Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress

[dbdigital]

"Bipartisan legislation was introduced today in both the House and Senate that would bring hundreds of local, Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country."

The Local Community Radio Act of 2007 basically restarts the LPFM licensing process which the NAB successfully stalled back in 2000.

http://www.freepress.net/press/release.php?id=244

http://www.mydd.com/story/2007/6/21/13024/5742

"The move is to get Congress to authorize the FCC to begin issuing LPFM licenses again."

db

 

[Flying-Dutchman]

I did not see anything in this about changing LPFM to a primary service. Unless this is done LPFM's
will be chased up and down the dial or shut down by new allotments and full power upgrades.

The FCC needs to put LPFM stations on the Table of Allocations and protect them. They are local stations too.

 

[dbdigital]

I did not see anything in this about changing LPFM to a primary service. Unless this is done LPFM's
will be chased up and down the dial or shut down by new allotments and full power upgrades.

The FCC needs to put LPFM stations on the Table of Allocations and protect them. They are local stations too.

This is true. All the bill does is repeal the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000's requirement for third-adjacent-channel protection for full-power FMs.

db

 

[BossRadioDJ]

What about setting aside a portion of the shortwave spectrum for local or hobby broadcasters? With more commercial, religious and national shortwave outlets shutting down, more frequencies are available than ever before.

* Stations could be limited to a maximum power of 10 or 25 watts, and transmitting equipment would be required to meet specific standards (and be subject to regular FCC inspection).

* Programming would have to be 100% local origination, meeting basic standards against obscenity, etc.

* One station, one community-based owner (or ownership team) -- no multiple station ownership.

* It would make radio a novelty again -- much like in its early days.

* It would revive interest in shortwave DX reception.

I'm sure that there are flaws to this idea -- undoubtedly major flaws -- but ham radio is a declining hobby, and this could get some young people interested in broadcasting, with opportunities that aren't available due to corporate control of the AM and FM bands.

Remember: commercial radio was started in the 1910s and 1920s by hobbyists that began playing phonograph records and giving local news reports on the air. As soon as the corporations saw the potential of broadcasting, the "amateurs" were exiled elsewhere.

 

[dbdigital]

A few more details about the bill from a Q&A with Rep. Louise Slaughter:

http://www.louise.house.gov/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=480

It addresses some questions on protecting LPFMs and restricting translators.

db

 

[dbdigital]

The above was an old interview (which this website wouldn't let me delete). Here is a copy of the current bill (HR 2802):

http://prometheusradio.org/media/local_community_radio_act_of_2007.pdf

db

 

[dbdigital]

What about setting aside a portion of the shortwave spectrum for local or hobby broadcasters? With more commercial, religious and national shortwave outlets shutting down, more frequencies are available than ever before.

* Stations could be limited to a maximum power of 10 or 25 watts, and transmitting equipment would be required to meet specific standards (and be subject to regular FCC inspection).

* Programming would have to be 100% local origination, meeting basic standards against obscenity, etc.

* One station, one community-based owner (or ownership team) -- no multiple station ownership.

* It would make radio a novelty again -- much like in its early days.

* It would revive interest in shortwave DX reception.

I'm sure that there are flaws to this idea -- undoubtedly major flaws -- but ham radio is a declining hobby, and this could get some young people interested in broadcasting, with opportunities that aren't available due to corporate control of the AM and FM bands.

Remember: commercial radio was started in the 1910s and 1920s by hobbyists that began playing phonograph records and giving local news reports on the air. As soon as the corporations saw the potential of broadcasting, the "amateurs" were exiled elsewhere.

In general concept, it's a great idea. Of course, who has SW radios anymore? (I have an old Grundig multiband from my teenage-hood).

But since commercial radio has basically given up bands other than FM as dead or near-death, why not turn them over local communities.

If there's any chance of these bands ever being revived, I believe local, community-driven radio can do it.

db

 

[Black_Shire]

What about setting aside a portion of the shortwave spectrum for local or hobby broadcasters? With more commercial, religious and national shortwave outlets shutting down, more frequencies are available than ever before.

* Stations could be limited to a maximum power of 10 or 25 watts, and transmitting equipment would be required to meet specific standards (and be subject to regular FCC inspection).

* Programming would have to be 100% local origination, meeting basic standards against obscenity, etc.

* One station, one community-based owner (or ownership team) -- no multiple station ownership.

* It would make radio a novelty again -- much like in its early days.

* It would revive interest in shortwave DX reception.

