Aug. 1,2005...Has anything changed? (lpfm) Do you consider this local?

[101_9]

This is a response from Sen. Cantwell (EDITED) Aug. 3rd 2005

Do you consider this local?...(Also edited)

The question was about C. Chapel and other non-local religious organizations filing numerous construction permits.
pg.130 Seattle discussions Radio-info boards. 101_9

Has anything changed? Sam-Sno Educational has 38 apps filed, or is it Sno-Sam Educational? (They're local,but 38?)
Being a novice, I don't know if it's for translators or fully license stations.

Dear Mr.Rxxxxxxxxx,


In the past, you contacted me in support of federal efforts to foster localism and encourage greater diversity in the media. I am writing to you today to reaffirm my commitment to make this form of community-based broadcasting available to all Americans.


Unfortunately, the following year Congress legislatively rolled back the FCC's rules regarding the spacing between stations, thus limiting the ability for LPFM radio service to be introduced into larger media markets. In the last Congress, I cosponsored legislation making the technical changes necessary to once again enable these low power FM stations to be licensed broadly. Although the bill was reported favorably out of the Commerce Committee with amendment, the full Senate did not act upon it before Congress adjourned. The legislation, sponsored by Senators McCain and Leahy, would have repealed the 2001 law.

Some believe that at least 1000 more LPFM stations could be licensed nationally if the bill passed. In Washington State, there are currently three low power FM stations in operation, with another 19 having licenses for construction permits. Additionally, there are 19 stations with applications pending. With the bill, Washington would have many more LPFM stations in communities all across our state. I have already signed on to cosponsor the bill when it is reintroduced in the coming weeks, and I will work during this Congress to ensure its passage.


KLOV 84kw just 1 example...So I guess not.

 

[LITTLEBOYBLUE]

I haven't thought this through ... just a "germ" of an idea I'm throwing out here. But what if we set a three-year performance goal of some kind ... and stations that can't meet the performance goal at the end of 3 or 5 or whatever years don't get renewed. Opens the spectrum for community operations, and reduces competition in the commercial sector so those who CAN perform have an easier time of survival. Am thinking if we took greater Seattle from about 60 signals down to about 30-40 there really wouldn't be a HUGE economic setback and hardly a service one at the rate stations are under-serving.

Of course the market may do this on its own inside of six months....but it just seems like we're at the point where we need FEWER stations licensed not more. Seeing this letter that mentions only 3 LPFM's in the entire state seems kind of pointless.

As I said...just an idea intended to spark some interesting discussion (which means, on this board, the topic will die with the "what if" post!!!)

 

[TVradioguru]

The answer is no, except for a few stations most of the existing LPFM stations are licensed to religious (Christian-based) organizations like K-Love and whomever now operates the Calvary Chapel stations nationwide plus Family Radio.

What happens is these religious organizations have their lawyers and consulting engineers in the starting blocks to slam out applications just as soon as the window opens. The average member of the local community who foolishly want to run their own local LP station, usually don't stand a chance.

Obviously the FCC can't discriminate against religious organizations if they meet all the ownership criteria, which technically they do.

 

[jdweaver]

LBB...great idea. We had cash for clunkers...why not cash for useless radio stations - on both bands. Might be a better use of federal funds than trading your F250 for an Escalade.

And no, CLear Channel doesn't get to participate.

 

[Bongwater]

LBB...great idea. We had cash for clunkers...why not cash for useless radio stations - on both bands. Might be a better use of federal funds than trading your F250 for an Escalade.

And no, CLear Channel doesn't get to participate.

Interesting concept......

 

[HowardMBurgers]

Clear Channel, nor any of the regular commercial owners would qualify to be a LPFM licensee anyway.

I've helped a couple LPFM's get started in the South, but recently they've closed up shop. Even though these stations were less than 1kW ERP, they couldn't afford to keep them going with no discernable income stream. Like any business, one has utility expenses, business and income taxes (business was an issue but income wasn't), not too mention that everyone's time is worth something. Both LPFMs were built with credit cards under the assumption that there would be enough income to pay them back. Well it didn't.

From what I could tell the local citizens enjoyed the home-spun programming to a point, but unfortunately didn't frequent the few businesses that underwrote/advertised nor donated to the station. In essence the loyal listeners within the small coverage area enjoyed the stations, just not enough to support them financially. They're both now K-Love stations.

 

[LITTLEBOYBLUE]

Is there a requirement that an LPFM licensee has to be full-time or near full-time? Seems the whole concept of "community" suggests it gets fired up when they need it...things like city council meetings, or weekend volunteer programming, etc. I think that was how the Vashon people were doing it for awhile.

