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If you have had it the way WAMS has been operated over the past serveral years, now is your chance to challenge their license renewal, but it must be done according to FCC rules. Below is some information.
Note: You have the right to inspect the Public File during normal business hours. Also the station must have a "main studio" with in 25 miles of the center of the city of license. They can operate from other locations, but they must have a "main studio" within that 25 mile radius. Also, if they have a local marketing agreement with another company or station, aka running a Dover station on Sundays, their should be a contract in the file.
Do they have a current STA (special temporary authority) to operate at reduced power, lack of an acceptable tower site, have they aired their pre-renewal announcements, etc.
By the way this goes for all radio stations in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Once granted a license renewal it's for 8 years. If you have a problem with a station now is the time to let the FCC know, but follow the rules including notification to the licensee and the FCC by the dealines stated, and I recommend at least return receipt requested.
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/renewal/index.html
License Renewal Applications for Radio Broadcast Stations
All radio broadcast station licenses are scheduled to expire between 2003 and 2006. Each AM, FM, noncommercial educational FM, FM translator, and Low Power FM Station (LPFM) station must file an application for license renewal (FCC Form 303-S) four months prior to the expiration date of the station's license, in accordance with the schedule set forth below. All stations, except LPFM stations, also must file a Broadcast Equal Employment Opportunity Program Report (FCC Form 396) at the same time.
During the license renewal process, listeners of the stations whose licenses are up for renewal may participate in the process either by filing a petition to deny or informal objection against a renewal or by filing positive comments about a broadcaster's service. Procedures for filing documents with the Commission in the context of a license renewal are covered below.
Related auxiliary stations and FM booster stations are renewed with the main station license; do not file separate renewal applications for auxiliary or FM booster stations. A permittee of a new radio broadcast station is not required to file a license renewal application unless a license is granted prior to the expiration date for radio stations in its particular state or jurisdiction.
Important: Verify the Station's Mailing Address!
A valid mailing address for each station is essential for a smooth renewal process. Broadcast licensees should take the time NOW to verify that the station address is correct in the FCC's files, and make any necessary corrections. Failure to receive postcard notice of the deadline for filing a license renewal application (detailed below) does not excuse a licensee from timely compliance with the Commission's license renewal requirements.
AM and FM full service stations, Low Power FM (LPFM) stations, and interested persons may check the Commission's address-of-record by using the Mailing Address Query. FM Translator Stations may verify the mailing address through the "Station Information" link in CDBS Public Access.
Requests for correction of mailing address must be submitted using FCC Form 5072, Change in Official Mailing Address for Broadcast Station. This form can be downloaded from the FCC's Forms page. Completed forms can be sent to the Commission as follows:
ATTN: Audio Division, License Renewal Processing Team
Mail Stop 1800B
at one of these two addresses:
U.S. Postal Service Mail Messenger or Hand Delivered Filings, and Filings Delivered by Other Than USPS
Office of the Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
Office of the Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
c/o Natek, Inc.
236 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Suite 110
Washington, DC 20002
A Public Notice released August 22, 2003 [ PDF | Word ] provides additional guidance on filing items with the Commission, including electronic media submissions. Courtesy copies may be sent directly to the Audio Division, License Renewal Processing Team, using these addresses.
The Station's Local Public Inspection File
During the license renewal process, interested parties may ask to review the radio station's local public inspection file. Broadcast licensees should take time now to ensure that the public file fulfils the requirements of 47 CFR Section 73.3526 (commercial stations) or 47 CFR Section 73.3527 (noncommercial educational stations). Licensees should establish procedures to respond promptly to all requests to review the station's public inspection file during regular business hours. Information on local public file and public access requirements is available on the Enforcement Bureau's Public Inspection File page, and in The Public and Broadcasting.
Public inspection file requirements do not apply to FM translator stations. Low Power FM (LPFM) stations are exempt from the local public file requirement, but must continue to maintain a political file.
See 47 CFR Section 73.3580(d)(4)(ii)(B).
**Noncommercial educational stations need not broadcast the announcements during any month in which the station does not operate. In such instances noncommercial educational stations shall meet the requirements as specified in See 47 CFR Section 73.3580(d)(4)(ii)(B)(3).
Silent AM and FM stations must publish the text of the Post-Filing Announcement in a newspaper of general circulation in the community or area served on the same scheduled dates as indicated above for operating stations. A copy of the published announcement should be placed in the station's local public inspection file.
FM Translators must publish the text of the Post-Filing Announcement at least once immediately after the filing of the license renewal application. The notice should be published in a daily, weekly, or biweekly newspaper of general circulation in the community or area served. If there is no newspaper the licensee should post the required notice in a public place and keep a copy of the local public notice for reference.
