REC now accepting Show of Interest for the 2023 LPFM Filing Window!
 
FOR NEW PROSPECTIVE LPFM BROADCASTERS:

REC accepting Shows of Interest for the upcoming LPFM Filing Window between November 1~8, 2023. Learn more at and have REC handle your application at
LPFM.app
.
 
REC operational status (August 18, 2023, until further notice) - REC is in modified operations due to the upcoming LPFM filing window and other resource intensive projects. We are currently not accepting any incoming live telephone calls. Callers are advised to please leave a message on the voice mail. Those wanting to start a new LPFM station do not need to call or e-mail us. Instead, visit https://LPFM.app and start the process there. Those with questions about LPFM can visit LPFM.app to get a general explanation of the service or use the resources at RECnet.com to get more information to more detailed issues (see recnet.com/faq and recnet.com/lpfm).

For existing stations, due to our resource needs as a result of the upcoming LPFM filing window, REC has declared a temporary embargo on the following services:

  • Modifications of licensed facilities in all services.
  • Assignment of License & Transfer of Control applications in all services.
  • Modification of license applications in all services.
  • Requests for new FM Booster and Alaska Class D stations.
  • Special Temporary Authority applications except those in response to natural or man made disasters.
  • Digital notifications in all services.
  • The following services will continue to be available during the REC embargo:

  • Administrative updates.
  • Silent notifications, silent STA requests, extensions of silent STAs, extensions of STAs previously handled by REC and resumption notifications.
  • License to cover applications for modification and CP applications originally handled by REC.
  • Modification of granted construction permit applications originally handled by REC.
  • Activities related to the EAS National Periodic Test
  • These embargos will be lifted on November 13, 2023 or if we can determine that we have adequate resource time to handle embargoed application types. Thank you for your understanding.

    FCC.today: The Podcast is on hiatus until after the close of the LPFM filing window.

    Updated: REC Advisory Letter #1: LPFM stations carrying network programming from "Relevant Radio"

    Relevant Radio” is the brand name of a radio service operated by Immaculate Heart Radio (IHR).  Relevant Radio is a 24-hour Catholic programming service that provides a noncommercial programming source to affiliated stations across the country as well as through digital delivery.  IHR, operating as Relevant Radio, Inc. owns several dozen full-service AM and FM broadcast stations and has been commended in the past by REC for preserving the legacy call letters of the stations that they acquire, including the infamous KHJ, Los Angeles.  A couple of years ago, IHR had converted their stations from noncommercial educational to commercial and in their markets have been selling time.  This, while maintaining a noncommercial stream for affiliated stations not owned by IHR. 

    Statement of REC Networks

    In order to protect the integrity of the LPFM service by preventing commercial influence through speculation and “shadow ownership” (control of a station by an undisclosed third party), REC has filed Informal Objections against applications where it was supsected that speculative behavior was taking place. In other words, a single party filing for multiple facilities with the intention of either building a radio network or to sell the permits to other parties for a profit. 

    REC Statement: Nomination of Nathan Simington to FCC

    With the upcoming vacancy on the Federal Communications Commission as a result of the end of Commissioner O’Rielly’s term that has not been renewed by the President, the current administration has the right to nominate someone to serve as a Commissioner at the FCC.  It is important to remember that the Commission consists of two members from the majority party and two from the minority party and the Chairman, who reflects the majority party at the time.

    REC Statement: Application fees- Amateur Radio before RAYBAUM'S

    There continues to be confusion in the Amateur Radio community on how we reached this point with proposed application fees in the Amateur Radio Service.  Some have said that an "exemption for Amateur Radio was removed with RAY BAUM'S". That both is correct and incorrect.  You need to understand the 1986 law and the progress from then to the enactment of RAY BAUM'S. 

    Here is some clarification on the way it used to be.  Prior to RAY BAUMS, Public Law 99-272, which was enacted in 1986 stated in Section 158 of the Communications Act, that the Commission shall charge application fees.  Those fees were listed as a fixed table. Amateur Radio was not included as a price point.

    19-3: FCC Denies Reconsideration on "Secondary Grants" in MX Groups.

    The Federal Communications Commission has denied a Petition for Reconsideration filed in MB Docket 19-3 (the NCE/LPFM administrative rulemaking proceeding) on procedural grounds, upholding the long-standing “one winner per group” policy when resolving mutually exclusive (MX)/competing applications where multiple applications could not be granted due to contour overlap (NCE) or distance separation (LPFM) requirements.  

    The Petition, filed by Discount Legal called for the Commission to re-look at “secondary grants”, which are situations of where, after eliminating less than qualified applications or applications that did not meet FCC requirements would create a “stray” applicant that would otherwise be grantable if the unqualified applicants are removed. 

    FCC releases proposal for new filing fee structure - LPFM/NCE remains exempt - new fees for ham radio

    On Wednesday, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in MD Docket 20-270 which implements portions of the Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act of 2018 (or RAY BAUM’S Act), which gives the FCC statutory authority to collect application fees.  As a part of the Act, the FCC is required to switch from a fee structure mandated by Congress 20 years ago to a new cost-based system.  This change will result in some fees being reduced and in some cases, such as the Amateur Radio Service, new fees are being added.

    REC offers proposal to permit older uncertified professional grade transmitters in LPFM but maintain a ban against kits and pirate gear

    REC Networks has filed a statement with the FCC in MB Docket 19-193 to offer a compromise solution that would allow LPFM stations to use “hand me down” transmitters that were formerly in service by other broadcast and FM translator stations while still protecting the integrity of the spectrum from dangerous uncertified equipment.

    In our Opposition to the two Petitions for Reconsideration filed in this proceeding, REC addressed some concerns to the petition filed by Todd Urick where it comes to permitting transmitters that have not been specifically type-certified into the LPFM service.  Currently, §73.1660(a)(2) requires LPFM stations to use certified transmitters.

    In our Reply statement, REC has recognized that LPFM stations have had to miss out on opportunities to receive used surplus transmission equipment that may have been recently removed from service at a full-service or FM translator station due to changes at the station such as a digital audio chain and/or HD Radio. 

    Statement of REC Networks: FM/AM Duplication Rule

    Three weeks ago, when the Report and Order for MB Docket 19-310 went to circulation draft, we had a good decision.  The FCC was going to eliminate the duplication rule for AM radio but keep it for FM radio.  The duplication rule prohibits two commonly owned stations in the same service from duplicating more than 25% of programming in generally the same area.  

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