Small Broadcaster Wants Abandonment Of IBOC
Posted Friday, December 29, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: R&R Online
Calling in-band, on-channel technology "a fantasy," Somar
Communications President Roy Robertson tells R&R ONLINE his wish for 2001 is for the U.S. to adopt the "Eureka 147" digital broadcasting technology that he says is "a worldwide standard the U.S. is fighting." He says the reason for the continued research into IBOC technology, intended to provide a method of broadcasting digital radio over existing analog signals, is that owners of higher-powered stations are against Eureka 147 because it would "level the playing field" by giving all radio stations the same power and output. Robertson says he understands why companies that paid "$20 million or $30 million for a station don't want Eureka 147," but contends that the FCC's guiding principle of serving the public interest "is the overriding concern." Robertson, whose company owns stations in small Maryland towns, compares carrying digital signals over analog channels to "building a water pipeline and expecting it to carry natural gas," and calls the idea of trying to fit digital broadcast in 1930s analog technology "insane." Robertson also hopes to see more deregulation from the FCC next year, saying the agency should "ease up on small markets and small owners" of 20 or fewer stations.
NAB Asks Court To Remand LPFM Rules To FCC
Posted Friday, December 29, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: R&R Online
The NAB already has a petition pending in a DC federal appeals court against low-power FM, and now it says Congress' recent passage of the Radio Preservation Act of 2000, which was signed by President Clinton on Dec. 21, makes portions of the FCC's order to create LPFM "unlawful" — specifically, the order's lack of third-adjacent channel protection. Therefore, the NAB is asking the court to send the order back to the FCC "for further proceedings." Passage of Congress' bill was a big win for the NAB since it calls for third-adjacent channel protection. The NAB points out to the court that Congress required the FCC to conduct an interference study to see
what, if any, effects LPFM will have on existing FM facilities, and that this testing, and the passage of the Act itself, "will require, at a minimum, a reassessment of the costs and benefits of LPFM service."
FCC Commissioner Wishes to Repeal LPFM
Posted Thursday, December 28, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: R&R Online
Furchtgott-Roth's 2001 Wish: 'Repeal FCC's LPFM Rules'
Not only that, but Commissioner Harold Furchtgott-Roth tells R&R ONLINE he also hopes all license transfers can be completed within 90 days and are "tailored narrowly to comply with existing law." Indeed, one of Furchtgott-Roth's wishes for the new year is simply for the FCC to "follow the law." He's not so sure about what can realistically happen in the new year, however, adding, "What falls under the category of a 'real possibility' is hard to tell at this point."
WBAI Staff Locked Out
Posted Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: savepacifica.net
In its latest arbitrary exercise of power, Pacifica has dismissed long-time New York station manager Valerie Van Isler and also fired recently appointed program director Bernard White. White's producer on the WBAI "Wake Up Call" morning show, Sharan Harper, was also dismissed. Pacifica executive director Bessie Wash, accompanied by a newly hired security guard company, changed the WBAI locks in the middle of the night Friday. WBAI staff are now locked out of the building, and are being admitted only on a "controlled entry" basis until further notice. White and Harper were threatened with arrest should they attempt to enter the building.
Open Letter from Free Radio Austin Collective
Posted Wednesday, December 27, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: Austin Chronicle
It is with great disappointment that we announce Free Radio Austin’s decision to disband. We do this in accordance with a federal injunction, filed subsequent to the November 6 seizure of FRA’s equipment by the Federal Communications Commission, which bars the collective as a whole from broadcast activity. The injunction also names three individuals who, by virtue of the fact that their identities are known, risk contempt of court charges and imprisonment should any part of the injunction be violated by anyone. To protect these individuals, and to show good faith to the court, the collective has unanimously agreed to cease operations. This decision is made all the more difficult for us by our steadfast conviction that our only “crime” has been the use of a public resource for the purpose of generating and supporting an inclusive community. Community involvement is, in our view, essential to a free and democratic way of life. The monopolization of the public airwaves by commercial interests is an intentional barrier to community empowerment, and the Federal Communications Commission’s regulation of those airwaves is blatantly protective of commercial interests. The diversity of opinion and creativity of statement which characterized Free Radio Austin were not exclusive to its members. Our neighborhoods are all comprised of a variety of viewpoints, and each deserves a public voice. This voice will not be given to us by the National Association of Broadcasters or by National Public Radio, both of which oppose legalization of micro power broadcasting. It is up to us, in all our various communities, to create our own ways to exercise our rights to freedom of speech and access to the public airwaves. This is Free Radio Austin’s final statement as a collective. Friends and supporters of FRA are encouraged to investigate the micro-radio movement and empower themselves.