License Renewal Application Filing Fees
Each commercial licensee must submit a filing fee and Form 159 with its license renewal application. See the Application Processing Fees page for additional information concerning fees.
License Renewal Process -- Electronic Filing Is Mandatory
Licensees MUST use the CDBS Electronic Filing system to prepare and file the Form 303-S application for license renewal. The CDBS Electronic Filing system can be accessed through http://www.fcc.gov/mb/elecfile.html. A help file for the electronic filing system is available at http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio/cdbs-efile-help.html.
A copy of the license renewal application must be placed in the station's local public inspection file.
License Renewal Process -- Form 396 EEO Filing Requirements
On November 20, 2002, the Commission adopted new equal employment opportunity (EEO) rules and reporting requirements. These rules are in effect as of March 10, 2003. Each licensee must familiarize itself with the new rules and reporting requirements prior to preparation of the license renewal application. Information about the Commission's EEO requirements for broadcast stations is available on the Media Bureau's EEO page.
The new EEO rules require that all license renewal applicants submit FCC Form 396 (Broadcast Equal Employment Opportunity Program Report) in advance of or with the license renewal application. FCC Form 396 and the form's instructions may be downloaded from the FCC's Forms page.
All licensees must electronically file the Broadcast Equal Opportunity Program Report (FCC Form 396) and the license renewal form (Form 303-S). Licensees must complete FCC Form 396 PRIOR to completing Form 303-S. Form 303-S asks for the application file number of the Form 396 application; without this number, the CDBS electronic filing system will not accept a Form 303-S license renewal application.
Petitions to Deny / Informal Objections
A petition to deny or an informal objection to a radio license renewal application may be filed AFTER the filing of the license renewal application. Notices of the filing of license renewal applications will be posted in the public notices listed at http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio/cur_Broadcast_Applications.html. CDBS on the FCC's website will also contain records pertaining to the license renewal application.
Petitions to deny are considered to be timely filed with the Commission only upon their receipt by the Commission at either of the addresses listed above, NOT when they are mailed or postmarked.
The last day for filing petitions to deny is ONE MONTH PRIOR to the license expiration date:
* Example. The expiration date for a station in Alabama is April 1, 2004. The LAST DAY that a petition to deny may be timely filed is March 1, 2004.
* Exception. If the LAST DAY falls on a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or on a date that the Commission is closed for business, the LAST DAY is extended to the first full business day thereafter. For example, the expiration date for a station in Virginia is October 1, 2003. September 1, 2003 is a holiday. In this instance, the LAST DAY that a petition to deny may be filed is September 2, 2003.
* Exception. The deadline for filing petitions to deny against late-filed license renewal applications is the 90th day after the FCC gives public notice that it has accepted that application for filing. If the 90th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or on a date that the Commission is closed for business, the LAST DAY is extended to the first full business day thereafter.
Petition to Deny Requirements. First, to file a petition to deny, a person must be a "party in interest" and have "standing". That means, generally, that the person must have more than a passing interest in the station. He or she must be a regular listener or have some other contact with the station that gives the petitioner a real stake in the outcome of the renewal process. A petition must be supported by an affidavit of a person or persons with personal knowledge of the allegations of fact contained in the petition. Additionally, a petition to deny a license renewal must "timely" filed at least one month prior to the license expiration date, as explained in the previous paragraph. Finally, the petition must contain a certification that a copy of the petition was mailed to the station. Failure to include the certification that a copy was mailed to the station and the affidavit of personal knowledge will result in dismissal of the petition to deny.
Procedure for Filing Informal Objections. A person or entity opposing the grant of a station's license renewal application may file an informal objection. against the license renewal application at any time prior to staff action on the license renewal application. An informal objection is less formal than a petition to deny, but some requirements still apply. It may take the form of a letter signed by the objector and mailed or delivered to one of the FCC addresses above. An informal objection need not contain the affidavit required for a petition to deny. It should, however, contain sufficient information to establish any violation alleged. Additionally, an informal objection not received by the time the station's license renewal is granted will not be considered.
Filing Positive Comments. Affirmative comments concerning a licensee's service during the prior license term should be filed by the petition to deny deadline through the Office of the Secretary at the addresses listed above.
Additional Suggestions for Filers To help the staff expeditiously associate a petition to deny, informal objection, or positive comment with the proper license renewal application, the pleading should identify (1) the station's call sign, (2) the station's facility ID number, and (3) the license renewal application file number. This information, which is available on CDBS through the Commission's website, should be listed on the first page of the submission. If a cover sheet is used, it should be attached to each copy of the pleading.
Questions About Radio Renewals
Questions may be directed to [email protected]. Please provide sufficient information so that your inquiry can be promply answered.
