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New Kids on the Block by Kai Aiyetoro September, 2003 We've come a long way since the first LPFM construction permit was approved in April, 2001. The count steadily increases, and there are still more permits awaiting approval as we anticipate the release of the FCC approved MXed list of applicants, due to be published very soon. As of August 2003, 744 applications have been approved for construction permits, with only 160 stations completed and licensed. That group consists of community, school, municipal and church oriented stations, of which only 53 are actually community licensed. The FCC website indicates there are still 2,027 applications pending approval. It's been a long, hard struggle to gain a few new local voices in areas that are mostly rural. WIth the threat of more mergers in the non-reserved band throughout the country, the voice of LPFM and other full-power community radio stations will be invaluable. NFCB begins its second year of work with LPFM supported by the Ford Foundation and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. This year's project also involves mapping the voices of LPFM, which will be made available on our website in 2004. This map will offer links to all LPFM stations licensed throughout the country, their location, focus, and contact information. Let me introduce you to some of the newly licensed LPFM stations that are now on the dial: KRIM-LP 96.3 FM of Payson, AZ is licensed to Payson Council for the Musical Arts, Inc., which promotes the appreciation and understanding of the many different forms of music available to the public. With music appreciation no longer taught in the public schools, they feel it is of paramount importance to teach and promote the appreciation of all forms of music, with classical music as its flagship format. KDPT-LP 102.9 FM of Dos Palos, CA is licensed to Dos Palos Radio, and is also home to the Dos Palos Tech Boosters, a popular local football team. Dos Palos is a farming community with a population of 4,800. Athletic events will play a major role in this community radio station, with lots of student input to showcase their talents and abilities through local school programming. WVLP-LP 98.3 FM of Valparaiso, IN, licensed to Neighbors, Inc., gained permission from the FCC to move their antenna prior to going on the air. Offering a format of folk and alternative music, the station believes that their broadcasting efforts have a better chance of reaching their community of 75,000 if the antenna is moved. WFNG-LP 100.5 FM of Frogtown, GA is licensed to Frogtown Community Radio, Inc. and broadcasts 24 hours a day in English and Cherokee. A variety of programs educates and informs listeners of the history, culture and current activities of the Frogtown community in particular, and Lumpkin County as a whole. All of the station equipment was donated. WKIU-LP 94.9 FM of Tupelo, MS is licensed to Tupelo 2000, Inc., a faith-based organization dedicated to keeping kids off the street through after school programs, drama clubs and drill teams. Broadcasting a mixture of gospel and jazz 24 hours a day, this LPFM station serves an African American community of 35,000. These young folks picked their call letters very carefully to help the community understand where they're coming from..."We're Kicking It Up!"
MITRE Report A public notice was released on April 2, 2001 stating that the FCC had modified its rules for low power FM service. The modifications described a set of protection standards for LPFM station third adjacent channel interference. Congress instructed the FCC to conduct an experimental program to test whether LPFM stations would interfere with existing FM stations if LPFM stations were not subject to third adjacent channel spacing requirements. The Act also directed the FCC to select an independent entity to conduct field tests. Finally, the FCC was instructed to publish the results of the study, and give the public the opportunity to comment on the results. The FCC selected the MITRE Corporation to conduct the testing. On June 30, 2003, MITRE submitted its final report to the FCC—comments will be accepted through September 12, 2003. NFCB (in collaboration with its LPFM Advisory Board, which consists
of media activists, lawyers, engineers, and LPFM applicants) will make
comments on this report. The Prometheus Radio Project has solicited
the assistance of a notable engineering firm to review the report and
make comments on behalf of the group. Kai Aiyetoro
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