FCC Announces First Wave of LPFM Licenses
Posted Thursday, December 21, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: fcc.gov
The FCC has released a list of 255 applicants who are eligible to receive lpfm licenses. This number was greatly reduced given the constraints of the anti-lpfm rider passed by congress last Friday. Broadcasters or other interested parties have 30 days to file "petitions to deny" these licenses, and we assume there will be a coordinated effort by broadcasters to hassle these organizations into giving up. But, in a perfect world, these organizations will be granted construction permits by the end of January.
The FCC announcement and a list of eligible stations can be read by visiting the story link.
McCain to Continue Fight for LPFM
Posted Wednesday, December 20, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: Washington Post
An attempt to create hundreds of low-power community FM radio stations was dealt a significant blow last week after Congress sharply curtailed the effort in an amendment to a budget bill that President Clinton is slated to sign.
One prominent Republican is saying the fight's not over yet. But a rider buried inside an appropriations bill reduced the number of potential stations by as much as 75 percent.
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) will seek to overturn the rider when the Senate reconvenes on Jan. 3, an aide said yesterday.
McCain "will make it one of his committee's top priorities to repeal this provision as early as possible," said Mark Buse, staff director to the Commerce Committee.
"He thinks that this being added to an appropriations bill is an atrocity, and that it will hurt minorities and small churches and organizations that want to broadcast local information," Buse said.
Micro-Broadcasters Dealt a Blow
Posted Wednesday, December 20, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: Wired
President Clinton on Tuesday fueled the anger of low-power
radio broadcasters when he announced his intentions to sign into law a bill that restricts the number of FM radio licenses awarded by the Federal Communications Commission.
The provision -- a rider sponsored by Sen. Rod Grams (R-Minnesota) -- is part of an omnibus budget bill.
Micro-radio broadcasters, or operators of stations under 100 watts, vowed not "to give up" their long-fought battle to operate such stations legally. They said the expected reduction in the number of low-power FM radio licenses would only encourage low-power radio pirates and lawsuits.
"I think a lot of people are going to take a hardline attitude," said Alan Freed, a Minneapolis-based low-power radio advocate. "I think we can expect to see court challenges."
Grams to be appointed to FCC?
Posted Wednesday, December 20, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: R&R Online
Grams lost his Minnesota Senate seat to Democrat Mark Dayton, but the former radio and TV broadcaster's name is now in the Washington rumor mill as a possible FCC commissioner. He could snag the spot occupied by Democrat Susan Ness - her term expired in June, and she's been serving at the pleasure of the president ever since. Rumored to be in the running for FCC Chairman are current commissioner Michael Powell and Texas Public Utilities Chairman Pat Wood. Powell's name is also being tossed around as President-elect George W. Bush's potential pick for Secretary of Commerce, which could leave yet another Republican slot open on the FCC panel.
LPFM Fight To Continue?
Posted Tuesday, December 19, 2000 by admin
Story Link: NLGCDC
Labeled a "compromise" by the broadcast industry, this bill (the Omnibus Budget Act) permits only 60 or 70 LPFM stations in the most rural and unpopulated parts of the country. In fact, this legislation signals a legislative death warrant for legalized micro radio. The extent of this Congressional meddling into the technical affairs of the FCC is unprecedented.
Peter Franck, a member of CDC said "This new law may well be unconstitutional," he added that "Laws passed by congress are easier to challenge than regulations promulgated by the FCC. This is not over."
CDC member Alan Korn advises that "Activists, community groups, schools, churches and others should continue to apply for LPFM licenses so they will have standing to challenge this law in the courts." He added that CDC is looking into a number of possible challenges.
FCC Proposes Redefining Radio Markets
Posted Monday, December 18, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: yahoo news
The Federal Communications Commission said on Friday it has proposed narrowing its definition of a radio market, which could impact future consolidation in the industry.
The current definition "may be allowing higher levels of ownership in what commercial services consider to be much smaller markets," FCC Chairman William Kennard said in a statement.
The five commissioners adopted the proposal on Wednesday and revealed their decision on Friday.
...At the heart of the agency's concern is consolidation in the industry, which could lead to little competition for the radio listener and advertising dollars.
FCC: Law Hurts Broadcast Minorities
Posted Monday, December 18, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: yahoo news
Widespread consolidation in the communications industry - unleashed by a 1996 law - has limited opportunities for minorities and women to own companies, according to studies released Tuesday.
