Three New LPFM Petitions for Reconsideration

After the new Low Power FM Radio Rules were posted in the Federal Register, three Petitions for reconsideration have been filed.  The initial petition timely filed concerning the LP50 service.  The second filed at the last possible day to file a Petition for Reconsideration.  On January 10th, Life Talk Radio requested the FCC to reopen discussion concerning prevention of established local broadcasters.  This request goes against the grain of the very purpose of Low Power FM Radio.  Life Talk wants to use LPFM radio as translators (repeaters).  However there are several "firewalls" preventing this very practice.  These include a limit of one LPFM radio station per entity and preclusion of any organization that already owns a broadcast station.   These rules were heavily discussed before the current LCRA and rulemaking, despite Life Talk's claims.  Life Talk expects the FCC to suddenly change the rules created and supported by the LPFM Radio Community.  Life Talk is not a part of this community and is the antithesis of why LPFM radio was created.  It's surprising that they believe they can come along at the last moment and undo years of LPFM advocacy's and The FCC's work regarding prevention of LPFM stations becoming another translator network for large disinterested radio chains.  They have no direct interest in the local population and wish only to tie up remaining spectrum from those that would serve the local community LOCALLY.

While Conexus wholly supports "LET THE CITIES IN" and the Recnet Petion - we cannot support the Life Talk Radio Petition and will fight the petition as it is a threat to the very purpose of LPFM Radio.  We urge you to do the same through reply comments on the FCC's electronic commenting system.  List LPFM Radio 99-25 Proceeding Petitions and Comments

(1.) OPENING THE CITIES TO LOW POWER FM:

As you know, LET THE CITIES IN!! -- a new citizens' advocacy group, whose Members include THE AMHERST ALLIANCE of Connecticut and CONEXUS LPFM ADVOCACY of Colorado -- has filed a Petition For Reconsideration in Dpcket 99-25, urging the FCC to allow "LPFM radio stations below 50 watts" in highly urban areas.

As LTCI's attorney, and also President of THE ANHERST ALLIANCE, I urge each of you to: (A) file Reply Comments, in FCC Docket 99-25, which support LTCI's Petition; and/or (B) join LTCI (which has no Membership Dues), if you have not joined it already.

ATTACHED is a press release which was recently released by LET THE CITIES IN!!, along with a copy of LTCI's Petition.

(2.) POWER GRAB BY BIG BROADCASTING CHAIN: Meanwhile, LIFE TALK RADIO (LTR) of Simi Valley, California -- an evangelical satellator chain -- filed a separate Petition For Reconsideration on January 10. The Petition's proposed rule changes would make it MUCH easier for a chain-affiliated station to be classified as a "lpcal" station for purposes of LPFM eligibility.

(3.)  REC asks FCC to "fix" LPFM announcements rule

REC has filed a Petition for Partial Reconsideration on the recent Report and Order. The REC petition is asking the FCC to fix only one aspect of the recent rule changes, the determination of which new LPFM stations would be required to carry "periodic announcements" under Section 7 of the Local Community Radio Act.

IF GRANTED, THE LIFE TALK RADIO PETITION COULD BE A MAJOR BREACH OF THE "FIRE WALL" WHICH CURRENTLY PREVENTS OWNERSHIP OF LPFM STATIONS BY ESTABLISHED BROADCASTING INTERESTS.

Please file Reply Comments, in FCC Docket 99-25, which oppose the LIFE TALK RADIO Petition!!

List LPFM Radio 99-25 Proceeding Petitions and Comments - File Your Comments Today!

Please note that you are allowed, if you choose, to address BOTH Petitions in ONE set of Reply Comments.