There has been a recent situation that came up where we must emphasize the use of the "public safety" language in the FCC rules for LPFM stations.

§73.853(a)(2) permits "states and local governments and non-government entities that will provide non-commercial public safety radio services" to be LPFM licensees.

The interwebs have been jumping, my phone has been ringing and my e-mail has been stuffing from many of you concerned about the recent Consent Decree that was reached between Salem Media and the FCC in respect to the disclosure of prerecorded programming.  Before this turns into a level of misunderstandings about the rule like is the case right now with "calls to action", let's attempt to give some cla

Unlicensed, unregulated high-power broadcasting is a health hazard.  With pirate stations in Brooklyn reported to be operating kilowatts from the roofs of apartment buildings, directly above occupied apartments, there is a cause for concern.  This issue alone is why we need tighter controls on unlicensed broadcasting.  

REC Networks has reported information on a bug to the Media Bureau regarding the handling of renewal applications in LMS. 

This bug only applies to broadcast stations that also have FM translators and/or FM boosters, especially those who have commonly-owned translators that are not rebroadcasting a commonly-owned primary station (such as leasing, time brokerage on an AM, etc.)

REC is aware that LPFM stations and FM translator licensees in Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi are receiving an e-mail blast from the FCC advising them that they need to update their Online Public Inspection File (OPIF).  Please note that LPFM stations are not required to maintain an OPIF.  FM translator licensees are also not required to maintain an OPIF for the translator (the primary station does unless it is an LPFM).  We feel that this is an error in the FCC's program and REC has notified staff.  Staff is aware of the issue.  REC has asked staff to see