Note: You have the right to inspect the Public File during normal business hours. Also the station must have a "main studio" with in 25 miles of the center of the city of license. They can operate from other locations, but they must have a "main studio" within that 25 mile radius. Also, if they have a local marketing agreement with another company or station, aka running a Dover station on Sundays, their should be a contract in the file.
Do they have a current STA (special temporary authority) to operate at reduced power, lack of an acceptable tower site, have they aired their pre-renewal announcements, etc.
By the way this goes for all radio stations in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Once granted a license renewal it's for 8 years. If you have a problem with a station now is the time to let the FCC know, but follow the rules including notification to the licensee and the FCC by the dealines stated, and I recommend at least return receipt requested.
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/renewal/index.html
License Renewal Applications for Radio Broadcast Stations
All radio broadcast station licenses are scheduled to expire between 2003 and 2006. Each AM, FM, noncommercial educational FM, FM translator, and Low Power FM Station (LPFM) station must file an application for license renewal (FCC Form 303-S) four months prior to the expiration date of the station's license, in accordance with the schedule set forth below. All stations, except LPFM stations, also must file a Broadcast Equal Employment Opportunity Program Report (FCC Form 396) at the same time.
During the license renewal process, listeners of the stations whose licenses are up for renewal may participate in the process either by filing a petition to deny or informal objection against a renewal or by filing positive comments about a broadcaster's service. Procedures for filing documents with the Commission in the context of a license renewal are covered below.
Related auxiliary stations and FM booster stations are renewed with the main station license; do not file separate renewal applications for auxiliary or FM booster stations. A permittee of a new radio broadcast station is not required to file a license renewal application unless a license is granted prior to the expiration date for radio stations in its particular state or jurisdiction.
Important: Verify the Station's Mailing Address!
A valid mailing address for each station is essential for a smooth renewal process. Broadcast licensees should take the time NOW to verify that the station address is correct in the FCC's files, and make any necessary corrections. Failure to receive postcard notice of the deadline for filing a license renewal application (detailed below) does not excuse a licensee from timely compliance with the Commission's license renewal requirements.
AM and FM full service stations, Low Power FM (LPFM) stations, and interested persons may check the Commission's address-of-record by using the Mailing Address Query. FM Translator Stations may verify the mailing address through the "Station Information" link in CDBS Public Access.
Requests for correction of mailing address must be submitted using FCC Form 5072, Change in Official Mailing Address for Broadcast Station. This form can be downloaded from the FCC's Forms page. Completed forms can be sent to the Commission as follows:
ATTN: Audio Division, License Renewal Processing Team
Mail Stop 1800B
at one of these two addresses:
U.S. Postal Service Mail Messenger or Hand Delivered Filings, and Filings Delivered by Other Than USPS
Office of the Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20554
Office of the Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
c/o Natek, Inc.
236 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Suite 110
Washington, DC 20002
A Public Notice released August 22, 2003 [ PDF | Word ] provides additional guidance on filing items with the Commission, including electronic media submissions. Courtesy copies may be sent directly to the Audio Division, License Renewal Processing Team, using these addresses.
The Station's Local Public Inspection File
During the license renewal process, interested parties may ask to review the radio station's local public inspection file. Broadcast licensees should take time now to ensure that the public file fulfils the requirements of 47 CFR Section 73.3526 (commercial stations) or 47 CFR Section 73.3527 (noncommercial educational stations). Licensees should establish procedures to respond promptly to all requests to review the station's public inspection file during regular business hours. Information on local public file and public access requirements is available on the Enforcement Bureau's Public Inspection File page, and in The Public and Broadcasting.
Public inspection file requirements do not apply to FM translator stations. Low Power FM (LPFM) stations are exempt from the local public file requirement, but must continue to maintain a political file.
See 47 CFR Section 73.3580(d)(4)(ii)(B).
**Noncommercial educational stations need not broadcast the announcements during any month in which the station does not operate. In such instances noncommercial educational stations shall meet the requirements as specified in See 47 CFR Section 73.3580(d)(4)(ii)(B)(3).
Silent AM and FM stations must publish the text of the Post-Filing Announcement in a newspaper of general circulation in the community or area served on the same scheduled dates as indicated above for operating stations. A copy of the published announcement should be placed in the station's local public inspection file.
FM Translators must publish the text of the Post-Filing Announcement at least once immediately after the filing of the license renewal application. The notice should be published in a daily, weekly, or biweekly newspaper of general circulation in the community or area served. If there is no newspaper the licensee should post the required notice in a public place and keep a copy of the local public notice for reference.