I'm sure that there are flaws to this idea -- undoubtedly major flaws -- but ham radio is a declining hobby, and this could get some young people interested in broadcasting, with opportunities that aren't available due to corporate control of the AM and FM bands.

Remember: commercial radio was started in the 1910s and 1920s by hobbyists that began playing phonograph records and giving local news reports on the air. As soon as the corporations saw the potential of broadcasting, the "amateurs" were exiled elsewhere.

In general concept, it's a great idea. Of course, who has SW radios anymore? (I have an old Grundig multiband from my teenage-hood).

But since commercial radio has basically given up bands other than FM as dead or near-death, why not turn them over local communities.

If there's any chance of these bands ever being revived, I believe local, community-driven radio can do it.

db

Grundig still makes good Short Wave radios. I have two of their pocket models--the "Mini World 100 PE" (AM/FM Stereo [with earbuds]/49 m/41 m/31 m/25 m/19 m/16 m) and the "Mini 300 World Band Receiver" (AM/FM Stereo [with earbuds]/49 m/41 m/31 m/25 m/22 m/19 m/16 m). Both of them pull in plenty of international Short Wave stations, and they would work fine for receiving local Short Wave broadcasts such as those that BossRadioDJ proposed.


-- Black Shire

 

[Black_Shire]

What about setting aside a portion of the shortwave spectrum for local or hobby broadcasters? With more commercial, religious and national shortwave outlets shutting down, more frequencies are available than ever before.

* Stations could be limited to a maximum power of 10 or 25 watts, and transmitting equipment would be required to meet specific standards (and be subject to regular FCC inspection).

* Programming would have to be 100% local origination, meeting basic standards against obscenity, etc.

* One station, one community-based owner (or ownership team) -- no multiple station ownership.

* It would make radio a novelty again -- much like in its early days.

* It would revive interest in shortwave DX reception.

I'm sure that there are flaws to this idea -- undoubtedly major flaws -- but ham radio is a declining hobby, and this could get some young people interested in broadcasting, with opportunities that aren't available due to corporate control of the AM and FM bands.

Remember: commercial radio was started in the 1910s and 1920s by hobbyists that began playing phonograph records and giving local news reports on the air. As soon as the corporations saw the potential of broadcasting, the "amateurs" were exiled elsewhere.

That is an intriguing idea. For experimenting with local Short Wave broadcasting, here is a simple micro-power transmitter (actually an exciter consisting of a crystal oscillator, as it has no LC tank circuit): www.fluxfm.nl/swtrans.htm . A vertical antenna worked against a ground radial system (or an elevated counterpoise) would be of a practical size at these Short Wave frequencies:

41 m 7,300 - 7,350 kHz
31 m 9,400 - 9,900 kHz
25 m 11,600 - 12,100 kHz
22 m 13,570 - 13,870 kHz
19 m 15,100 - 15,800 kHz
16 m 17,480 - 17,900 kHz
15 m 18,900 - 19,020 kHz
13 m 21,450 - 21,850 kHz
11 m 25,600 - 26,100 kHz


-- Black Shire

 

[nhradiochild]

But since commercial radio has basically given up bands other than FM as dead or near-death, why not turn them over local communities.

If there's any chance of these bands ever being revived, I believe local, community-driven radio can do it.

If you are referring mainly to AM, which I believe you are, I'd have to say that's nearly already happened, using ownership statistics from New Hampshire. I can't say that NH results are indicative of national ones, but I'd like to believe they are.

So... here's the stats:

There are 28 AM stations broadcasting from the state of NH.
Of those, 9 are owned by corporations, or large radio companies.
4 are owned by Clear Channel, 3 by Saga, 2 by Nassau.

That means that 2/3 of broadcasting AM stations are owned by local broadcasters. None have more than 3 AM stations in their portfolio (in NH). Yes they are commercial, but most are catering to local events and such.

In essence, your dream is practically already a reality.

 

[dbdigital]

But since commercial radio has basically given up bands other than FM as dead or near-death, why not turn them over local communities.

If there's any chance of these bands ever being revived, I believe local, community-driven radio can do it.

If you are referring mainly to AM, which I believe you are, I'd have to say that's nearly already happened, using ownership statistics from New Hampshire. I can't say that NH results are indicative of national ones, but I'd like to believe they are.

So... here's the stats:

There are 28 AM stations broadcasting from the state of NH.
Of those, 9 are owned by corporations, or large radio companies.
4 are owned by Clear Channel, 3 by Saga, 2 by Nassau.

That means that 2/3 of broadcasting AM stations are owned by local broadcasters. None have more than 3 AM stations in their portfolio (in NH). Yes they are commercial, but most are catering to local events and such.

