Guilty...and here's why
I definitely remember the days of dotting the "i's" and crossing the "t's":
Some of you remember...sign on and off the transmitter log, take the transmitter readings every thirty minutes (20% fudge-factor on this one), log the tower lights okay, log the Conelrad (EBS) test, clear the wire, raise power, lower power, ride gain, sign on and off the program log, check off the items broadcast, one straight line and initial those items that didn't run, discrepancy sheet, logging the time each item ran, public affairs programming, third ticket, first phone, yada, yada, yada.
Here's why it has all mostly gone to hell in a handbasket...the FCC quit caring, so why should we?
First, it was allowing someone to get a "Provisonal" license (about like a learner's driving license), then going to the "anyone can get one" card-like license, then finally doing away with them...even first phones. When I took my test for the third ticket, I saw this as something to be taken seriously (and yes, I know all about the "7 week wonder" first phones).
One by one, all the requirements and restrictions faded away. To me, it was the same as hearing "WE DON'T CARE", from the FCC. I'm sure I'm not the only one that saw it that way.
Today's FCC is much more concerned about how much money they can raise by auctioning off construction permits, than they are about making sure that the public's "interest, convenience and necessity" is served. They have allowed (and still allow) moves/upgrades that, although presented in a way that appears to adhere to established priorites, provisions and procedures, are almost never what they state they are. Only someone deaf, dumb, blind and stupid would be unable to see the true facts in most of these "things". You know, the truth is that "they" do see and know the facts. The whole process is just a game.
Things being as they are, one can either choose to do it strictly according to the letter and spirit of the rules and regulations (and I think there are those total professionals, who really try to do it like it should be done), or you can move to the opposite side of the spectrum, and be another Levi Willis. In reality, I think the majority are plowing the middle ground. We try to do it right, but don't go all to pieces if circumstances (usually economic) prevent us from getting a grade of 100.
As for the "ballgame power", I definitely remember many a Saturday morning, running the tape of the previous night's football game on some daytimer. I also remember strictly following the rules, lowering power and/or changing pattern, as required...no matter what was on the air.
On the other hand, when almost everyone got some sort of nighttime authority, things got out of hand (not saying that there wasn't some prior out of hand stuff). I mean, come on. 3 watts, 26 watts, 49 watts? If you have an FIM, I suppose you could really tell the difference. Otherwise, I doubt it.
There was one situation that I know of, that had one station (with ZERO nighttime authority) staying on at night, using their pre-sunrise power of 500 watts. Another station, in a nearby town, decided to stay on full daytime power of 500 watts (instead of reducing to the authorized 126 watts), since the other guys weren't supposed to be on at all. No, it ain't right, but once you start that begattin' stuff, things can get WAY out of hand.
As bad as I hated some of those rules, if bringing them back would clean things up, I'd be all for it. Of course, it ain't ever gonna happen. Today, it's the old "money talks, and b*llsh*t walks" story. No matter how it may appear, just follow the money, and you'll find the facts. I'm sure that a couple of you can remember those days when it did you absolutely no good, to have your congressman or senator intervene on your behalf, before the Commission. Somehow, I'll bet it ain't that way today.
<P ID="signature">______________
Jay Braswell - Moderator
Atlanta/North Florida/South Carolina/Georgia Boards</P>
