Petition Seeks to Revise ''Burdensome'' LPFM Rules

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, July 29, 2015 | 7:01pm CT

The Low Power FM Advocacy Group (LPFM-AG), a group committed to protect the interests of both LPFM operators and LPFM audiences, has announced what it calls an "historic" 226-page Rulemaking petition with the FCC, supported by over 50 case studies. The petition highlights to over 600 Low Power FM radio outlets that have turned in their licenses over the past 15 years because of what the LPFM-AG calls "the FCC's complicated and burdensome rules."

LPFM-AG/Washington, DC, Executive Director Dave Solomon said, "Anyone with a full power license can bump us off the air just by moving their transmitter." The rulemaking petition will ask that LPFM stations be classified as a primary service and be provided with expanded underwriting (which would ultimately permit full commercials). It also seeks an increase in the signal power limit from 100 watts to 250 watts with translator contour spacing rules and the ability to transfer failing LPFMs and sell them for a profit after three years.

"People have lost their entire life savings by just trying to serve their community. It is time we stand up and take action for past, present, and future LPFM stations. The FCC must level out the playing field once and for all," added Solomon. For more information on how to help in the effort to save LPFM stations and to view the petition, visit the LPFM-AG's new website at LPFM.Today.