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FCC opening new "filing window"?

R

raymond_shaw

Guest
I'm with a non profit community group with an interest in starting a community radio station. We are considering Part 15, buying an existing AM station or applying for a FM license. Our director recently got this emailed to him. Is this company legit? Is the FCC really considering opening a "filing window" soon.

Any input would be welcome.

[size=10pt][size=10pt][size=10pt]Radio Data Services[/size]​

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may open a "filing window" to accept applications for new full-power non-commercial FM radio stations sometime in the months to come - a window could be announced as early as the later part of this year. Such an opportunity has not existed for more than five years. Why start preparing now? It can take many weeks or even months to search, study, plan, and consider all of the details that go into starting a new radio station. Just locating a suitable tower site can be a lengthy process. It is imperative to have a well-prepared application ready to file since the FCC uses its new "Comparitive Criteria" to evaluate competing applications. If you have an interest in filing multiple applications or a network of radio stations the preparation time needed increases proportionally.

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There have been rumors that the FCC will open a NCE window soon. This was in part, due to parties both religous and public, asking the FCC for a window, since the FCC has frozen any applications for so long, and has moved to the window approach for filing.
HOWEVER, it is only a rumor. I have heard that their would be a window this summer, this fall, this winter, all at various times. FCC staff has said there are no plans for any filing windows for full power NCE in the works, and until the Commission disposes of most of the MX'd NCE FM applications, some dating back to the early 90's, and the remaining LPFM MX applications, there will not be an applications window. Don't forget all those translator applications still piled up from the last big window, and the FCC has not had even an initial LPFM-10 window or a remedial LPFM window.
I have been told by FCC staffers that the EARLIEST there would be a window might be late winter of 2007, but that estimate was in the spring of this year, and with an anticipation that the FCC would be processing MX applications by now, and there has been little movement on this.
THAT said, it does not hurt to check or plan for a potential window, with the caveat that it may be delayed or not happen. Also be prepared for INTENSE competition for any open frequency. Even after doing the work, you may not get it. Lastly, most frequencies that could be available will not be in very populated areas, with few exceptions. If you are in or near the top 100 markets, you likely will not be able to find a frequency available, not even an LPFM frequency. As you can see from their first sentence "The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may open a "filing window" to accept applications for new full-power non-commercial FM radio stations sometime in the months to come - a window could be announced as early as the later part of this year", they are saying "MAY". It won't be this year, and months to come is vague enough. Their prices are in line with a lot of other firms, however, I don't no anything about them. You should ask for references. You can also go to recnetworks site, http://www.recnet.com/ to give you an idea.
 
Dear Raymond:

In regard to a future FCC window for NCE applications, the FCC will make an official announcement on the website: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio. We called the FCC several times in the past to discuss the opening of a window and updates on when this might occur. The best contact is the FCC Audio Services Division staff at (202) 418-2700 and simply ask questions on their progress towards this and suggestions on preparing.

Also the Prometheus Radio Project has a discussion on this topic on their website at: http://www.prometheusradio.org/tech_support/full_power/full_throttle.html
http://www.prometheusradio.org/tech_support/full_power/full_power_fm_radio_application_process.html

Although a window hasn't yet been announced, a sure way not to have an opportunity is to try to plan a station application "at the last minute." It would be a "window of opportunity" with the key word being "window" which both opens and closes.

If you would like to e-mail us off list we'd be happy to donate a channel study to your organization and hope you would consider posting a review. E-mail: [email protected]
 
radiomaps said:
Dear Raymond:

In regard to a future FCC window for NCE applications, the FCC will make an official announcement on the website: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio. We called the FCC several times in the past to discuss the opening of a window and updates on when this might occur. The best contact is the FCC Audio Services Division staff at (202) 418-2700 and simply ask questions on their progress towards this and suggestions on preparing.
Also the Prometheus Radio Project has a discussion on this topic on their website at: http://www.prometheusradio.org/tech_support/full_power/full_throttle.html
http://www.prometheusradio.org/tech_support/full_power/full_power_fm_radio_application_process.html
Although a window hasn't yet been announced, a sure way not to have an opportunity is to try to plan a station application "at the last minute." It would be a "window of opportunity" with the key word being "window" which both opens and closes.
If you would like to e-mail us off list we'd be happy to donate a channel study to your organization and hope you would consider posting a review. E-mail: [email protected]
Click to expand...

