Community/Micro Radio -- almost a reality??

[Doug Schuler]

FYI,

FCC PLANS TO LICENSE LOW-POWER FM RADIO
Issue:  Radio
The Federal Communications Commission is expected to unveil a plan to create
thousands of new radio stations across the country by licensing low-power FM
broadcasting. Licenses would be granted to individuals, schools, community
groups and others currently without broadcast licenses. The proposal calls
for three classes of licenses: 1,000-watt stations with a broadcast signal
diameter of about 18 miles; 100-watt stations with a signal diameter of 7
miles, and 1- to 10-watt stations whose signals could cover a 2- to 4-mile
diameter. Unlike the millions of dollars it takes to start a full-power FM
station, these new operations could be started for a few thousand dollars.
"I'm enthusiastic about the proposal," said FCC Chairman William Kennard. "I
have a sense of urgency about getting it done, and I'm going to proceed."
The National Association of Broadcasters opposes the idea warning that the
new stations may interfere will existing stations. James concludes: "The NAB
could be a formidable obstacle to the FCC's low-power radio idea. The
broadcast industry often is treated deferentially by lawmakers who depend on
the airtime they purchase from broadcasters during election campaigns."
[SOURCE: Chicago Tribune (Sec 1, p.13), AUTHOR: Frank James]
<http://chicagotribune.com/textversion/article/0,1492,SAV-9901280202,00.html/>



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