Surprised no one saw this...



http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/03/20/f ... dominance/

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Ignosce illis, quia nesciunt quid loquantur.

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Thanks for your two cents, but I will give you a whole quarter if you just STFU.

They don't get my Seal of Good Practice!

Where on the dial will these new stations fit? Detroit is jam packed.

The word from the FCC (sans political spew):

http://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-takes-f ... -radio-act

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"The problem with communication is the illusion that it has occurred."

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Thanks for your two cents, but I will give you a whole quarter if you just STFU.

So will small city like Port Huron have more brodcasters soon. Around there 89.7 , 92.9 , 94.1 , 98.9, and 105.7 are open.

I want more choice, but not at the expense of another station, even if that station does suck. Plus, I don't listen to any non-profits because they are for the most part worse than commercial radio.

Marcus,
You can check for yourself at recnet.com .
Under the Broadcast Tool category select "LPFM Channel Search"
Type in the "community"
Select "Start Search"

I used this source during the summer of 2000 during the original LPFM application window for two applications and was successful on each. One of the stations became the 1st LPFM in the state of Michigan and has been on the air since February 2002. The second one has been on the air since October 2002.
If you use a potential tower site coordinate, the search becomes even more accurate.

That's a good starting point, but didn't they change the rules for the new LPFM stations and the spacings? This tool will need to be up dated using the new rules, if that's the case.

I can see both suburban and rural radio growth happening. Howell could go back to having two stations, Pontiac has the population to support its own station, and many other locations are suited for new broadcasters.

tvbobn

Recnetworks has included a disclaimer at the top of their page regarding the FCC action.

Marcus

LPFM stations probably won't fit in Detroit or Grand Rapids, but, will fit in many smaller communities that may never be served properly by a commercial station.

Reading some of these other posts make me wonder if everyone knows that all of these LPFM stations will be more like hobby stations since their all non-commercial. Without advertising, the owners will have to cover all the costs of the operation. Underwriting might be available for a small part in the income source, but this day and age, I wouldn't hold my breath will the coverage area that they'll have. In the few places that they'll fit I'd call them for the most part, a "Hobby Station".

So tvbobn.. your saying GVSU and Cornerstone stations are "hobby stations" because they are noncommercial? I'm sure the underwriters at those stations are getting a good chuckle from your comment since they are supporting many dozens of people because of their "noncommercial" efforts!
Noncommercial does not equate to not making any money. The two groups above support that statement.

First, let me post a few sentences from the FCC web site:

These stations are authorized for noncommercial educational broadcasting only (no commercial operation) and operate with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 watts (0.1 kilowatts) or less, with maximum facilities of 100 watts ERP at 30 meters (100 feet) antenna height above average terrain (HAAT). The approximate service range of a 100 watt LPFM station is 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles radius).

It went on to say:

LPFM stations are available to noncommercial educational entities and public safety and transportation organizations, but are not available to individuals or for commercial operations. Current broadcast licensees with interests in other media (broadcast or newspapers) are not eligible to obtain LPFM stations.

I don't believe that I mentioned any organizations by name and with that said, do you think GVSU and Cornerstone come under that description? I didn't say full power non-commercial stations were "Hobby Stations" either.

Do the two organizations receive all (100%) of the income from the underwriting from their radio stations that covers the actual operating of their stations or do they have other incomes and operations that are all mixed together to provide the income resources for their operation?

Back to my point. These little tiny non-commercial LPFM stations will not cover much of an area as you can see from above. Even at 100 watts, with only 100 feet of height (HAAT), even the FCC says they'll cover 3 or 4 miles.

Do you think that the average LPFM owner will be able to afford the monthly tower rent for an antenna at 100 feet? Tower rent is very high these days, so will they want to be that high or go for a lower rent at a lower spot on a tower?

The cost of building out an LPFM without calling suppliers, would be somewhere between $10 to $20,000 depending on the size transmitter and what type of antenna they buy. I understand that some of these stations might be able to find some used equipment to use, but for our discussion, let's say they are going to buy everything new. Don't you think that's a lot of money to spend on a little FM station that covers less than 4 miles and can't sell any commercials?

I'm guessing that many of these stations will be built and operated by various groups. Some will be successful and some won't. It's going to take a lot of work by many volunteers to make a go of them and I wish them luck.

By the way, wouldn't you have to say that the GVSU and Cornerstone stations will be in direct competition with any new LPFM for underwriting funds. I wonder who will win the funds, the big station or the new tiny station?

Mr. Fix-it, I'm not against these new LPFM stations, but I've been in the broadcast business for over 40+ years and I can tell you, it won't be easy for them. I like the idea of a new place for someone to learn broadcasting and be on the air with a real transmitter to feel the power of real radio! The business needs a place for new people to get excited about radio before the big corporations destroy the business!