Low-power broadcasting

Low-power broadcasting is electronic broadcasting at low power to a smaller area than "full power" stations of the same region, but often distinguished from "micropower broadcasting" (more commonly "microbroadcasting") and broadcast translators. LPFM, LPAM, and LPTV are in various levels of use across the world, varying widely based on the laws and their enforcement.

Canada

Radio communications in Canada are regulated by a branch of Industry Canada called Radio Communications and Broadcasting Regulatory Branch together with Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). This means, interested parties must apply for both a certificate from Industry Canada and a license from CRTC in order to operate a radio station. Industry Canada manages the technicalities of spectrum space and technological requirements whereas content regulation is conducted more so by CRTC.

LPFM is broken up into two classes in Canada, Low (50 watts) and Very Low (10 watts). The transmitters therefore range from 1-50 watts, as opposed to 1-100 watts in the U.S. As of 2000, 500 licenses (very low and low-power FM) have been issued. These transmitters are generally only allowed in remote areas.

The regulation of spectrum space is strict in Canada, as well having restrictions on 2nd and 3rd adjacent channels along with other protections for AM and FM commercial radio. In addition, because there have been a few cases that found that FM frequencies have caused interference to the aeronautical navigation and communications (NAV/COM) spectrum, (though evidence is not very concrete presently) pirate radio regulation has remained very strict as well. However, the two regulating bodies do have certain exemptions. For example, low-power announcement transmitters that meet the requirement of Broadcasting Equipment Technical Standards 1, Limited Duration Special Events Distribution Undertakings, Temporary Resource Development Distribution Undertakings, and Public Emergency Radio Undertakings are a few instances, which according to certain criteria, may be exempt from certificate/license requirements.

In Canada, there is no formal transmission power below which a television transmitter is broadcasting at low power. Industry Canada, in most cases, considers a television transmitter to be low-power if the noise-limited bounding contours are less than 20 km from the antenna.

New Zealand

In New Zealand residents are allowed to broadcast licence free at a maximum of 1 watt EIRP in the FM guardbands from 87.6 to 88.3 and from 106.7 to 107.7 MHz under a General User Radio License (GURL) issued by Radio Spectrum Management which is managed by the Ministry of Economic Development. Prior to June 2010, the lower band was located between 88.1 and 88.8 and a maximum of 500 mW EIRP allowed. Broadcasters on these frequencies are required to cease operations if they interfere with other, licensed broadcasters and have no protection from interference from other licensed or unlicensed broadcasters, contacts details must also be broadcast every hour.

There exists a 25 km broadcast translator rule: You may operate two transmitters anywhere (close together), but a third transmitter must be at least 25 km away from at least one of the first two transmitters.

There are efforts on self-regulation of the broadcasters themselves. The NZRSM Radio Inspectors do however, regularly monitor & make random unannounced visits to broadcasters and will impose fines for violations of the regulations. New broadcasters are also subject to an initial compulsory inspection.

United Kingdom

Temporary low-power stations are allowed at times via a Restricted Service Licence.

Since 2001 longterm LPFM licences have been available in remote areas of the country. These are currently used for many establishments including military bases, universities and hospitals with fixed boundaries.

United States

FM radio

Low Power FM, or LPFM is a form of FM Broadcasting that uses a low amount of energy to broadcast a signal that does not travel very far. FM, or frequency modulation radio is often transmitted on a higher frequency than AM radio. Because of the low power usage and short range, LPFM is often seen as a niche radio station that plays things that relate more to the small surrounding community.

In the U.S., the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) partially re-legalized LPFM licenses.

The new LPFM licenses in the United States may only be issued to nonprofit educational organizations and state and local governments. (47 CFR 73.853)

Prior to the advent of the LPFM discussion and eventual rulemaking at the FCC, low-power FM operations were found legally under 47 CFR 15.239 in the form of single transmitters and radiating cable operations.

LPFM classes

• Class L1 (LP100) is to 100 watts effective radiated power (ERP). (47 CFR 73.811)
• Class L2 (L10) is at least 1 and up to 10 watts ERP. (47 CFR 73.811)
• Class D is 10 watts transmitter power output (TPO) or less, regardless of ERP, and are no longer issued for LPFM services (since 1978).

Officially, class D is still assigned to broadcast translators, though the rules are actually much looser (up to 250 watts ERP) than for true LPFM stations, though they may not broadcast their own programming.

New classes L1 and L2 are still considered amateur class D for international purposes, but are considered to be equal in status to translators, and subordinate to full-class D stations still operating.

