REC FMQ (Broadcast Query) v09.1 - release notes

REC Networks has just released an update to the FMQ tool (also known as "Broadcast Query") and this release is now in production.

Summary of changes

- 2007 NCE Window application attributes
- Update to historical application types to reflect DTV conversion
- Minor revision to 2007 NCE "MX" support

Specific changes

2007 NCE Window application attributes

FMQ is now pulling data from an FCC CDBS file that tracks non-commercial FM (NCE) applications that were filed in the 2007 NCE window. Specifically, information regarding attributable interests, population served, gain area, diversity in ownership, first/second service, technical points and other application parameters used in the comparative review are indicated in this data.

REC pulls the data as-is from the file and does not manipulate or otherwise calculate it.

REC is not able at this time to provide any support on the meaning of specific data and we would strongly refer you to your attorney or qualified consulting engineer if you have any questions about the data.

Update to historical application types to reflect DTV conversion

In the Application History, we have added several status codes that the FCC added during the digital television (DTV) transition to update the FCC on the progress of the station's technical and educational efforts in the DTV transition. These application IDs were already showing in the history but with non-plain English codes.

Minor revision to 2007 NCE "MX" support

With the FCC declaring and announcing the groups of mutually exclusive (MX) applications in the 2007 NCE-FM filing window, our calculations of MX facilities on the "Check for MX" link will now note that on the link that the results are "unofficial".

REC reminds our users that field strength measurements made by REC are not precisely accurate and should be given approximately a 2 kilometer margin of error on all distance measurements.

REC reminder on errors in the CDBS database

REC obtains our data from the FCC's broadcast database (CDBS). In some cases, REC does calculate, manipulate or translate the data received into a readable or calculated format. In the event of an error in your record, you should first check the FCC's database applications (both the CDBS application/station look up and the FM/AM/TV query tools) to assure accuracy before contacting REC. REC will not change the raw data in our files (as this is updated weekly) but if we detect a problem in our code, we will fix that. If there is an error in the FCC's file, you must contact the FCC at cdbshelp@fcc.gov for guidance.

REC receives data from the FCC early Saturday morning to reflect the close of business on Friday. During this update period, which can last up to three hours, information in the database (as well as any associated search tools) may not be accurate. Most REC applications will indicate a warning message if a database update is in progress.

If you have any further questions about our tools or wish to make suggestions for changes or new features, please contact us.