License Renewal Application Filing Fees
Each commercial licensee must submit a filing fee and Form 159 with its license renewal application. See the Application Processing Fees page for additional information concerning fees.
License Renewal Process -- Electronic Filing Is Mandatory
Licensees MUST use the CDBS Electronic Filing system to prepare and file the Form 303-S application for license renewal. The CDBS Electronic Filing system can be accessed through http://www.fcc.gov/mb/elecfile.html. A help file for the electronic filing system is available at http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio/cdbs-efile-help.html.
A copy of the license renewal application must be placed in the station's local public inspection file.
License Renewal Process -- Form 396 EEO Filing Requirements
On November 20, 2002, the Commission adopted new equal employment opportunity (EEO) rules and reporting requirements. These rules are in effect as of March 10, 2003. Each licensee must familiarize itself with the new rules and reporting requirements prior to preparation of the license renewal application. Information about the Commission's EEO requirements for broadcast stations is available on the Media Bureau's EEO page.
The new EEO rules require that all license renewal applicants submit FCC Form 396 (Broadcast Equal Employment Opportunity Program Report) in advance of or with the license renewal application. FCC Form 396 and the form's instructions may be downloaded from the FCC's Forms page.
All licensees must electronically file the Broadcast Equal Opportunity Program Report (FCC Form 396) and the license renewal form (Form 303-S). Licensees must complete FCC Form 396 PRIOR to completing Form 303-S. Form 303-S asks for the application file number of the Form 396 application; without this number, the CDBS electronic filing system will not accept a Form 303-S license renewal application.
Petitions to Deny / Informal Objections
A petition to deny or an informal objection to a radio license renewal application may be filed AFTER the filing of the license renewal application. Notices of the filing of license renewal applications will be posted in the public notices listed at http://www.fcc.gov/fcc-bin/audio/cur_Broadcast_Applications.html. CDBS on the FCC's website will also contain records pertaining to the license renewal application.
Petitions to deny are considered to be timely filed with the Commission only upon their receipt by the Commission at either of the addresses listed above, NOT when they are mailed or postmarked.
The last day for filing petitions to deny is ONE MONTH PRIOR to the license expiration date:
* Example. The expiration date for a station in Alabama is April 1, 2004. The LAST DAY that a petition to deny may be timely filed is March 1, 2004.
* Exception. If the LAST DAY falls on a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or on a date that the Commission is closed for business, the LAST DAY is extended to the first full business day thereafter. For example, the expiration date for a station in Virginia is October 1, 2003. September 1, 2003 is a holiday. In this instance, the LAST DAY that a petition to deny may be filed is September 2, 2003.
* Exception. The deadline for filing petitions to deny against late-filed license renewal applications is the 90th day after the FCC gives public notice that it has accepted that application for filing. If the 90th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, holiday, or on a date that the Commission is closed for business, the LAST DAY is extended to the first full business day thereafter.
Petition to Deny Requirements. First, to file a petition to deny, a person must be a "party in interest" and have "standing". That means, generally, that the person must have more than a passing interest in the station. He or she must be a regular listener or have some other contact with the station that gives the petitioner a real stake in the outcome of the renewal process. A petition must be supported by an affidavit of a person or persons with personal knowledge of the allegations of fact contained in the petition. Additionally, a petition to deny a license renewal must "timely" filed at least one month prior to the license expiration date, as explained in the previous paragraph. Finally, the petition must contain a certification that a copy of the petition was mailed to the station. Failure to include the certification that a copy was mailed to the station and the affidavit of personal knowledge will result in dismissal of the petition to deny.
Procedure for Filing Informal Objections. A person or entity opposing the grant of a station's license renewal application may file an informal objection. against the license renewal application at any time prior to staff action on the license renewal application. An informal objection is less formal than a petition to deny, but some requirements still apply. It may take the form of a letter signed by the objector and mailed or delivered to one of the FCC addresses above. An informal objection need not contain the affidavit required for a petition to deny. It should, however, contain sufficient information to establish any violation alleged. Additionally, an informal objection not received by the time the station's license renewal is granted will not be considered.
Filing Positive Comments. Affirmative comments concerning a licensee's service during the prior license term should be filed by the petition to deny deadline through the Office of the Secretary at the addresses listed above.
Additional Suggestions for Filers To help the staff expeditiously associate a petition to deny, informal objection, or positive comment with the proper license renewal application, the pleading should identify (1) the station's call sign, (2) the station's facility ID number, and (3) the license renewal application file number. This information, which is available on CDBS through the Commission's website, should be listed on the first page of the submission. If a cover sheet is used, it should be attached to each copy of the pleading.
Questions About Radio Renewals
Questions may be directed to [email protected]. Please provide sufficient information so that your inquiry can be promply answered.