REC has released a new version of the mobile friendly LPFM Channel Search Tool.

This new version has received revisions similar to what was recently put into the desktop (PC) version:

• LP-250
• REC's proposed LP-50
• Elevation, HAAT & ERP support
• Location search expanded to 1 minute increments
• Translator Interference Zone support
• Channel/Point Protection support
• Radio reading services

In addition, this version of the mobile tool has features never offered in the mobile version in the past:

• Geocoding (search by street address)
• Service area map

I was saddened when I read the news that Media Access Project will be suspending operations as of May 1, 2012.

MAP worked "behind the scenes" for over a decade providing the legal support for ally organizations such as Prometheus Radio Project on LPFM and other media justice issues.

Unfortunately, in this current economy, many non-profits are being impacted by dwindling budgets due to declines in fundraising.

During the past decade+ that I have been involved in LPFM, MAP was very instrumental in what we are all fighting for.

Let's hope this suspension is just that, a suspension and hopefully someday, the organization will resume operations.

Michi Eyre
founder, REC Networks

With REC's recent release of a list of LP-100 stations that we predicted may be eligible for an upgrade to 250 watts, we received a mixed response and I thank you for the feedback. Let's talk about why it seems like we have so many stations that are predicted to be able to upgrade to 250 watts.

The Federal Communications Commission has issued two Report and Orders (R&O), Orders on Reconsideration and a Fourth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the matter of Low Power FM and FM Translators.

FOURTH REPORT AND ORDER

INTERPRETATION OF LCRA SECTION 5
In the Fourth Report and Order, the FCC addresses Section 5 of the Local Community Radio Act (LCRA) that addresses the status of balancing FM translators with current and future LPFM opportunities. The FCC will adopt their proposed interpretations as mentioned in the Third NPRM:
• Section 5(1) requires that some minimum number of LPFM and Translator licenses be made available throughout the nation when licensing new LPFM and Translator stations.

REC Networks is currently reviewing the two Reports and Orders, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and other documents that were published today and will have more analysis and opinion on Tuesday.

Preliminarily, we are happy that the FCC is considering the removal of IF channel requirements on 100 watt or less LPFM services. This is disparity that is long overdue to be corrected. We do feel however that additional LPFM vs. translator disparities can be resolved such as the elimination of second adjacent channel restrictions towards translators.