REC operational status (December 5, 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 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).

At this time, we are in embargo for all services except:

  • License to cover applications on REC handled applications.
  • Extensions of REC handled STA applications.
  • STA and silent requests directly related to a natural disaster.
  • Activities related to the National Periodic Test (limited to those who paid for Form One earlier this year).
  • The embargo is expected be lifted on December 18, 2023 or when we can determine that we have adequate resource time to handle embargoed application types. The embargo may be extended in the event of a government shutdown where the filing date for the LPFM window is extended. Thank you for your understanding.

    LPFM Standby is CLOSED. - [12/5/23 10:45 AM ET] Due to the pending work load, we cannot guarantee that any new "standby" requests for REC services related to the window can be processed in time for the filing window. Therefore, we must close our standby opportunity at this time. We wish all applicants the best of luck in the LPFM filing window.

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

    REC reports LMS renewal bug to FCC.

    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.)

    2nd Update: LPFM and FM translators in AR, LA and MS receiving Public File e-mail reminder

    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 if a clarifying e-mail can be

    Rant from Riverton: Does ARRL have what it takes to "Dare to Imagine"?

    Background:  In the January, 2020 issue of QST, outgoing CEO Howard E. Michael, WB2ITX wrote a editorial, titled "Dare to Imagine".  In response to his soliciation for comments, here's what I had to say:

    I had the pleasure of reading your column in the January QST in regards to the direction of the ARRL. 

    REC to FCC: Keep and expand duplication rules; sunset "Franken FM" services in 2021.

    REC has filed comments today in two FCC rulemaking proceedings.

    First, in MB Docket 19-310 which called for an elimination of a rule which prohibits two commonly owned stations in the same service (AM or FM) to simultaneously run more than 25% of programming within generally the same area, REC has told the FCC that it opposes the repeal of this rule as it would destroy any hope for broadcast diversity and localism especially in light of the recent layoffs at iHeartMedia.  

    In the refresh of the record for MB Docket 03-185, REC performed an extensive analysis of what rules would need to be put in place for both Franken FM stations (which we also refer to as "FM6") as well as full-service and secondary FM broadcast stations on 88.1, 88.3 and 98.5 MHz. 

    REC system construction planned during holiday weeks (12/21/2019~01/05/2020)

    REC is planning a series of system work to take place between December 21, 2019 through January 5, 2020.

    Planned for this project:

    19-3 may be "writing on the wall" for a window but there's much more work to do

    Today, the FCC unceremoniously adopted the Report and Order in MB Docket 19-3.  This proceeding has made some changes to the way that mutually exclusive (MX) or competing applications filed in future full-service noncommercial educational (NCE) and Low Power FM (LPFM) stations will be handled.  The changes related to this include relaxation of required information on governance documents for NCE applicants, some harmonization of the NCE time share process with LPFM, additional priority for NCE applicants that filed in 2007 or 2010 but lost out on points and for the next LPFM window

    19-3: Prior to meeting, FCC adopts Report and Order on LPFM & NCE administrative rule changes

    In an early vote prior to the December 12 open meeting, the Federal Communications Commission has adopted a Report and Order on MB Docket 19-3.  A majority of the items in this docket spell out the ground rules for future filing windows for new noncommercial educational (NCE) and low power FM (LPFM) broadcast stations.  The FCC has officially addressed the timeline for future filing windows.  REC is promoting a timeline that calls for the window for new NCE FM stations to take place in mid to late 2020 (following Auction 106 and the conclusion of the TV repack) and for LPFM stations, in ear

    Rant from Riverton: All-digital AM - This generation's radio experiment

    When you review through the old history cards of various radio and television stations, you come across many of the experiments in the broadcast radio and television art that have taken place over the years.

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