Drawing on the reports, which identified hurdles that these groups face in getting broadcast and wireless licenses, federal regulators pressed for steps to open up opportunities.
Those measures include reviving a now-defunct "tax certificate," which gave tax breaks to broadcasters who sold stations to minorities. Congress repealed that provision several years ago, citing abuses.
...A landmark 1996 telecommunications law, which helped relax ownership rules governing the industry, brought on a tidal wave of mergers. Some commissioners also have raised concerns that the consolidation is reducing the variety of views on the airwaves.
The research released Tuesday found that minority-owned radio stations
were more likely to air diverse programming and newscasts and hire a broader range of on-air personalities.
Congress Tunes Out FM Plan
Posted Monday, December 18, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: yahoo news
Determined to derail the efforts of Federal Communications Commission chairman William Kennard, Congress has watered down his plan to create a new class of FM non-commercial radio stations for local organizations such as churches and schools.
The low-power FM provision was tacked onto a massive spending bill
approved Dec. 15 by the lame-duck Congress before it wrapped up business for the year and headed home.
Lawmakers had approved the FM rider earlier this fall, attaching it to a bill that was vetoed by President Clinton for a variety of other reasons. The president is expected to sign the appropriations measure
endorsed Dec. 15 by Congress.
Congress' plan would cut the number of new stations proposed by the FCC to about 200 from 1,000 by imposing strict interference guidelines. Legislation also directs the FCC to run tests in nine markets where stations are packed closer together on the channel dial to determine what interference is experienced.
Anti-LPFM Legislation is Final
Posted Saturday, December 16, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: Media Access Project
As of Friday evening December 15, it appears all but final that the anti-LPFM language contained in the Grams legislation will pass both the House and Senate as part of the omnibus budget bills.
The Administration held fought valiently, but Trent Lott would not
budge.
Under the legislation, the previous interference rules will go into
effect. Thus, there will be some low power radio, but it will be cut
back by 80%, and will be available in only the least congested radio markets.
I will be in touch with you as soon as possible with more information,
the wider implications of this event, and future plans.
Thank you to everyone who put in so much effort to help us make low
power radio a reality. There is still work we can do and there will be
some low power radio stations out there, which is a partial victory.
Sincerely,
Cheryl A. Leanza
Deputy Director
Media Access Project
Third LPFM Filing Window Announced
Posted Saturday, December 16, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: fcc.gov
Note: LPFM rules could change do to pending legislation
FCC to Accept Low Power FM Applications January 16 through January 22, 2001 for American Samoa, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Missouri, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. See story link for the FCC public notice
Advocates Encourage White House to Stand Firm on LPFM
Posted Thursday, December 14, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: Media Access Project
A diverse coalition of Low Power Radio supporters thanked President Clinton today for his support of the FCC's Low Power FM radio initiative and encouraged him to continue fighting for the issue during the ongoing budget negotiations.
The Federal Communications Commission passed rules in January 2000 that paved the way for hundreds of community-based, non-commercial FM radio licenses to be made available for local governments, churches, educational institutions and community groups. To date, the FCC has received over 1,300 applications from the first 20 states eligible to apply for the stations.
Before the election, Congress passed a Commerce Justice State appropriations bill that included a rider to drastically curtail the number of noncommercial radio stations licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. In a letter to congressional leaders, President Clinton singled out LPFM as a reason he planned to veto the bill. To date, Congress has not sent the White House the bill for his signature or veto, and advocates hope the Clinton Administration will stand firm on the issue.
"As leaders of public interest, religious, and civil rights organizations, we are particularly concerned that we gain an opportunity to improve the level of media discourse by adding our voices to those already on the airwaves," the leaders wrote. "Claims that interference will harm current broadcasts are a red herring that fly in the face of rigorous technical analysis submitted to, and conducted by, the Federal Communications Commission."
First Amendment Rights in Radio Raids?
Posted Tuesday, December 12, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: freedomforum.org
All Roy Neset wanted to do was listen to talk radio while he plowed his fields.
But the only station in Tioga, a remote farming community tucked into
the northwest reaches of North Dakota, was an AM station that played
country music from dawn to dusk.
So Neset bought a low-power radio transmitter, obtained permission
from a Colorado station to transmit its programming via satellite and
piped talk radio to his farm and to a handful of neighbors. But Neset
soon found himself in court after the manager of the AM station
complained to the Federal Communications Commission. The agency
seized Neset's equipment, sued the farmer and succeeded in knocking
his tiny station off the air.
