Breakthrough for Low Power FM
Published July 26, 2004
Low power FM radio, a truly democratic use of the radio spectrum, was greatly inhibited when introduced in 2000 by restrictions placed on it under pressure from commercial broadcasters (and NPR), who claimed it would interfere with their signals in urban areas. A study ordered by Congress showed these claims were baseless, and in June Sens. John McCain (R-Arizona), chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont), the ranking member on the Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation to undo these restrictions.
The Senate Commerce Committee approved the legislation last week:
- The panel approved a measure that would in most cases allow non-commercial, 10- to 100-watt radio stations to operate two notches away from high-power commercial stations instead of three channels as the law currently requires.
That could allow on the air many more low-power stations, which usually have a reach of about 3.5 miles. About 450 of the stations are on the air out of the approximately 1,000 construction permits issued for stations, according to the Federal Communications Commission.
In a report to Congress, the FCC said fears that bigger radio broadcasters would suffer interference from the smaller stations if they were two slots away were unfounded and urged Congress to relax the separation requirements.
...."After spending more than $2 million on a study to appease the NAB, the study revealed what the FCC and others said all along, that LPFM stations will provide virtually no interference with other broadcasters," said Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican and outspoken critic of broadcasters.
....There is no companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives so it is unclear whether the Senate measure would advance far this year. [Reuters]
As I have said before, the reason LPFM in urban areas would be such an important breakthrough is that urban areas ARE WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE.
- Breakthrough for Low Power FM
- Published: July 26, 2004
- Type:
- Section: Politics
- Filed Under: Culture: Media
- Writer: Eric Olsen
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exactly Mark,at least the FCC is on the right side of this one
Eric- This is wonderful news! It's rare that I praise an FCC finding, but here it is. Good show!
The charge by the NPRs and Clear Channels that the 10-watters and 100-watters will interfere with their 50,000 watt signals is pure bunk, especially if they are on next- or second-adjacent frequencies.
The great thing about these low-watt stations is that they are are independent, they know it, and they take full advantage of it. Any community with these type of stations is truly blessed.
My own experience in radio is 15 years with 700-watt WCSB 89.3-FM in Cleveland. That market is lucky enough to have four decent and better college stations: WCSB, WRUW, WJCU, and WBWC. The fare ranges from pretty standard alt-rock (WBWC & WJCU), to foreign language/ethnic (all but WBWC), underground rock and hip-hop (WCSB & WRUW), freeform shows that span a range of genres, and independent political programming. My own libertarian program was on WCSB, where they also hosted feminist, green, socialist, and wiccan even.
This diverse programming had the effect of making radio far better and interesting in Cleveland than it is here in the Indianapolis area.
I'll be looking forward to seeing low-power stations hitting the airwaves here. What sweet relief it will be!
another (former) Clevelander - we're too far out (Aurora) to pick up those stations, but I have heard them all, and like you say, having alternative programming is gold as commercial, and even NPR, become ever more homogenous.
After my standard break (almost two years) I am ready to start looking at getting back into radio, but I just don't have the time.
You might add Jesse Walker's fine book "Rebels on the Air" to the list. Fine coverage of low-watt, pirate, and community radio.
also, 40 Watts From Nowhere
done! thanks
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the only 'interference'low power fm will create will be competition, which is what the other broadcasters (including, sadly, npr) were worried about in the first place.