Could I legally go to my local city commission and agree to pay for all or part part of a TIS station that they would have licenced and program a portion of the time? A contract would stipulate that actionable violations occuring during my hours would be my responsibility. Could I further remind the listening public that their, "generosity keeps the station on the air just as Joe has been doing for a year? Joe is the guy who runs Joe's Pizza down at 1234 Main St, more information is available at Joesallnightpizzas.com"?
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Leasing a station license?
- Thread starter Ai4i
- Start date
W
WCWalker
Guest
Doubtful. I knew someone that tried doing something like this by creating his own Chamber of Commerce. The FCC ended up giving him a fine for improper programming on the TIS.
J
jhguthlac
Guest
I agree. I doubt it would be considered a proper use of the station.
The rules for TIS are quite specific and I think any sort of advertising, even in a round-about way, would be considered outside the bounds of the regs.
Here are the regs per FCC (worse than the restrictions for LPFM):
TRAVELERS' INFORMATION STATIONS
Governmental entities, as well as park districts and authorities, may be eligible to operate a low power AM radio station for the purpose of disseminating information to travellers. A license is required before construction or operation of a Travelers' Information Station may commence. This service, which began in 1977 ( see the June 20, 1997 Report and Order ), is covered under rule Section 90.242 of the FCC's rules. Travelers' Information Stations on the AM band are limited to a 10 watt transmitter output power and the antenna height may not exceed 15 meters (49.2 feet). These stations may not transmit commercial information. This service is not available to individuals or groups, but only to governmental entities and park districts. See 47 CFR 90.242 and 47 CFR 90.20(a). Application for an AM band Travelers' Information Station license may be made on FCC Form 601. The service is administered by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. For additional information on Travelers' Information Stations, please contact our Gettysburg, PA office at 1 - (888) - 225 - 5322, or by e-mail at [email protected].
TRAVELERS' INFORMATION STATIONS
Governmental entities, as well as park districts and authorities, may be eligible to operate a low power AM radio station for the purpose of disseminating information to travellers. A license is required before construction or operation of a Travelers' Information Station may commence. This service, which began in 1977 ( see the June 20, 1997 Report and Order ), is covered under rule Section 90.242 of the FCC's rules. Travelers' Information Stations on the AM band are limited to a 10 watt transmitter output power and the antenna height may not exceed 15 meters (49.2 feet). These stations may not transmit commercial information. This service is not available to individuals or groups, but only to governmental entities and park districts. See 47 CFR 90.242 and 47 CFR 90.20(a). Application for an AM band Travelers' Information Station license may be made on FCC Form 601. The service is administered by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. For additional information on Travelers' Information Stations, please contact our Gettysburg, PA office at 1 - (888) - 225 - 5322, or by e-mail at [email protected].
I had spoken with a state park employee that was responsible for a TIS. The area was VERY isolated and received NO radio signals. He stuck with the rules but had queried the FCC if they might point out needed services for travellers and if they might run some local announcements of interest to the rural ranching community. The impression he got from the FCC was running the National Weather Service was okay but otherwise the station was for talking about the state park. Mentioning business names or even acknowledging contributors was certainly not legal. In fact, it seems the Los Angeles Airport ran afoul with the FCC since their terminals were named for the airline that flew out from that terminal. With some convincing, LAX was allowed to use the airline names but that was a specific exception.
This TIS could have reallly been a service to the traveler because it was the only place where you had a convenience store and gas for almost 60 miles in each direction, but the FCC limited them to saying the community had limited travelers services since there was only one store, one gas station and only one auto repair/wrecker service. To mention them without business name would constitute a commercial since there was only one.
To run any programming other than the very specific and defined content would subject you to a fine. I personally think these rule are way too strict but I don't make the rules. Maybe Part 15 might be a better idea.
This TIS could have reallly been a service to the traveler because it was the only place where you had a convenience store and gas for almost 60 miles in each direction, but the FCC limited them to saying the community had limited travelers services since there was only one store, one gas station and only one auto repair/wrecker service. To mention them without business name would constitute a commercial since there was only one.
To run any programming other than the very specific and defined content would subject you to a fine. I personally think these rule are way too strict but I don't make the rules. Maybe Part 15 might be a better idea.
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