Breaking news ( 3/20/2012 )!
Things are getting closer to a reality! Please go to the LPFM Newslink to read complete news.
New FCC rules could bring community radio to millions of Americans: Urban areas would benefit from low power stations for the first time.
CONGRESS PASSES COMMUNITY RADIO ACT OF 2010!
Finally, years of waiting and frustration, there's a clear path for hundreds, possibly thousands of new community FM radio stations throughout the US and its territories and possessions. There's speculation that the FCC will have its first LPFM filing window in 2011, perhaps as soon as 3rd quarter 2011. This means that if you haven't started working on your non-profit organization or some other type of non-profit entity that will hold the license, it's time to get started NOW. If you don't know how to do this yourself, then hire a competent attorney. And if you know how to do the engineering, that's great! If not, there are many people and companies that can do the frequency searches for you as well as prepare the engineering portion of the FCC application for your new LPFM. The owner of this site is engaged as a Broadcast Technical Consultant, and can recommend other attorneys and engineers as well. The choice is up to you. And don't for get equipment-there are things to buy, and plenty of places to buy them. We'll help any way we can.
NEW YAHOO GROUPS SITE IS NOW UP AND RUNNING!
Just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LPFMRADIO and join in!
Low Power FM Radio-LPFM.COM
About Us
Our website is here to help you understand, and potentially apply for, a new LPFM (Low Power FM) facility for your school, non-profit organization, or other non-profit that qualifies for an FCC NCE (Non commercial educational) construction permit and license. We know that there are other websites that have "LPFM" in their makeup. There's a lot of information out there, and we suggest you take advantage of all the resources on the web, then draw your own conclusions as to which site helps you the most. And beware that there's a lot of "junk science" out there as well, so buyer beware.
A Brief Overview of LPFM
1. The service is non-commercial.
2. There are two classes of stations-LP 100 (100 watts, 100 feet HAAT) and LP 10 (10 watts, 100 feet HAAT). So far the FCC has not opened up an LP-10 window.
3.LPFMs that are located at less than the full distance from a full-power station as described in the LPFM rules (even on a 3rd adjacent channel) must provide the same protections that translators give to other stations under FCC Rule 74.1203. LPFM does not have the right to be considered a primary service, and like an FM translator, can be bumped off the air by a full power station under certain conditions. LPFM stations will still have to provide first and second adjacent channel protection to full power stations (the FCC can't delete this rule, but under certain circumstances, can permit waivers on an individual basis).
4. Eligible licensees can be non-commercial government or private educational organizations, associations or entities; non-profit entities with educational purposes; or government or non-profit entities providing local public safety or transportation services.
5. LPFM stations are required to broadcast a minimum of 36 hours per week and participate in the EAS system.
6. The license term will be for eight years, and cannot be sold to another party.
You will have to certify that your organization does indeed operate in the city in which you wish to broadcast, and that a majority of your board (or other persons) live within ten miles of the proposed station. For the time being, there is a national ownership limit of just five LPFM stations, so as to enable more parties to participate in the process.
You should take a long look at what the FCC's asking from potential LPFM applicants. If you have specific questions, please contact your legal council or other professional representative.
A Word of Warning! Until you have a construction permit, you do not have the right to purchase equipment and start broadcasting. When you have your construction permit and have built your facility according to what you told the FCC you would do, then, and only then can you go on the air. Under no circumstances should you even think about broadcasting until then. Unlicensed operation is against the law, and can haunt you for a long time.