Broadcast Auxiliary-Low Power stations are authorized in the frequency band 76–88 MHz; however, such stations must remain 129 kilometers (80 mi) or more distant from any other Part 73 Broadcast Station or LPTV/TV Translator station on Channel 6 if using the 87.8 to 88.0 MHz segment of the band. (47 CFR 74.802) Therefore, these particular stations authorize the use of FM Channel 200 (87.9 MHz). Such stations permit transmissions of live broadcast events. (47 CFR 74.831) To qualify, you must own another broadcast station, or produce TV/motion picture programming. (47 CFR 74.832) With the proliferation of online TV webcasting, this is not difficult. Power is limited to 50 milliwatts (1/20 of 1 watt). (47 CFR 74.861) These stations are licensed through the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau online by accessing ULS. There are equipment requirements in the FCC's rules, but none are too daunting for the typical citizen with an average level of income and savings. Unusual antennas are not allowed; however, gain antennas (up to about 6 db/D gain) are permitted under the rules. The license fee is currently $135 for a 4–8 year term license. Such stations are NOT restricted to filing windows, so a qualified applicant could be licensed at any time. As of 22 January 2010 Low Power Broadcast Auxiliary Stations using the "Core TV Bands" (channels 2–51) are permitted to be operated without a license under a waiver of Part 15 rules, although they are required to follow certain technical rules that are proposed to become permanent. These stations are not protected from interference by other broadcast entities under Parts 73 or 74 of the FCC's rules, and are not protected from interference by the Part 15 transmitters described below.

Part 15 rules allow for a signal strength of 250 µV/m at 3 meters from the antenna within the band 88 to 108 MHz, set forth in 47 CFR 15.239. Radiating cable antenna systems do allow for longer, if still narrow, radiated fields and are commonly used for building broadcast systems (stadiums, dormitories, apartments, etc.) with high success. Such systems are also used for specialized audiences for hearing assistance and language translation at events. Lack of selectivity and sensitivity in a typical inexpensive FM receiver are the primary limitations in the effective range of these systems.

Legislation

Radio Act of 1912

The Radio Act of 1912 required all amateur radio operators to be licensed and outlawed their ability to transmit over main commercial and military wavelengths. It also required all seafaring vessels to maintain 24 hour radio watch and maintain contact with ships and coastal radio stations in the area. This act set a model for international and federal legislation of wireless communications. This act also required all nonprofessional radio operators to obtain a license and forbid them from transmitting over the main commercial and military wavelengths. The Radio Act of 1912 also prevented the Marconi Company from dominating and dictating the activities of the people who used its equipment (this company had been forcing operators to refuse to communicate with those who had purchased and were using other companies' equipment).

The Radio Act of 1927

The Radio Act of 1927 placed most of the responsibility for radio to a newly developed Federal Radio Commission. The Federal Radio Commission now had the most control over regulating radio broadcasting. This act showed Congress's acknowledgment of broadcasters' right to "free speech", allowing stations to be free of government censorship and/or government programming. In addition, the broadcaster gained responsibility for their own operation and the government could not legally interfere unless the operator had been failing to meet the standard of public interest. All in all, the Radio Act of 1927 set up licensing and frequency allotment networks for commercial radio stations.

Communications Act of 1934

The Communications Act of 1934 established the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The Federal Communications Commission now oversees the licensing of all Low Power Broadcasting Stations.

Public Broadcasting Act of 1967

The Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson on November 7, 1967 to create the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR). Congress declared the Act to be in the "public interest to encourage the growth and development of public radio and television broadcasting. In the 1950s and 1960s, arts and education were often ignored by commercial radio and television producers. Independent, non-profit radio and television stations worked to provide arts education and education broadcasts but they often didn't have the funding. In 1965 the Carnegie Corporation, Ford Foundation and locally owned broadcasting stations lobbied congress to provide the funding for public broadcasting. The goal of the Public Broadcasting Act is to address the entertainment need of audiences like children and minorities and to nationally distribute high quality radio and television programs that provide education and arts education. Because the Corporation for Public Broadcasting is federally funded,the Corporation is not permitted to schedule, produce or disseminate programs. This prevents federal agencies from interfering with the Corporation or the programming. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting must conform to the annual federal budgeting and appropriation process, making adequate funding an issue for the Corporation. This act has been amended several times since 1967.

Telecommunications Act of 1996

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was implemented in order to foster competition between the firms in the Telecommunications Sector including those stations of LPFM. Reed Hundt, the FCC chair at the time, said that the FCC imposed the act to encourage “diversity in programming and diversity in the viewpoints expressed on this powerful medium that so shapes our culture.” The act “mandates interconnection of telecommunications networks, unbundling, non-discrimination, and cost-based pricing of leased parts of the network.” However the act relies upon the behaviors of companies to do what is in their best interest and does not enforce punishment towards firms that do not abide by the act. Furthermore research suggests that the Act has led to “less competition, fewer viewpoints, and less diversity in programming.”

