Ever wondered how to start a radio station?
The FCC has indicated that in early 2007 it will open a five-day filing window where non-profits and educational institutions can submit applications to build “full power” non-commercial educational (NCE) FM radio stations.
The filing window is a very rare opportunity for non-profits and schools to propose new radio stations to the FCC. For media activists, this might be the single opportunity to take back some of the airwaves. FCC filing windows and auctions are relatively unknown to the greater public. The organizations that do know about them--corporate radio firms, religious groups, and large public radio outlets--tend to benefit the most. In one frequency grab in 2003--a filing window for FM translators--the top ten applicants filed thousands of applications for frequencies to rebroadcast their radio stations on via satellite--free of charge from the FCC.
Many people may be aware of Low Power FM (LPFM) licenses, which have been an issue of congressional debate since NAB (National Association of Broadcasters, representing commercial radio) and NPR pressured Congress to limit their use. LPFM are limited to 100 watts. NCE stations differ from LPFM; they are “full power” because they range from 100 – 100,000 watts, and have interference protections. They are the type of licenses held by NPR affiliates, colleges, and religious organizations at the lower end of the band (88.1 FM – 91.9 FM).
In the last half decade there has been a freeze on any new applicants because of an argument over “comparative standards” (how the FCC determines who gets a license in the event of multiple applicants in one are), and the huge backlog of application submitted, many by mega-church groups who rebroadcast programming on NCE channels via satellite/automation. Previous to that, the legal bureaucracy kept many community groups from entering the airwaves. Because of the backlog of FM applications, the remaining open channels to apply for are limited. In most large cities there is no chance of finding an open frequency.
There are very few true community radio stations in the US—stations that stand for free speech and public broadcast access. In the age of growing media consolidation and professionalized public radio, it is hoped that individuals and non-profits dedicated to the public interested would get involved in reshaping the media. There are information sources available to the public regarding non-commercial radio, such as Common Frequency, Grassroots Radio Coalition, Prometheus Radio Project, and National Association of Community Broadcasters.
More information on the NCE filing window can be readily obtained from Common Frequency by emailing info@commonfrequency.org. Interested in how to apply? Email us.
