Clyburn Proposes Using TV Channels 5-6 for Radio

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, June 11, 2010 | 2:31pm CT

Speaking at the 35th annual Community Radio Conference Thursday, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn told the 35th annual Community Radio Conference in St. Paul that she would like the Commission to consider reallocating the FM spectrum previously used for TV channels 5 and 6 for use by Low Power FM outlets, non-commercial and AM broadcasters.

"These channels have proven difficult for television broadcasting," said Clyburn, "and I have a hard time imagining that they would fare much better as additional spectrum for mobile broadband use. This spectrum is not well suited for digital transmissions. It certainly is possible that this spectrum could be used for LPFM, expanded NCE use, and AM broadcasters."

She continued, "I am not suggesting that the Commission move today to reallocate this spectrum for such uses. What I am suggesting, however, is that it is time for us to take a serious look at where these services fit within the overall spectrum plan, and that Channels 5 and 6 may be a good home."

Clyburn also said that she was "optimistic" about the passage of the Local Community Radio Act by Congress that would eliminate or ease adjacent third channel protection for commerical FM outlets, allowing more LPFM facilites.

She also spoke about the opportunities available for community radio offered by not only the Internet, but through HD Radio multicasting, as she said that virtually no limits have been imposed on the use of HD channels. Plus, the FCC's Media Bureau routinely approves FM translators for use with HD channels.