Foundation of LPFM

• Jan. 2000: FCC established new class of stations called Low Power FM (LPFM) Stations. These stations were allowed to operate at 1–10 or 50–100 watts of power (compared to the minimum requirement for commercial stations at 100 watts. (47 CFR 73.211)
• Originally it was supported by activists, music artists (such as Bonnie Raitt), church leaders, and educators (for example, American Library Association, Communication Workers of American labor union, National League of Cities, United Church of Christ).
• Original purpose of LPFM, as described in J&MC Quarterly Journal, as "... Necessary to offset the growing consolidation of station ownership in the wake of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which removed caps on radio ownership, as well as the decline of locally produced radio programming." (Stavisky, Alan G., Robert K. Avery, and Helena Vanhala. "From Class D to LPFM: The High-Powered Politics of Low-Power Radio." Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly 78 (2001): 340–54.)
• Main opposition came from National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). The reason behind their opposition to the act was to "maintain spectrum integrity" for commercial broadcasting, according to NAB President Edward O. Fritts (Stavisky, Alan G., Robert K. Avery, and Helena Vanhala. "From Class D to LPFM: The High-Powered Politics of Low-Power Radio." Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly 78 (2001): 340–54.).

Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000

• Pressure from National Association of Broadcasters urged Congress to slip the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000 into a general spending bill that circulated through Congress. In December 2000, President Clinton signed the bill, albeit reluctantly.
• Here is a copy of the actual bill that went through Congress. [2]
• This act was meant to tighten standards for LPFM stations, in an effort to make it harder for stations to be approved in order to protect full-power FM stations.

1. The FCC has the ability and jurisdiction to license LPFM stations.
2. Third adjacent channel interference protections require LPFM stations to be separated by at least 0.6 MHz from all other stations with the intent of preventing signal interference.
3. Applicants who have engaged in the unlicensed operation of any station cannot receive LPFM licenses.
4. The FCC agreed to commission studies on the interference effects and economic impact of LPFM on full-power stations. (The findings, later published in the MITRE Corporation Report, suggest that third adjacent channel interference protections may not be necessary.)

• Basically, this act shifts policy making from the FCC to Congress, which was considered an insult against the FCC. (Stavisky, Alan G., Robert K. Avery, and Helena Vanhala. "From Class D to LPFM: The High-Powered Politics of Low-Power Radio." Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly 78 (2001): 340–54.)

Local Community Radio Act of 2005

• Introduced by U.S. Senators John McCain, Maria Cantwell, Patrick Leahy
• After the FCC complied with the provisions of the Radio Broadcasting Act of 2000 by commissioning the MITRE Report to test if there was significant interference from LPFM stations on the full-power stations, the study showed that the interference of LPFM is minimal and won't have a significant effect on other stations.
• According to Sen. Leahy, "This bill will open up the airwaves to truly local broadcasting while protecting full-power broadcasters from unreasonable interference and preserving important services such as reading services for the blind."

Local Community Radio Act of 2007

Sponsored in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Mike Doyle and Lee Terry and in the U.S. Senate by Senators Maria Cantwell and John McCain the Local Community Radio Act of 2007 failed to be voted on. The House bill, H.R. 2802, was referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet on June 21, 2007. Since the bill was not passed in FY 2007, the bill was removed from the docket as Never Passed.

Local Community Radio Act of 2009

This bill is an update of the Local Community Radio Act of 2007. It will require FCC to alter current rules in order to get rid of the minimum distance separation between low-power FM stations and third-adjacent channel stations. Previously, there had been a minimum distance requirement, however the FCC found that LPFM stations did not cause any interference on third-adjacent channel stations, thus eliminating the need for such a requirement.

The Local Community Radio Act of 2009 also requires that the FCC keep the rules that offer interference protection to third-adjacent channels that offer a radio reading service (the reading of newspapers, books or magazines for those who are blind or hearing impaired.) This protection will ensure that such channels are not subject to possible interference by LPFM stations.

The final part of the bill requires that when giving out licenses to FM stations, the FCC must make sure that these licenses are also available to LPFM stations and that licensing decisions are made with regard to local community needs.

The bill had unanimous bipartisan support from FCC leadership. It was passed by the House and referred to the Senate.

