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.

    REC files new 250-watt LPFM petition with a strong focus on rural areas.

    Thu, 05/28/2020 - 15:42

    Riverton, MD (May 28, 2020) : REC Networks has filed with the FCC a new Petition for Rulemaking to create an additional 250-watt class of service for Low Power FM (LPFM).  The new “Simple 250” plan addresses the issues that were expressed by the Commission in the Report and Order of MB Docket 19-193 regarding additional complexity to the application process and compliance with the Local Community Radio Act of 2010 (LCRA).

    Tags:

    17-264: Advice for LPFM stations with commonly-owned FM translators or FM boosters.

    Thu, 05/14/2020 - 19:58

    The FCC recently adopted the Second Report and Order in MB Docket 17-264 which makes substantial changes to the rules related to public notices that broadcast applicants must make in accordance with Section 311(a) of the Communications Act.   For FM translator and FM booster licenses, this normally involved taking out advertising in the newspaper.  The FCC has now realized that in this modern era, requiring broadcast sta

    Tags:

    17-264: FCC modernizes public notice rules, Media Bureau waives "pre-file" renewal announcements indefinitely

    Wed, 05/13/2020 - 17:13

    Prior to the May open meeting, the Federal Communications Commission has adopted the broadcast public notice Report and Order (MB Dockets 17-265, 17-105, 05-6).  In the Order, the FCC made some monumental changes on how broadcasters comply with Section 311(a) of the Communications Act which requires all broadcast applicants to make a public notice of their application.  This law was passed by Congress in the early 60s as part of a suite of legislation r

    Tags:

    REC Initial Analysis: Broadcasters for Limited Program Origination petition to permit local origination and expansion of fill-in translator service areas

    Tue, 05/05/2020 - 20:18

    Updated June 23, 2020.

    The petition for rulemaking was filed by a consortium of 24 broadcast licensees calling themselves “Broadcasters for Limited Program Origination” (BLPO). 

    The petition was in response to the petition made by GeoBroadcast Solutions that petitioned the FCC to allow FM boosters to originate separate content at times.  This item was put on public notice as RM-11854 and public comments were collected in April.

    The BLPO Petition calls for the FCC to look beyond boosters for local origination but to also permit FM translators (as well as boosters) to originate up to 128 hours per week of separate programming without any restrictions on the type of content the translator/booster carries.

    BLPO also calls for the “coverage contour” which is used to determine the coverage area of a translator to extend past the 60 dBu contour clear out to the 45 dBu contour of the primary station.  For this, BLPO is citing the recent changes in FM translator interference remediation rules that allows valid complaints to come from listeners located within the 45 dBu contour of the complaining station.

    REC joins NAB, iHeart & others in opposition to draconian efforts by the FCC to regulate website and app layout

    Tue, 05/05/2020 - 12:32

    Late Monday evening, REC Networks wrote a letter to the attention of the FCC Media Bureau and the Media Advisers for all Commissioners and the Chairman to oppose language in the draft Report and Order for MB Docket 17-264 relating to the requirement in the Communications Act that broadcast stations must make public notice when certain types of applications are filed.

    Tags:

    Community Radio Loses Their Goddess: Donna DiBianco

    Tue, 04/28/2020 - 12:08

    REC Networks regrets to report the news of the loss of one of our dearest friends, Donna DIBianco.

    For those who have ever attended a recent Grassroots Radio Conference or have been involved in a NCE or LPFM station, you may know Donna. Donna, also known as the "Community Radio Goddess" would travel to different radio stations, especially those that were established after the 2007 NCE window to provide on-site support to assist stations in starting up their operations.  She referred to herself as a "start-up specialist".  Donna developed her own guides for broadcast stations to use to assure they remained in compliance. 

    Public Notice Requirements When Certain Applications Are Filed

    Fri, 04/24/2020 - 10:52

    Revised August 12, 2023

    Tags:

    19-193: FCC releases Report and Order for LPFM; "Simple 250" rejected, but with the door cracked open

    Thu, 04/23/2020 - 20:19

    On Wednesday, April 22, 2020 prior to the FCC open meeting, the Commission has voted to adopt the Report and Order in MB Docket 19-193 with some modifications asked for by REC, ABC and NAB in ex parte presentations.

    Pages

    Subscribe to REC Networks RSS