Are you ready to change the media landscape in this country? Do you want to start a radio station or know some groups who might? If so, you can help spread the word about community radio! As early as next year, there will be a unique opportunity to apply for thousands of new Low Power FM (LPFM) community radio licenses. These non-commercial stations have the potential to broadcast local news, independent music and arts, and other diverse programming not heard on commercial radio.

Section 8 of the Local Community Radio Act requires that the FCC conduct an economic study on the impact that LPFM stations will have on full power commercial FM stations. A similar study was ordered in the original Radio Broadcast Protection Act of 2001.

The FCC seeks public comment on the scope of the proceeding around how data from existing LPFM stations and how that data can be applied to future LPFM stations and whether there's some limitations or issues with current data to make judgments on the future LPFM service.

REC has filed comments with the FCC reflecting our current position statements where it comes to a broadcaster's obligation to their local community as well as concerns regarding burdens to broadcasters, especially those with fewer than 25 employees.

View the comments at:
http://recnet.com/fcc/public_file_comments.pdf

REC Networks has filed comments in the FCC's inquiry regarding "Need for Speed" which includes the way that broadband providers promote their service speeds as well as set standards for much bandwidth particular applications consume.

REC's comments were related to our experiences with the recent facility move to Prescott Valley and the difficulty we received with Qwest provided service.

In the event of a government shutdown over the weekend, the FCC plans to take down their broadcast database system.

We have heard this will take place on Monday morning.

UPDATE: A new extension has been approved and should be signed by the President on Saturday. This would extend government activities until next Thursday. If it appears that we are looming another shutdown so late in the week, we will take an unscheduled database update to assure that we have the latest information before the government shuts down.