|
CP Extensions / Participant Membership by Kai Aiyetoro July, 2004 LLPFM Construction Permit Extensions Needed LPFM applicants are only given 18 months to complete construction of their stations, whereas full power stations have a minimum of three years to complete construction. Once a construction permit (CP) expires, it is typically a permanent loss—the FCC cannot reinstate them. Since LPFM construction started a little over two years ago, approximately 84 LPFM frequencies have been returned to the FCC unused because their permits expired. Many stations did not receive their permits until a year or more after their applications were submitted. In May/June of 2000, LPFM hopefuls began submitting their applications, some of which have not been processed to this day. Because of this delay, the momentum of many groups has deteriorated. Upon receipt of a permit, station construction was often delayed because of lack of money or interest. Funding prior to receipt of a construction permit can be very difficult to solicit for a dream that might not come true, and volunteers often found other interesting opportunities to pursue. Recent developments at the FCC lead NFCB to believe that some relief from the 18 month CP period is possible, but if your permit is about to expire, you must ask for an extension to share in that relief. Media Access Project, NFCB, Prometheus Radio Project, and others have asked the FCC to extend all LPFM CPs to three years. While we cannot guarantee that the FCC will extend the time period, it's possible that they'll do so. If the FCC extends the time for all CPs, and you have sought an extension, you might benefit even if the FCC makes its decision to extend after your CP expires. By asking the FCC to extend your CP, you enable the FCC to reinstate it if all CPs are extended. We encourage stations in need of an extension to submit a letter requesting extended time for your construction permit. Send the request to Peter Doyle, Chief, Audio Division; Media Bureau; Federal Communications Commission; Washington, DC 20554. Be sure to include your facility number and permit file number, your expiration date, and the reasons why you need an extension. (See sample letter) It is important that LPFM stations are given the time they need to become successful and productive. Whether it takes 18 months or 36 months, the small communities that benefit from these stations have been waiting a long time for the opportunity to broadcast. As localism issues continue to develop, Congress and the FCC will be taking a closer look at which stations are of local origination and which are really importing a distant signal to communities across the country. LPFM is definitely one of the jewels of public broadcasting.
LPFM Stations Upgrade to Participant Membership As LPFM member stations mature, their aspirations and needs are parallel to those of NFCB's participant full power members. A proposal to allow LPFM associate members to become participant members was offered and approved at the April membership meeting. This will give LPFM members voting privileges, potential board representation, and participation in the business of the Federation. Because LPFM funding has ended, all eligible LPFM member stations that have been licensed and on the air for one year must become participant members in order to continue receiving NFCB services. LPFMs are given a chance to "get their feet wet" in the business of radio through a ramp-up program. The first year's dues will be only $200, and increases in subsequent years will depend on station budget. Three LPFM stations jumped at the opportunity to become full-fledge participant members and were voted in by the membership during the April meeting: KEDU-LP (Fort Stanton, Inc., Ruidoso, NM); KSJC-LP (Silverton Community Radio, Silverton, CO); and KYGT-LP (Clear Creek Radio, Inc., Idaho Springs, CO). As participant members, invoices for membership dues will be sent out in October 2004 for the 2004-2005 fiscal year, and membership will approve new participant members at the Membership Meeting during the 2005 Community Radio Conference in Baltimore, MD. We encourage you to attend the meeting. KHEN-LP (Tenderfoot Transmitter, Salida, CO) has already requested participant status for next year, and will be presented to the membership during this meeting. The National Federation of Community Broadcasters advocates for public policy, recognition, and resources on behalf of its membership, and provides services to empower and strengthen community broadcasters with a commitment to localism, diversity, and public service. Kai Aiyetoro
|