It's "see ya" once again to the third-adjacent channel separation requirements for LPFM stations . . . except that some will still be with us.… Continue Reading
Interested in commenting on possible asymmetric sideband operation for HD Radio operations? The relatively short comment period has begun.… Continue Reading
In the latest effort to get HD radio's actual performance to come close to its original promise, some of the system's cheerleaders have advanced a new approach: asymmetric sideband operation for FM stations. The Media Bureau wants to know what you think of that idea.… Continue Reading
Hurricane Irene has produced at least one arguable benefit: because of disruptions caused by the storm, the Commission has extended the deadlines for comments in the LPFM/FM translator proceeding.… Continue Reading
With some proceedings, the FCC seems content to let its handiwork age tastefully before getting published in the Federal Register. That's definitely not the case with the LPFM/FM Translator Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.… Continue Reading
The long-running stand-off between FM translator applicants and LPFM applicants may finally be heading toward some resolution as the FCC moves to implement the Local Community Radio Act. It looks like LPFM applicants are likely to get first crack at the available spectrum.… Continue Reading
The Commission has solicited input on a range of questions concerning the economic impact of LPFM stations on full-service FM stations.… Continue Reading
The Local Community Radio Act of 2010 has been signed into law, but don't look for any new LPFMs anytime soon. Multiple problems will have to solved before the real effect of the law can be assessed.… Continue Reading
With the clock ticking down on this session, and with a newly-elected majority standing in the wings ready to take over come January, the lame duck Congress has managed to pass a new version of the "Local Community Radio Act", largely eliminating third-adjacent interference protection from low power FM stations.… Continue Reading
The bill that would repeal the LPFM third adjacent protection requirement looked like it was sailing through to quick passage a year ago. It's still on hold. What happened?… Continue Reading
The Order amending the rules relating to HD Radio to provide a major league power increase for the HD service has been published in the Federal Register -- starting the 30-day clock for anyone seeking reconsideration or review of the revised rules.… Continue Reading
The Media Bureau has given HD Radio proponents almost everything they asked for in the way of a power increase for digital radio service.… Continue Reading
The FCC has announced an immediate freeze on certain FM allotment proposals -- and an eventual freeze on ALL FM applications -- in light of the upcoming December filing window for 67 FM channels reserved for non-commercial use.… Continue Reading
Going once, going twice, SOLD!! After 50 rounds of bidding which spanned three weeks, Auction 79 -- featuring 122 FM construction permits -- was brought to a close late on the afternoon of September 15.… Continue Reading
A consortium of radio licensees and equipment manufacturers asked the FCC to please, please, please boost the maximum permissible digital power of FM stations using "HD Radio" technology by a factor of ten for some, but not necessarily all, stations. Having already asked for, and received, one set of comments on the proposal, the Commission is looking for more.… Continue Reading
The Commission has asked for further comment on a proposal to increase the maximum digital power for FM stations using HD Radio™ technology. As of this writing the deadlines for comments and replies haven't been announced, but the time frames are likely to be short.… Continue Reading
If you have a broadcast construction permit that's about to expire, listen up. The Media Bureau has provided some "guidance"on how to take advantage of a rule change that took effect last year, a change that could help you breathe the breath of life into that dying CP, if only for a little while.… Continue Reading
Late last month we reported on a bill in the House that would eliminate the third-adjacent channel protections which full power FMs have enjoyed vis-à-vis LPFM stations since 2000. The House bill (H.R. 1147) now has a little friend over on the Senate side.… Continue Reading
The Commission has announced that the next auction of FM broadcast permits has been scheduled to start on September 1, 2009. Mark your calendars and get your checkbooks ready.… Continue Reading
A bill that would statutorily eliminate the third-adjacent channel protection to full-power FM stations has been introduced in the House. In addition to adding one more back (or maybe it's one more forth) to the long-running back-and-forth struggle over third adjacent protections, the bill - if ultimately passed - is also likely to fan the FCC's ardor for "localism".… Continue Reading
Fox oral argument in Supremes set for November 4 In planning your Election Day activities this Fall, you might want to pencil in a stop by the U.S. Supreme Court to catch the oral argument in the Fox v. FCC indecency case. (Read about the case in our earlier post.) It’s currently scheduled for the … Continue Reading