In essence, your dream is practically already a reality.

I was referring to AM, particularly as applied to cities and metro areas. In Los Angeles, for example, we have 15 AM stations, only 3 of which are owned by independents. The rest are owned by media conglomerates, all of whom own multiple FM stations in the area as well. These companies could just as easily put their AM programming on their HD-2 and 3 channels and turn in their AM license.

The other issue we have are the proliferation of TIS stations. While most are good at confining their coverage to their community of license the problem comes from the lack of true community programming. Most of these stations either broadcast on a very limited schedule or narrow interest (such as college parking) or they broadcast a continuous loop that is refreshed only occasionally. I realize that the rules for TIS operation are restrictive. But it would be nice if these channels could be opened up to the community.

db

 

[nhradiochild]

Well I guess NH is a poor choice to get a feel of what's going on nationally. However, I was trying to offer some hope.

I'm not partial to looped programming, that just screams to me "turn in your license". But I have been wrong before.

Again, maybe your suggestion will end up happening by itself without government intervention.

 

[Black_Shire]

But since commercial radio has basically given up bands other than FM as dead or near-death, why not turn them over local communities.

If there's any chance of these bands ever being revived, I believe local, community-driven radio can do it.

If you are referring mainly to AM, which I believe you are, I'd have to say that's nearly already happened, using ownership statistics from New Hampshire. I can't say that NH results are indicative of national ones, but I'd like to believe they are.

So... here's the stats:

There are 28 AM stations broadcasting from the state of NH.
Of those, 9 are owned by corporations, or large radio companies.
4 are owned by Clear Channel, 3 by Saga, 2 by Nassau.

That means that 2/3 of broadcasting AM stations are owned by local broadcasters. None have more than 3 AM stations in their portfolio (in NH). Yes they are commercial, but most are catering to local events and such.

In essence, your dream is practically already a reality.

I was referring to AM, particularly as applied to cities and metro areas. In Los Angeles, for example, we have 15 AM stations, only 3 of which are owned by independents. The rest are owned by media conglomerates, all of whom own multiple FM stations in the area as well. These companies could just as easily put their AM programming on their HD-2 and 3 channels and turn in their AM license.

The other issue we have are the proliferation of TIS stations. While most are good at confining their coverage to their community of license the problem comes from the lack of true community programming. Most of these stations either broadcast on a very limited schedule or narrow interest (such as college parking) or they broadcast a continuous loop that is refreshed only occasionally. I realize that the rules for TIS operation are restrictive. But it would be nice if these channels could be opened up to the community.

db

There are TIS stations in small, isolated communities (particuarly in the Western states) that were installed to provide wildfire and flood warnings but that also serve as community radio stations during "peace time." While the TIS rules for program content are restrictive, there is sufficient latitude in the rules that community broadcasting does take place without violating them.


-- Black Shire

 

[dbdigital]

But since commercial radio has basically given up bands other than FM as dead or near-death, why not turn them over local communities.

If there's any chance of these bands ever being revived, I believe local, community-driven radio can do it.

If you are referring mainly to AM, which I believe you are, I'd have to say that's nearly already happened, using ownership statistics from New Hampshire. I can't say that NH results are indicative of national ones, but I'd like to believe they are.

So... here's the stats:

There are 28 AM stations broadcasting from the state of NH.
Of those, 9 are owned by corporations, or large radio companies.
4 are owned by Clear Channel, 3 by Saga, 2 by Nassau.

That means that 2/3 of broadcasting AM stations are owned by local broadcasters. None have more than 3 AM stations in their portfolio (in NH). Yes they are commercial, but most are catering to local events and such.

In essence, your dream is practically already a reality.

I was referring to AM, particularly as applied to cities and metro areas. In Los Angeles, for example, we have 15 AM stations, only 3 of which are owned by independents. The rest are owned by media conglomerates, all of whom own multiple FM stations in the area as well. These companies could just as easily put their AM programming on their HD-2 and 3 channels and turn in their AM license.

The other issue we have are the proliferation of TIS stations. While most are good at confining their coverage to their community of license the problem comes from the lack of true community programming. Most of these stations either broadcast on a very limited schedule or narrow interest (such as college parking) or they broadcast a continuous loop that is refreshed only occasionally. I realize that the rules for TIS operation are restrictive. But it would be nice if these channels could be opened up to the community.

db

There are TIS stations in small, isolated communities (particuarly in the Western states) that were installed to provide wildfire and flood warnings but that also serve as community radio stations during "peace time." While the TIS rules for program content are restrictive, there is sufficient latitude in the rules that community broadcasting does take place without violating them.