The Promometheus information is pretty buried down on their website, and it is not current news. While there may be a window in the future, soon is not the correct term, unless you consider possibly a year from now soon. However, in terms of the lenght of the freeze, it would be soon. The FCC has nothing on their website at this time, nor is staff have any knowledge of any window. Attorneys that deal with the FCC have also confirmed this. I do agree it is good to look and plan, but don't spend money doing an application. A search would be handy, but a lot can change between now and the window, that could give you different results. If you read the Prometheus information, it is pretty accurate in terms of costs for the application process, and the reality that you might not get a license once you apply, and that you also may not be able to apply, due to being no frequencies available. My last conversation with staff was last week. No window on the drawing board, and not one in the near future, I was told.
 
I'm beginning to think the rumors have been started by some consultants who are looking at a way to drum up some quick and easy business doing frequency searches. The software to do that is quite expensive, but once you own it and understand how to use it, the actual search is not that time consuming.

Traditionally, the FCC is quite tight lipped about upcoming filing windows. It does pay to be prepared, but as was pointed out above, a lot can change between now and whenever the next window happens.
 
I do not know how realible Recnet is but I may have found an area that I might be able to put a 2KW station. I looking at wanting to do a community station and I beleive this would work. Is the information on REC reliable
 
northernlightsmedia said:
I do not know how realible Recnet is but I may have found an area that I might be able to put a 2KW station. I looking at wanting to do a community station and I beleive this would work. Is the information on REC reliable
Click to expand...

REC is a very reliable source. You will still need to do more detailed studies, but it is a good start. For the actual application, you will need to submit far more detail than the REC site provides. I'd suggest hiring a reputable consulting engineer to do the actual study and application.
 
Mike said:
radiomaps said:
Dear Raymond:

In regard to a future FCC window for NCE applications, the FCC will make an official announcement on the website: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio. We called the FCC several times in the past to discuss the opening of a window and updates on when this might occur. The best contact is the FCC Audio Services Division staff at (202) 418-2700 and simply ask questions on their progress towards this and suggestions on preparing.
Also the Prometheus Radio Project has a discussion on this topic on their website at: http://www.prometheusradio.org/tech_support/full_power/full_throttle.html
http://www.prometheusradio.org/tech_support/full_power/full_power_fm_radio_application_process.html
Although a window hasn't yet been announced, a sure way not to have an opportunity is to try to plan a station application "at the last minute." It would be a "window of opportunity" with the key word being "window" which both opens and closes.
If you would like to e-mail us off list we'd be happy to donate a channel study to your organization and hope you would consider posting a review. E-mail: [email protected]
Click to expand...

The Promometheus information is pretty buried down on their website, and it is not current news. While there may be a window in the future, soon is not the correct term, unless you consider possibly a year from now soon. However, in terms of the lenght of the freeze, it would be soon. The FCC has nothing on their website at this time, nor is staff have any knowledge of any window. Attorneys that deal with the FCC have also confirmed this. I do agree it is good to look and plan, but don't spend money doing an application. A search would be handy, but a lot can change between now and the window, that could give you different results. If you read the Prometheus information, it is pretty accurate in terms of costs for the application process, and the reality that you might not get a license once you apply, and that you also may not be able to apply, due to being no frequencies available. My last conversation with staff was last week. No window on the drawing board, and not one in the near future, I was told.
Click to expand...

Prometheus Radio Project is projecting an April or May '07 timeframe for an NCE application window.

db
 
dbdigital said:
Prometheus Radio Project is projecting an April or May '07 timeframe for an NCE application window.
db
Click to expand...
I looked at their site, and saw no updates, just the "six month" thing. Since the Commissionors are now at full strenght, perhaps they will start getting through the piles of MX'd applications that have to be settled, and maybe this will be true. However, nothing has stated that they actually are doing this.
 
audio4tv said:
dbdigital said:
Prometheus Radio Project is projecting an April or May '07 timeframe for an NCE application window.
db
Click to expand...
I looked at their site, and saw no updates, just the "six month" thing. Since the Commissionors are now at full strenght, perhaps they will start getting through the piles of MX'd applications that have to be settled, and maybe this will be true. However, nothing has stated that they actually are doing this.
Click to expand...

