FCC wants to hear from you on IBOC, Wi-Fi and Ham refarming.

It always seems like when the sakura (cherry blossoms) are in full bloom in Washington D.C., what follows is a springtime full of issues to comment on at the FCC. This year is no different. The FCC has put several big ones on our plate.

Spot encourages listeners to contact Congress to expand LPFM

In the fight to expand opportunities for new LPFM stations across America, REC Networks is now using the facilities of it's two audio webcast networks to spread the message.

The PSA, produced for Prometheus (www.prometheusradio.org) addresses the independent report ordered by Congress that endorses the elimination of a restriction on the placement of LPFM stations that was imposed after the LPFM service was established.

If the restriction is lifted, local LPFM stations may be placed in urban areas such as Fort Worth, East Phoenix, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Honolulu and many other areas. It will also expand LPFM's availability in suburban and rural areas.

FCC questions the applicant's "local purpose"

On March 16th and March 19th, 2004, the FCC Audio Division has dismissed over 30 LPFM applications filed that have the name "Calvary Chapel" in them.

Comments to the FCC from REC state that a UHF TV station is a full station

In comments filed in response to an FCC public notice, REC Networks stated that the FCC should do away with it's antiquated "UHF discount" rule.

This rule allows a UHF station to be counted as a half of a station when computing ownership caps.

The UHF discount has been around for decades and it was developed to foster the growth of UHF stations in the earlier days of television.

Minor change by KXRS Hemet puts 105.5 out of business.

On February 11, 2004, the FCC has accepted for filing an application by KXRS in Hemet that is making a minor change that will move the transmitter location significantly closer to San Bernardino as well as change the channel from Ch 289A (105.7) to 288A (105.5).

This minor change will have a significant impact on FCC MX Group #8. The new city grade contour of KXRS will create significant overlap to the service contours of all 7 proposed LPFM stations in San Bernardino. By law, these stations will cause and receive harmful interference to and from KXRS. Pending the grant of this Construction Permit, REC advises these applicants to not consider building on this channel.

The following applicants are impacted: