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Low Power FM Radio-LPFM.COM
We exist to answer questions regarding the FCC's
new Low Power FM Broadcasting service in the US ("LPFM"). Thousands of people,
organizations and public service groups will have an opportunity to apply for, and operate
their own FM broadcasting station, serving their local community. Since the mandate of the
new service is that new broadcasters enter the airwaves, there will be many who know
little (if anything) about broadcasting in general, and LPFM in particular. Our mission is
to make available as much good information as possible, so that you can make an informed
decision as to whether to apply for one of these new licenses, and if you get one, how to
go about getting it built and how to operate it properly and follow the law.
A Brief Overview
of LPFM
1. It will be non-commercial in nature.
2. There will be two classes of stations-LP 100 (100 watts, 100 feet HAAT)
and LP 10 (10 watts, 100 feet HAAT).
3. 3rd adjacent channel protection is required as well as
co-channel, 1st and 2nd adjacent channel protections.
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 will be 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.
Now that the Rules are out, it's imperative that you
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.
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