That timeframe came from an e-mail Prometheus sent me yesterday. Unfortunately, I trashed it and so could not provide a quote. I might have the e-mail on another computer and, if so, will post the statement in question here.

BTW, you should sign up with Prometheus so that you can receive their news e-mails which they send on a regular basis.

db
 
dbdigital said:
That timeframe came from an e-mail Prometheus sent me yesterday. Unfortunately, I trashed it and so could not provide a quote. I might have the e-mail on another computer and, if so, will post the statement in question here.
BTW, you should sign up with Prometheus so that you can receive their news e-mails which they send on a regular basis.
db
Click to expand...

I am on their mailing list, but did not receive it. I did see a notice on the NFCB site, but it really is not anything new. I saw a similar document on the christian community broadcasters site. While Prometheus was touting late 2006, the 2007 date was mentioned on the others. However, I remain skeptical until they dipose of the mountain of MX'd NCE FM applications.
 
I have applied for, built, and owned many radio stations.
If I had paid consultants and lawyers to do the work,
I would not have gotten off the ground.
Despite all the talk about upcomming filing windows,
I hear only talk.
Don't be a fool and pay some lawyer or technical consultant
for pie in the sky.
It's all talk.
 
It takes years of patience to start a new radio station with the FCC.
If you aren't willing to wait 2 through 10 years for your grant, you
should find something else to do.
I have seen many give up or die before their dream of owning a
station came true.
I do hope they open a filing window soon.
 
I have been preparing FCC applications for about 20 years. I can tell you that there will be an NCE filing window. It's true that the date is still uncertain, but could be as early as next March. Those that get started now might be lucky enough to have a CP by next year. Those that choose to grouse and dawdle will be left out in the cold. The new filing window has at least the potential for making the 10 year waits a thing of the past. There are actually a number of opportunities in surprising places. I can tell you that I found a site that can serve a metro (unamed for now) of over 1.5 million, last week - although such "finds" are not the norm. What's CERTAIN is that those that sit out this filing window out will find that nearly all of the remaining opportunities near significant populated areas will be gone forever, and filled with more satellite proselytizing. It's your choice. If you have a strong group at least 2 years old, enough desire, and some patience, then ignore the naysayers and go for it.

Michael Brown
Brown Broadcast Services
Portland, OR
www.brownbroadcast.com
 
audio4tv said:
dbdigital said:
Here is a site that can provide more specifics on the NCE window and how to apply:

http://www.radioforpeople.org/content/view/1/9/

...and another one:

http://www.commonfrequency.org/

db
Click to expand...


These are just rehashes of the other information, and in fact, one is a verbatium paste of the Prometheus site. While I see no problem looking and planning, until you see the MXs being processed, I would not hold my breath.
Click to expand...

So you don't know the exact 'day or hour'. So what? You have enough of a heads up to know about when the FCC NCE window will open (March-May) and that you have to get started NOW.

I agree with Mr. Brown. The FCC needs to see certain engineering exhibits with the form and, unless you have the software and expertise to do it, a consulting engineer is about the only one who can generate the exhibits the FCC will accept. The agency is very picky about these applications and if there is even just a little thing wrong with it, will reject it. I know from experience.

The cost for such a service, including filing, can run as much as $4500.00.

db
 
Back in the 1900s, it took me a couple afternoons to fill out an application to
build a new FM station. But now in this modern world, thanks to the internet,
much info and work can be done quickly and for free.
For those of you with millions in the bank, you don't need my advice.
But for those who don't, you do. You don't have to be wealthy to get
into broadcasting and be a success. But you have to be smart about it.
I did it. I succeeded. Maybe, you can too.
Most of the info for the technical portion of an FCC application can be
found at fcc.gov, fccinfo.com, radio-locator.com, recnet.com, and topozone.com.
You also can do your own not for profit corporation and get your tax exempt status
from the IRS.
With this advice I have helped many who weren't rich, become broadcasters too.
 
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