-- Black Shire

And in those circumstances, I would consider that a proper use of a TIS station.

However, when I was driving the length of California last year along Hwy 101 I noticed that a few towns and an airport had a phone number posted for traffic and community information. "For traffic (or travel) information dial xxxxx", obviously recognizing that many motorists have cell phones.

So it may be that under some circumstances a phone number might be just as or more effective than a TIS station for disseminating information.

db

 

[Black_Shire]

dbdigital wrote:

<And in those circumstances, I would consider that a proper use of a TIS station.

However, when I was driving the length of California last year along Hwy 101 I noticed that a few towns and an airport had a phone number posted for traffic and community information. "For traffic (or travel) information dial xxxxx", obviously recognizing that many motorists have cell phones.

So it may be that under some circumstances a phone number might be just as or more effective than a TIS station for disseminating information.>

Our local airport (Fairbanks International) has the "Dial 511 for Airport Information" service, with road signs for alerting motorists to it. While it provides a wealth of information, it has so many menus and sub-menus that it took me several minutes (using a land-line telephone at home) to get down to specific pieces of information I was looking for. Doing the same thing with a cellular telephone while driving would require a higher level of manual and mental dexterity than I possess.

Although a TIS installed to disseminate this information with a looped audio recording would occupy an AM channel that could otherwise be used by an LPAM station, it would be an appropriate and useful TIS application.


-- Black Shire

 

[SuperQ]

"""The FCC needs to put LPFM stations on the Table of Allocations and protect them. They are local stations too."""

Maybe where you live these are local stations. Here in Tennessee there is very little local service provided by LPFM's. Last time I checked, there were 30 operating LPFM's in Tennessee. 21 of them were full-time religious. Of those 21, 10 were full-time satellite feeds for Lifetalk, 3ABN, etc. Of the eight LPFM's in my immediate area, all but one are religious, and the "locally-programmed" LPFM's are all automated music except for the occasional church service or national PSA.

The one non-religious station plays fully automated Classic Country and ball games, and does a decent job serving its community by being a very traditional sounding radio station. They do no alternative programming that a commercial station in that same size market wouldn't do. None. It's a commercial station operating on the edge of the non-commercial rules. Oh, and for the first 3 years it was on, it operated from the manager's apartment 30 miles away in the big city. That's the good one. The church owned stations are juke boxes or satellite feeds.

With the coverage LPFM's have, the only way they can be economically viable in most cases is to use all volunteer staff or full unattended automation.

If you want to make the best use of the remaining FM holes, give them to the small independent AM stations that are trying to provide local programming.

We really don't need thousands more stations for the national religious networks and local churches with deep pockets. And for every alternative community-oriented voice you get on the air, you'll get ten Seventh Day Adventist satellite feeds.

 

[Chuck]

"""The FCC needs to put LPFM stations on the Table of Allocations and protect them. They are local stations too."""

We really don't need thousands more stations for the national religious networks and local churches with deep pockets. And for every alternative community-oriented voice you get on the air, you'll get ten Seventh Day Adventist satellite feeds.

You can thank NAB and NPR for that. When the Radio Preservation Act was passed at their urging, it severely crippled LPFM. In one stroke of the pen, it disqualified a lot of people who might have produced interesting local programming. It also pretty well insured that the only applicants left standing would be churches and schools. NAB was very aware of that.

There is certainly nothing wrong with either churches or schools having radio stations. Making sure that they were just about the only ones who could qualify for a license was a convenient way to stifle competition against full power commercial or NPR type stations. That’s because, most religious or school stations pose a very low threat to commercial radio, whose primary fear was that anyone listening to a new LPFM station is someone who is not listening to their existing station. It is possible that an LPFM station could take audience share away from existing commercial stations, but experience shows that LPFM stations who have done well, have done so by providing programming that was not locally available prior to their arrival. In some cases, they have actually brought some people BACK to radio.

The story is not all dismal. What needs to happen is the Radio Preservation Act needs to be repealed. There is currently legislation under way that would do that. I think it is worthy of your support.

If it is successful, you still may not get what you want. It is likely that a lot of religious broadcasters will apply if there is an opportunity to do so. That's because they are organized, and most LPFM wannabe's are not. At least, it would give other organizations the ability to apply, which might result in some diversity in programming. If it isn't repealed, you surely won't get that. The choice is yours. Write your Congressman.

 

[DJboutit3]

I like this idea for 150w or less stations TV Channel 6 for LPFM
http://www.lpfm.ws/news/channel6.php