REC operational status (December 5, 2023, until further notice) - REC is in modified operations due to the upcoming LPFM filing window and other resource intensive projects. We are currently not accepting any incoming live telephone calls. Callers are advised to please leave a message on the voice mail. Those with questions about LPFM can visit LPFM.app to get a general explanation of the service or use the resources at RECnet.com to get more information to more detailed issues (see recnet.com/faq and recnet.com/lpfm).

At this time, we are in embargo for all services except:

  • License to cover applications on REC handled applications.
  • Extensions of REC handled STA applications.
  • STA and silent requests directly related to a natural disaster.
  • Activities related to the National Periodic Test (limited to those who paid for Form One earlier this year).
  • The embargo is expected be lifted on December 18, 2023 or when we can determine that we have adequate resource time to handle embargoed application types. The embargo may be extended in the event of a government shutdown where the filing date for the LPFM window is extended. Thank you for your understanding.

    LPFM Standby is CLOSED. - [12/5/23 10:45 AM ET] Due to the pending work load, we cannot guarantee that any new "standby" requests for REC services related to the window can be processed in time for the filing window. Therefore, we must close our standby opportunity at this time. We wish all applicants the best of luck in the LPFM filing window.

    FCC.today: The Podcast is on hiatus until after the close of the LPFM filing window.

    LPFM: Changes in policies and rules since the 2013 filing window

    The last LPFM filing window was in 2013, nearly 10 years ago.  This was a window that included applicants who were encouraged to partake in the changes made to the service as a result of the Local Community Radio Act of 2010.  The LCRA's lifting of the third-adjacent channel protection requirement opened up many opportunities, especially in suburban and urban areas.  The window resulted in many success stories and some drama. 

    FCC announces dates for next LPFM filing window.

    In a short Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission has announced the dates for the next filing window for new Low Power FM (LPFM) broadcast stations.  

    The filing window will open at 12:01 AM EDT on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 and will close at 6:00 PM EDT on November 8, 2023

    This will be the first Public Notice released by the FCC on this. 

    REC launches new FCC Enforcement Action Database

    REC Networks has launched a new database and supporting web application that provides information on actions taken by Enforcement, Media and other bureaus within the FCC. This data will be used to track forfeitures (fines), which we refer to on FCC.today The Podcast as "dingers".  It will also track enforcement activity that does not involve any kind of a forfeiture.  

    The "Dingers Database" will track the following types of FCC documents:

    REC Networks statement on the nominations of Anna Gomez, Geoffrey Starks and Brendan Carr

    REC Networks is pleased that President Biden has made a choice for a fifth Commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission.  If confirmed, it will finally break the 2-2 deadlock on the Commission and allow the FCC to move forward on issues such as net neutrality, which has been split along party lines and may also be the catalyst to finally get some steam on issues such as various REC initiatives including LP-250, translator reform and rural NCE expansion.  It may also address the Petition for Reconsideration on the FM duplication rule change, for which REC was a joint filer

    REC Networks is preparing for the 2023 hurricane season

    June is approaching fast and that means the start of hurricane season.  REC is once again getting geared up to assist stations in the event the unfortunate happens.  

    REC has made some systems improvements that automates most of our DIRS activation reporting processes.  This includes a new back end system that we will use to get information out.  

    Rant from Riverton: "AM for Every Vehicle Act" is flawed - we need a "Future of Radio Act"

    AM Radio. It has been around since dirt was new.  For decades, people's lives were made whole through radio in the same way that television did and now these days, the internet.  AM radio brought us Dragnet, the Second World War and then eventually introduced us to the Beatles.  AM radio was the driving force for many years.

    First came television, the industry feared AM would be the end.  It wasn't.

    Then came FM radio, the industry feared AM would be the end.  It wasn't.

    23-126: REC recommends minor changes to the FCC's plans to authorize more Class A LPTV stations

    On January 5, 2023, President Biden signed the Low Power Protection Act.  This new legislation mandates the FCC to give Low Power TV (LPTV) stations, which are normally considered a secondary service, the ability to seek a "Class A" status, which affords them primary status using their existing low power facilities.  The last time this was done was in 1999 when Congress passed the Community Broadcasters Protection Act (CBPA), which was to assure that qualified LPTV stations at the time were able to seek protections from displacement as a result of the transition to digital televisi

    REC Underwriting Acknowledgement Review: KELS-LP, Greeley, Colorado

    On May 10, 2023, Plymouth Gathering, licensee of KELS-LP has been issued a Forfeiture Order for $15,000 for airing commercials.  In the previous Notice of Apparent Liability, the FCC published some of the troubling scripts.  We review each one and give some analysis. 

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