LPFM window? Will we really have one the first week in November or will be later, perhaps into next year?
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FCC announces LPFM filing window
- Thread starter Michi
- Start date
Ironically, during the Second Generation LPFM Window in 2013, there was a government shutdown in the middle of it. During that time, many FCC systems went down so you could not even work on applications. Many FCC support systems were also down. When the government resumed, the FCC simply extended the filing window. The 2013 LPFM filing window would span over a 45 day period from October 1 through November 15, 2013.
Here's REC's Government Shutdown page. At the time of this writing, it is still vintage of the 2019 shutdown. This page will be activated in the event of a government shutdown.
The LPFM Filing Window has been delayed from 11/1/2023 to 12/6/2023.
The window opens at 12:01 AM ET on December 6, 2023 and closes at 6 PM ET on December 13, 2023.
Details at FCC Delays LPFM Filing Window - RadioInsight
The window opens at 12:01 AM ET on December 6, 2023 and closes at 6 PM ET on December 13, 2023.
Details at FCC Delays LPFM Filing Window - RadioInsight
So what happens when another nonprofit entity in your area files an application asking for the same FM channel you have filed for? If there are other open channels can you file for another channel, even if the window has closed?
The FCC applies a point system to evaluate competing applications. You earn points for being locally-based, established for a certain number of years, and for pledging local programming.
Applicants in an MX (mutually-exclusive) group of applications can propose technical amendments that will eliminate the exclusivity, including frequency changes.
But if you get to that point, you definitely want a good consultant working with you, whether it's REC or Prometheus or me.
Applicants in an MX (mutually-exclusive) group of applications can propose technical amendments that will eliminate the exclusivity, including frequency changes.
But if you get to that point, you definitely want a good consultant working with you, whether it's REC or Prometheus or me.
Shameless plug?
It's either have shame about it... or keep my kid in college in NYC! 🤪Shameless plug?
That's okay. I hired an engineer and my application is now in the LMS ready to go. I'm glad there are engineers/consultants for LPFM because the application process is not as simple as the FCC sought to make it. A DIY is an easy way for an application to get rejected.
Actually, I find it to be too simple. It's because of this legacy simplicity of the service is the main reason why we can't have good things (such as being able to use contours instead of distance to protect translators).
DIY applications do not fail because the FCC made it hard. They failed because those who attempted to file did not know all of the rules and procedures. The second-adjacent waiver changed a lot of the way we do LPFM. DIY applications can still be achievable if:
- The applicant fully understands Part 73 Subpart G and all of the rules cross-referenced in §73.801, as well as Part 17.
- The channel is available.
- They do not need a second-adjacent waiver.
- If they are not near an international border.
- TOWAIR is checked.
- The applicant properly writes an educational statement.
- The applicant has their corporation status in order.
As I said, the application process is not that simple for all the 7 reasons you outlined. It is possible for an application to be rejected because of not knowing 'all the rules and procedures,' as you said.
And when you think about it; considering the expense and trouble of putting an application together, forming the proper qualifying parent organization then filing with your local state government, then actually building something that has less coverage than a 2M amateur radio, is any of the trouble worth it? The odds of failure well outweigh any chances of success. Not to mention the overwhelming odds you'll lose everything invested, which to date has financially wrecked some people who didn't know better.
And you'd think they would want to learn about radio. Most are clueless about programming, marketing the station and how to establish relationships with businesses to sell underwriting (I know Michi hates the word sell next to underwriting but you have to offer reasons to get them to say yes).
Just as some armchair PD's on this very site; they already know how to program radio better than professionals. Just ask them. But even if assumed to be brilliant programming, the chances of success are like trying to swim the English Channel with both hands tied behind your back. It could be done in theory, but there's a better chance you'll drown before swimming even a few dozen yards. Limited coverage means the overall pop count is going to be very low compared with other real stations in town. That means the limitations in finding underwriter sponsorships is few and far between, since either the businesses or listeners will be spread apart further than the LPFM covers.
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