Neset's attorneys say in hearing his case, neither the federal court
judge nor a three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of
Appeals, which ruled last week, considered Neset's First Amendment
pleas.
"The decision defies the law and common sense," said Scott Bullock,
senior attorney for the Institute for Justice. "If the government
sues you in court, you should be able to defend yourself by raising
First Amendment arguments." (see story link for more, including details on Beat Radio's case)
KTRU Returns to the Air
Posted Tuesday, December 12, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: Houston Chronicle
A week after being barred from the Rice University radio station, student disc jockeys are to return to the airways at 4 p.m today. Rice students and administrators resolved their conflict over control of the 50,000-watt KTRU-FM, one of the country's most powerful college radio stations.
Their agreement provides for a nine-member committee of students, faculty, alumni and staff to develop station policies and programming.
It also calls for the student body to elect the station manager and for the committee to field concerns and programming ideas.
It is a great relief to the volunteers at the station and to the SA (Student Association) that we will have an official structure through which students effectively exercise control of programming," said senior Johnny So, station manager.
A university news release announcing the committee said Rice President Malcolm Gillis backs the agreement "100 percent."
WBAI Listeners Take to the Streets
Posted Sunday, December 10, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: savepacifica.net
Hundreds of concerned WBAI listeners and staff held a noisy protest on Thursday night to protest Pacifica's latest assault on the independence of the network's sister stations. Last week, Pacifica fired Valerie van Isler, WBAI's general manager. The firing was without notice, warning or reason. Reminiscent of the firing of Berkeley station KPFA's general manager last year, which resulted in the station being shut down for over a month, many believe the termination is a sign that Pacifica is opening a frontal assault on WBAI.
Crying "Whose station? Our station!" and "99 point 5 - Keep the dream alive!," the crowd gathered in the cold outside the midtown Manhattan offices of the law firm Epstein, Becker & Green. John Murdock, a partner at Epstein, is a relatively new member of Pacifica's national board. His law firm specializes in "maintaining a union-free workplace" and now represents Pacifica in several lawsuits pending against it. Critics say board members such as Murdock are instrumental in the effort to mainstream the network.
Protesters, joined by WBAI producers such as Amy Goodman, chanted, sang, and made quite a racket for two hours starting at 5 p.m. Calling for free speech and democracy, the protesters denounced Mr. Murdock and the Pacifica Board, which the demonstrators described as "corporate." The NYPD had denied a sound permit at the last minute, and also tried to move protestors across the street away from Epstein, Becker. But listeners refused to budge.
Broadcasters Face Web Music Royalties
Posted Sunday, December 10, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: Broadcasting & Cable
Broadcasters will have to pay additional royalties to copyright holders to stream their signals over the Internet, the U.S. Copyright Office ruled on Friday. Broadcasters argued that they should be exempt from new fees because they already pay music licensers ASCAP and BMI some $350 million each year to play music on the radio, and the signal they stream is an exact replica of that radio signal. The Recording Industry of America, who won the decision, argued that in the 1998 Digital Millenium Copyright Act, Congress narrowly tailored the law to apply only to over-the-air broadcasters converting from analog to digital.
Update: LPFM Court Case
Posted Sunday, December 10, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: Broadcasting & Cable
The Federal appeals court in Washington took a hard look at the FCC's plan for low power radio last week.
The three judge panel seemed skeptical of the broadcaster's argument that the FCC overstepped its bounds by easing interference standards to create the non-commercial service. During oral arguments, they appeared to cast a jaundiced eye on industry claims that the proliferation of inexpensive radios has created a market incapable of sorting out conflicting signals from low power outlets.
"The fact that (consumers) buy these cheap radios means they are willing to ignore" the added interference, suggested Judge David Tatel.
WBAI Removes General Manager
Posted Monday, December 4, 2000 by glenn
Story Link: savepacifica.net
In a move reminiscent of last year's attack on Pacifica station KPFA in Berkeley, the Pacifica Foundation told WBAI-New York's long-time general manager Valerie Van Isler that it is removing her from her position. On Tuesday, November 28, during what was supposed to be a routine evaluation, Pacifica's executive director Bessie Wash informed Van Isler that she was being reassigned to a newly created position in Washington, DC. Van Isler, who has been at the helm of WBAI for 10 years, said she wanted to remain at the station, and was told that she would therefore be fired.
Pacifica, a network of community-supported radio stations, has long been torn by charges that its national board is bent on taking the network in a more timid, ratings-driven, commercialized direction. Listeners, as well as staff at some stations, have organized protests against the board's continuing centralization of power.