In the matter of: BNPL20131112BEE

In preparation for the first of the 2017 filing windows for cross-service FM translators for AM licensees, the FCC will impose a freeze on certain LPFM, FM translator and FM booster applications between July 19 and August 2, 2017. 

During this period of time, applications for minor changes on LPFM stations can not be filed.  

Examples of application types that can't be filed (Form 318):

REC Networks (“REC”) has been a major advocate for a citizen’s right to access the airwaves by supporting the Low Power FM (LPFM) service as well as the revitalization of rural, minority-owned, community-based and “mom-and-pop” AM broadcast stations and other initiatives. 

REC has filed comments in RM-11786, the Petition for Rulemaking from Aztec Capital Partners, licensee of Class C AM station WHAT, Philadelphia, PA and permittee of fill-in FM translator W260CZ.  The W260CZ application has been facing objection from WVLT, Vineland, NJ which claims they have listeners in the Philadelphia area.  WVLT is a Class A FM station located 35 miles from Philadelphia.

I am disappointed but at the same time understanding of the recently announced statistics related to the participation of LPFM stations in the 2016 Emergency Alert System (EAS) test and the subsequent reporting using the EAS Test Reporting System (ETRS).  In the Commission's report, they claim that only 61 percent of LPFM stations participated in the testing.