Posted by chicagomedia.org on July 31, 2008 at 19:07:41:
EMF: Expanded FM Band Could Accommodate LPFMs
WASHINGTON -- Educational Media Foundation and other broadcasters have filed comments in the FCC's ongoing proceeding on broadcast diversity asking the FCC to fully consider reallocating TV channels 5 and 6 for FM broadcasting, as suggested in the third further notice of proposed rulemaking in the same proceeding.
The expansion would make more space available for the low-power FM entrants that the FCC is, the filing says, seeking to "accommodate in the face of ... a vibrant and well populated FM translator service and overwhelming interest in new translator licenses."
The filing continues, "Accordingly, the FCC should explore the promise of reallocating unused analog TV channels to the FM service and reserving the top two or three channels of that reallocated spectrum for LPFM operations, rather than rushing to judgment on proposals in the LPFM proceeding that portend serious adverse consequences for FM translator licensees and applicants, including each of the undersigned, all of whom support FCC implementation of reallocation of portions of TV Channels 5 and 6 in a manner that bolsters LPFM opportunities."
The filing says the FCC is facing an "embaassment of riches" in the thriving translator service and the demand for LPFM licenses that could "expand -- possibly exponentially -- diverse ownership in the FM band." The filing notes that the FCC's stated aim has been to maximize LPFM service without harming existing FMs, including translators, but adds, "despite this objective, the FCC has suggested that FM translators, and in particular the Auction No. 83 filings, are having and/or could have a 'preclusive impact' on LPFM opportunities." The FCC has, says EFM, spoken of "altering the priorities" between LPFMs and translators.
The EFM filing calls proposals by some LPFM proponents "patently inconsistent with the commission's stated objectives" and says the reallocation of channels 5 and 6, which won't be used for digital television in most markets after the DTV changeover in February of next year, could "open opportunities for LPFM in freshly licensed spectrum" and "avoid pitting LPRM against other valuable services, including FM translators, that have an established role -- and that deliver significant public interest benefits -- on the existing broadcast dial."
The filing notes that, once the DTV transition is accomplished, the FM band change could be implemented almost immediately, and many FM radios can already tune in to the channel 6 spectrum.
The filing also includes engineering analyses to show how many LPFMs could be located in the spectrum now occupied by the TV channels.
(Radio Ink)