REC files comments, proposes 50 watt LPFM, new MX handling process
REC has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission in response to the FCC's Fourth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service.
In comments, REC:
- Supported the creation of a 50 watt service to replace the 10 watt LPFM service that the FCC has proposed to discontinue.
- Supported the creation of a 250 watt service in rural areas and once it has been determined that lower power stations are not needed, in urban areas.
- Supports Native Nations entry into broadcasting while assuring that additional opportunities do not preclude potential LPFM opportunities off tribal land.
- Supports the cross-ownership of FM Translators and LPFM stations with restrictions that will assure that LPFM stations remain local.
- Proposed a 10-point comparative review process that would reduce the instances of ties.
- Proposed scrapping the current processes of "partial settlements", "point aggregation" and "successive licensing" in favor of a new time sharing process that assures that competing applicants who can't completely settle would have a chance to get on the air without having to wait up to 7 years.
Reply comments are due to the FCC by May 21.
More details about our comments can be found below:
