FCC Grants 725 FM Translators for New LPFM Stations Since Close of Filing Window
There are 250 applications pending for new low-power FM construction permits, the FCC Media Bureau said Friday at the monthly FCC meeting. Since the closing of the application window for new LPFM stations Nov. 15, the bureau granted more than 725 FM translator permits, said James Bradshaw, assistant division chief of the Audio Division, in an update on the LPFM application process. The window was open Oct. 17 to Nov. 15, following a delay due to the government shutdown (CD Oct 22 p2). The bureau received 2,826 applications, Bradshaw said. The bureau also received “an unprecedented number” of petitions or objections to many applications, he said. The bureau expects to issue three public notices identifying applicants that are tentatively selected for permits, he said.
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One-hundred sixty-four applications are pending in the top 10 markets, said Gary Loehrs, a division engineer. Thirty-five percent of the applicants that were granted construction permits have completed construction and are now operating, he said, including KRVJ-LP Jacksonville, Texas, and KWEM-LP West Memphis, Arkansas.
The progress made following the LPFM window is “a terrific story of good management and persistence,” said Chairman Tom Wheeler. Commissioner Mignon Clyburn said the LPFM process is contributing to a renewed growth in the number of diverse and local voices. It’s “a good story” and “an enduring reminder of how the FCC impacts the lives of countless Americans every day,” she said.
Commissioner Ajit Pai said he was pleased that the window is on track to be more successful than earlier ones, saying about five Spanish-language stations in his home state of Kansas have been approved. Pai urged the commission to show the same level of urgency toward opening an application window for FM translators for AM band licensees as part of the AM band revitalization proceeding. “Given the static facing the AM band, we can’t afford to delay.” He asked that the end of October be set as the deadline for action.
In these days of exploding global online content availability, “there is still great value and art in community broadcasting,” said Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. The possibilities for LPFM are powerful and “the legal framework for its expansion is in place,” she said. Rosenworcel said she spoke with representatives of KWEM and with KPYT Tucson, Arizona, “which serves the Pascau Yaqui tribe."
Commissioner Mike O'Rielly asked the bureau what types of organizations applied and were granted construction permits. He also inquired about how the bureau plans to ensure that new licensees are meeting their obligations as LPFM construction permit holders. There’s bound to be a couple licensees that don’t meet those obligations, he said. Ninety-three percent of filers were eligible as nonprofit groups, 1 percent were tribal groups and 6 percent were government or public safety entities, Loehrs said. Loehrs assured O'Rielly that the stations pledged to maintain main studios, and that the Enforcement Bureau is responsible for ensuring compliance with those rules. Complaints from the public and the license renewal process are typical ways in which violations are identified, Loehrs said.
The FCC also adopted several orders, but deleted them from the list of consent agenda items. The seven items are applications for review for assignment of station applications that were granted or dismissed, dismissal of table of allotments changes and other actions (http://bit.ly/1kwEolK).