FCC Should Issue FNPRM on Increased Power for LPFM, Says REC Networks
The FCC should issue a Further NPRM on increasing the power levels and reach of low-power FM stations, said REC Networks in reply comments posted Monday in docket 19-193. The FNPRM would contain the “LP-250” proposed rule changes on increasing…
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the allowable power of LPFM stations that weren't in the FCC's current rulemaking on relaxing LPFM technical rules. “The use of a Further Notice is in the public interest as it will not delay the upcoming NCE [noncommercial educational] and LPFM filing windows as well as the analog TV sunset and the preparatory activities related to that,” REC said. NAB opposition to the LP-250 proposals isn’t based on interference concerns, REC said. “It’s because they want their members like Beasley, Saga, and Hubbard to be monopolistic voices in their markets and they are afraid that LPFM stations carrying programming like Democracy Now! will give their Rush [Limbaugh] and [Sean] Hannity listeners another viewpoint to consider," the REC filing said. NAB’s concerns should be focused on non-radio competitors rather than LPFMs, REC said. “Our younger generations are simply not discovering what is on the radio and many older folk that tuned out are not coming back.” NAB didn’t comment.