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From How Stuff Works (http://www.howstuffworks.com/):
What is low-power FM LPFM?
What is low-power FM LPFM?
A normal FM station transmits at thousands of watts. This level of power means that the station needs lots of expensive transmitting equipment, as well as a fairly substantial antenna. It might cost in the range of a million dollars to get a basic FM station on the air at this level of power, and it can cover an entire urban area.
The LPFM station is designed to let individuals and small organizations own and operate radio stations for a wide variety of not-for-profit reasons. In this sense, the FCC is trying to bring station creation closer to normal people -- in the same way that anyone can create a Web page.
It's not quite that simple, but at least they are headed in the right direction.
An LPFM station is a 10-watt or 100-watt transmitter. This level of power gives the station a range of approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 km). A transmitter this size and its antenna might cost $2,000 to $5,000. In a city, the range of an LPFM transmitter can encompass lots of people, and it can completely cover an entire neighborhood or community area. The owner/operators of low-power FM radio stations could include, among others:Religious groups
Local neighborhoods
Amusement parks
PTA-sponsored school stations for parents
picking up or dropping off children
Ethnic organizations wanting to create foreign language programming
Race track pit and parking areas, as an extension to a public address system
Universities too new or previously unable to get a full-power license
Movie-theater schedule information
Interstate highway rest stops
High schools
Information about low-power FM radio stations is available at the FCC Web site. The FCC considers community service and proposed programming when granting applications. Maybe some day you can become a "micro-broadcaster"!
Let's Get Radio Back on the Front Burner, Rather Than Poultry!
ReplyDeleteIf anyone out there supports a Low Power FM station for Monona let Congress know:
https://secure.freepress.net/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=299
If we get a license to construct (CP) from the FCC we can make this happen. Student and community (local)radio at it's best! Music,sports,public affairs, etc... programs that everyone can have access to, so community members can weigh in on issues and hear the facts live. Chickens, Bridges in the Park, the future of Monona Dr. and Broadway, etc.....
Take a look at the 2/27 Isthmus article if you think local radio isn't important!"Local Stations, Faraway DJ's"
Wonderful Monona WIsconsin! WMWI-FM
Paul Meyer - Shore Acres Rd.
This may give the good people of Monona a better idea of how
ReplyDeleteWMWI-FM/Monona Public Radio will work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VHtZr_xsT8
I can't wait until we sign-on!
Paul Meyer - Shore Acres Rd.
The House Of Representatives has passed compromise legislation with an amendment to the Community Radio Act. The bill is likely to expand the number of LPFM stations in the U.S., while adding new spacing requirements for LPFM that protect existing stations.
ReplyDeleteNAB Salutes House Passage Of Amended LPFM Bill
The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BROADCASTERS released a memo applauding the "passage of compromise legislation that will expand the number of low-power FM radio licenses available in the United States."
The bill's passage, which was amended to include provisions sought by NAB, comes on the heels of a letter of support sent from the NAB to Reps. MIKE DOYLE and LEE TERRY early this morning.
Commenting on the amended bill's passage, NAB Pres./CEO GORDON SMITH said, "The revised legislation will expand the number of LPFM stations in the U.S. while providing full-power radio stations with the protection and clarity we have long sought. NAB salutes today's House action and offers its support for Senate passage as well."
NAB also announced that after the new year, the group will be extending an invitation to supporters of low-power FM to an event at NAB headquarters heralding passage of the legislation.
http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/85006/revised-lpfm-bill-passes?ref=mail_bulletin
As you can see these things take time!
Paul Meyer - 4706 Shore Acres Rd.