LPFM in Rhode Island...

[riradio02842]

This article came across my radar today:

http://prometheusradio.org/content/view/876/1/

"In the first Congressional oversight hearing since the
three new FCC Commissioners took office, all five Commissioners endorsed the
Local Community Radio Act HR 1147/ S592, unanimously reaffirming the FCC’s
continued support for the bill.

FCC Chairman Genachowski and Commissioners Baker and Clyburn expressed
support for the Local Community Radio Act in a hearing of the House
Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet. Introduced by
Rep. Mike Doyle (PA-14) and Rep. Lee Terry (NE-2) in February, the bill
would repeal a 2000 law that restricts Low Power FM radio (LPFM) radio to
rural areas."

If this legislation is passed, how many LPFM's could we see here in RI, if any at all? Can LPFM's fulfill the "local" programming that class C and D AM stations were originally supposed to provide to the community?

Just thought it would be an interesting discussion. Seems like there isn't much to talk about besides WALE these days...

 

[Dighton Rockhead]

If this legislation is passed, how many LPFM's could we see here in RI, if any at all? Can LPFM's fulfill the "local" programming that class C and D AM stations were originally supposed to provide to the community?

This is a case of two "wrongs" making one "right"...kinda sorta. This expansion of LPFM "should" help fix up some of the mess caused by consolidation as a result of The Telecom act of 1996...provided all the licenses don't get gobbled up by folks like the ones who own all those "K-Love" LPFM's around the country.

Even without this legislation, the already existing Spanish language LPFM in Providence on 96.5 makes reception of Boston's 96.9 more of a hassle. These sorts of reception issues will likely only get worse.

On the other hand, it's clear to me that the 96.5 LPFM is serving a need, and if it weren't there, they might be forced to buy time on a place like 990 or 1320.

Anything that would take money out of the pockets of 990 & 1320 suits me just fine...LOL.

 

[w9wi]

This is a case of two "wrongs" making one "right"...kinda sorta. This expansion of LPFM "should" help fix up some of the mess caused by consolidation as a result of The Telecom act of 1996...provided all the licenses don't get gobbled up by folks like the ones who own all those "K-Love" LPFM's around the country.

Just to be semantic, the K-Love stations are not LPFMs, they're translators. Translators, ironically, were not restricted by the legislation in question. LPFMs cannot operate 3 channels away from full-license stations, out of fear of interference. Translators can. Even though translators can run 2-1/2 times the power and have no restriction on antenna height.

That said, most LPFMs do seem to be carrying national religious networks.

(but a handful of LPFMs are providing some very much worthwhile local programming)

Even without this legislation, the already existing Spanish language LPFM in Providence on 96.5 makes reception of Boston's 96.9 more of a hassle. These sorts of reception issues will likely only get worse.

There's always a conflict in just how good of a radio do you want to protect!

Providence is outside 96.9's protected contour. The presumption is that FM radios aren't sensitive enough to get Boston stations in Providence. Of course, you and I both know of plenty of radios that have no problem receiving 96.9! (but I'd bet the typical clock radio or "Walkman" isn't going to have much luck with WTKK)

 

[LA_Guy]

Yep...
Another case of what I call FCC Physics. See 100 watts at 100 feet interferes MORE then 250 watts at 500 feet does!

 

[Numo]

I think this is kind of great. With the RI market junk now I am almost tempted to throw up a LPFM in my town, at least on the weekends. It would be better then most of the major stations here..LOL