In comments to the Federal Communications Commission, REC Networks, a leading advocate for a diverse dial has called for the sunset of analog audio services provided by some Low Power TV (LPTV) channel 6 stations, sometimes referred to as FM6 or by a more pejorative term, "Franken FM", as well as calling for the elimination of the requirement that FM broadcast stations on 88.1~91.9 MHz provide adjacent channel protections to TV facilities on RF Channel 6.

Updated 7/20/2022 08:00 ET

This is a working document that provides a brief outline of what organizations are saying in their comments on MB Docket 03-185.  This document is used internally by REC to compile information for the consideration of Reply Comments and we will share this document with the public.

This document is active and will be periodically updated as new comments come in.

The comment period has closed in MB Docket 20-402 in the Geo-Targeted Booster proceeding.  In this specific comment period, the FCC wanted comments related to the recent testing of Geo Broadcast Systems (GBS) "zone-casting" system based on the reports submitted by GBS.  The tests were conducted at KSJO, San Jose, California and WRBJ-FM, Brandon Mississippi.  The following is a brief summary of the comments, both supporting and opposing, regarding zone-casting and the recent tests.

With the recent news that the FCC will be cracking the door open slightly on the possibility of the use of Channel 6 spectrum (82~88 MHz) for use by FM broadcasting, there has been a lot of buzz on social media and the discussion boards related to LPFM.  We have heard comments from people wanting dedicated channels for LPFM stations as well as increased power for LPFM stations, such as 500 or 1,000 watts for stations in this spectrum.  

At the June FCC Open Meeting, the Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in MB Docket 03-185 in regards to Low Power TV (LPTV) stations operating on Channel 6 that provide an analog FM radio service on 87.75 MHz.  REC and the FCC refer to these as "FM6" stations and they are commonly referred to as "Franken FM" stations.  The FCC is also considering changes that would eliminate the reserved band FM Channel 6 protection requirements and to extend the FM broadcast band to 82.1 MHz in areas where no channel 6 operations are taking place.