If the LP's became more community-focused, seems they MIGHT be able to run with the same kind of funding the other government channels do ... the King County TV, the Seattle TV, etc. Basically run with public funds but with possibly a little more focus on public access, the way the cable Public Access works.

I have never seen the LPFM concept as a "we want to be broadcasters too", because it WILL implode financially. But it seems perfect for the "we need to communicate with a 5 or 10-mile radius" concept; and around here would be perfect for all the communities too small for the metro stations to serve.

Then if you kick that concept up a notch you wind up at the COUNTY level, which seems where 1520 would want to focus. I had suggested to one person "what if they sold that by the hour" ... so instead of 60's, advertisers underwrite an hour here or there. Not the INFOMERCIAL sell-by-hour concept, but much like the old time radio shows where Colgate or Texaco bought the whole thing. Seems like it might work in places like Anacortes, Snohomish County, etc.

 

[Bongwater]

Is there a requirement that an LPFM licensee has to be full-time or near full-time? Seems the whole concept of "community" suggests it gets fired up when they need it...things like city council meetings, or weekend volunteer programming, etc. I think that was how the Vashon people were doing it for awhile.

If the LP's became more community-focused, seems they MIGHT be able to run with the same kind of funding the other government channels do ... the King County TV, the Seattle TV, etc. Basically run with public funds but with possibly a little more focus on public access, the way the cable Public Access works.

I have never seen the LPFM concept as a "we want to be broadcasters too", because it WILL implode financially. But it seems perfect for the "we need to communicate with a 5 or 10-mile radius" concept; and around here would be perfect for all the communities too small for the metro stations to serve.

Then if you kick that concept up a notch you wind up at the COUNTY level, which seems where 1520 would want to focus. I had suggested to one person "what if they sold that by the hour" ... so instead of 60's, advertisers underwrite an hour here or there. Not the INFOMERCIAL sell-by-hour concept, but much like the old time radio shows where Colgate or Texaco bought the whole thing. Seems like it might work in places like Anacortes, Snohomish County, etc.

It's a possibility. And there are stations open to that concept - KKNW namely. But in the same breath, while old time, hourly sponsored radio is lots of fun and a novel flashback, the economic problems facing everybody is going really hurt because of the PROMOTIONAL end. In order to make radio REALLY successful, you have to PROMOTE it - CONSTANTLY - With every possible means you have. Money is no object - GET OUT THERE AND ADVERTISE THE STATION! Make it as ubiquitous as any ad from Coca-Cola - if not MORE locally. Otherwise, who the hell is going to care?

To really get out there and talk with average (not just PPM supplanted) listeners (and if they're even out there in your neck of the woods.) You have to remember, PPM people are (supposed) to be just like you and me.....

(SOUND OF HORRIFIED GASPS)

You heard me.

Yes, this happens. Like my mom used to say "Otherwise, you're just preaching to the choir...."

I could delve into more insanely valuable insight, but I'm not being PAID to be the expert here. Ask AQH instead. He is. I'm not. I'm just a guy who just might know something and he's a guy desperate to drill it out of me like some fool because he doesn't and in radio, as you know, it's somehow always the STRANGEST ideas that work the BEST. "JACK-FM? Variety Hits? What have YOU been smoking lately?...." would have been the response 10 years ago "Liberal talk? Air America...or should I say 'Error America'...NOTHING can EVER beat Limbaugh in a major city!!" Yes, strange ideas happen Mr. AQH. And sometimes....THEY WORK!!

And yes AQH, I STILL don't give a damn about radio anymore. But here's your LAST and FREE final tips. I will NOT repeat this any further. If this did not sink into your skull - TOUGH! I have my OWN bottom line. Live with it. The details are YOUR own from here on out.....GOOD LUCK!!

 

[SeattleRadioPro]

Whoa - easy there, Larry. Your ego's writing checks that your intelligence can't cash...besides, you know what they say about FREE advice - it's worth every penny you paid for it.

 

[TVradioguru]

" would have been the response 10 years ago "Liberal talk? Air America...or should I say 'Error America'...NOTHING can EVER beat Limbaugh in a major city!!" Yes, strange ideas happen Mr. AQH. And sometimes....THEY WORK!!

Whatever your personal political slant, the facts are that no Air America program ever topped Limbaugh in any city where both programs aired. You're completely wrong with that point.

I do agree however, that promoting a station outside of itself is key. Promotion is a high cost of doing business.