Poking around another part of Radio-Info, I thought of an idea. There appear to be a number of daytime-only stations, even in major markets, that are not using their PSSA authorizations. This is probably because their permitted night time power level is very low (e.g. in the 2-10 watt range). That is usually insufficient to cover their COL, and therefore to justify paying someone to come in and operate the station at night. On the other hand, what Part 15 community broadcaster wouldn't kill for a couple of watts on a full size antenna? Perhaps it would be possible to work out an agreement with a local daytimer to use their PSSA facilities for night time operation, after they have signed off.
Of course, there are a number of things to consider. Presumably, the signal will be emanating from the station's tower, not your back yard. If that tower is out in a cornfield some distance from town, 2 watts could produce an impressive signal for a couple of miles, but there might not be any listeners to receive it. I am not sure whether the FCC allows licensed stations to have a separate transmitting location for PSSA operation (someone here probably knows). In most cases, you would probably have to buy the low power transmitter, if the station doesn't already own one. You would have to get your audio signal to the station somehow. You'll be operating with their call letters, and you will have to convince the station owner that your programming won't conflict with the station's format. Of course, you will have to agree on compensation. And finally, there's always the risk that if you're successful, the station owner might decide to use its PSSA for its own programming.
It won't be for everyone, but in certain cases, broadcasting your community-oriented programming at night over a local daytimer's PSSA facilities might be an option. I would be curious to know if anyone has tried this, and how it worked out.
Of course, there are a number of things to consider. Presumably, the signal will be emanating from the station's tower, not your back yard. If that tower is out in a cornfield some distance from town, 2 watts could produce an impressive signal for a couple of miles, but there might not be any listeners to receive it. I am not sure whether the FCC allows licensed stations to have a separate transmitting location for PSSA operation (someone here probably knows). In most cases, you would probably have to buy the low power transmitter, if the station doesn't already own one. You would have to get your audio signal to the station somehow. You'll be operating with their call letters, and you will have to convince the station owner that your programming won't conflict with the station's format. Of course, you will have to agree on compensation. And finally, there's always the risk that if you're successful, the station owner might decide to use its PSSA for its own programming.
It won't be for everyone, but in certain cases, broadcasting your community-oriented programming at night over a local daytimer's PSSA facilities might be an option. I would be curious to know if anyone has tried this, and how it worked out.