Local Community Radio Act of 2010

The Local Community Radio Act of 2010 (based upon legislation originally introduced in 2005) was signed into law by President Obama on January 4, 2011 as Pub. L. 111–371 (text) (PDF), after passage in the House on December 17, 2010, and the U.S. Senate on December 18, 2010. In a statement after the bill became law, Federal Communications Commission Chair Julius Genachowski said, "Low power FM stations are small, but they make a giant contribution to local community programming. This important law eliminates the unnecessary restrictions that kept these local stations off the air in cities and towns across the country." The Act states the following: The Federal Communications Commission, when licensing new FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and low-power FM stations, shall ensure that-- (1) licenses are available to FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and low-power FM stations; (2) such decisions are made based on the needs of the local community; and (3) FM translator stations, FM booster stations, and low-power FM stations remain equal in status and secondary to existing and modified full-service FM stations. In General- The Federal Communications Commission shall modify its rules to eliminate third-adjacent minimum distance separation requirements between-- (1) low-power FM stations; and (2) full-service FM stations, FM translator stations, and FM booster stations.

Arguments for LPFM

• Freepress.net is a "national, nonpartisan organization working to reform the media. Through education, organizing and advocacy, we promote diverse and independent media ownership, strong public media, and universal access to communications." Freepress.net supports LPFM for a variety of reasons:
  • It strengthens community identity.
  • It creates an outlet for amateur musicians to get their music heard.
  • It creates diversity on the air because women and racial minorities are represented.
  • It creates an opportunity for young people, especially college students, who are interested in radio to learn about the business.
  • It provides farmers with up to date agricultural information.

• Prometheus Radio Project is a non-profit organization that "builds, supports, and advocates for community radio stations which empower participatory community voices and movements for social change."
  • The media should not limit democratic participation but should provide a way for communities and movements to express themselves
  • Public airwaves shouldn't be concentrated in private/corporate hands
  • Low Power FM gives a voice to communities
  • Low Power FM needs to be protected from big broadcasters

• A NY Times article focusing on a LPFM station called KOCZ highlights a number of key arguments for LPFM:
  • "In Louisiana, a large African-American community appreciate how LPFM plays a genre of music called zydeco, a potent blend of Cajun, rhythm and blues and, among a younger generation, hip-hop, often features accordion and washboard.“
  • LPFM influences commercial radio to offer listeners a wider range of music. “Commercial stations had started playing more zydeco since KOCZ started broadcasting in 2002. 'They know that we make them better,' an advocate said.”
  • Because LPFM is non-commercial, schools and organizations are able to promote many community service-related projects that help better the local neighborhood. "KOCZ is licensed to the Southern Development Foundation, a civil rights group that grants scholarships and runs a business incubator but has fallen on hard times. The foundation treats the station as a 24-hour form of community outreach. "
  • LPFM promotes a very close community. "A woman walked into the station ... asked for an announcement to be broadcast about her lost dog... 'She was able to get her dog back the next day’”
  • LPFM is crucial for small communities in times of emergencies. “A low power FM radio station can stay on the air even if the power goes out. Low power FM saved lives during Katrina.”

• President Bill Clinton is a known advocate of LPFM saying it is "giving voice to the voiceless", including schools, community groups, churches, and ethnic groups.

• Brown Paper Tickets CEO Steve Butcher supports LPFM, stating in a letter to the FCC, "We hear from event producers frequently who can't afford radio ad buys on commercial stations. These local entrepreneurs can afford underwriting on smaller stations that can help build awareness about their events."

• An average FM station can cost a million dollars and only businesses and very wealthy people can afford it. LPFM stations are affordable. An antenna and transmitter can cost $2000–$5000.

Arguments against LPFM

• Signal Interference on FM Station: High-power FM stations express concern that LPFM stations may cause interference with their signals if third adjacent channel interference protections are not observed. While the Mitre Report suggests that the likelihood for interference is not as threatening as previously thought, high-power FM stations question the methodology, scope and validity of the study and its results.

• FM translators: These devices allow a radio station to rebroadcast its signal to reach a greater area. FM translators could benefit religious broadcasters wishing to reach a larger audience, as well as many AM radio stations who, due to ionospheric refraction, are required to emit weaker signals during the night. FM translators are low-power, so compete with LPFM for limited space on the airwaves.

• In some states, the local Department of Transportation operates large networks of LPFM stations that act as highway advisory radio stations—a service traditionally operated at the fringes of the AM band—restricting the number of available channels. (These systems can be licensed to the entire AM band, but the LPFM service provides considerably greater coverage at 100 watts than the 10-watt limit on AM—hence the considerable appeal for government agencies).

• Some investors in radio believe LPFM services prevent the development of digital radio.

• NPR is one opponent to low-power FM. Their stance is that allowing more flexible rules for LPFM would burden other stations by forcing them to deal with interference problems and because of the fact that full-power broadcasters reach a broader audience and provide a greater service, they should be favored regarding spectrum availability.

• NAB is the other major source of opposition. Their stance is that full-power FM broadcasters “enhance localism” by providing community responsive information such as emergency information. Allowing low-power FM stations to have equal spectrum rights could be detrimental to these necessary programs.

LPFM vs. broadcast translators

Unlike the former FM class D license, an LPFM station has no priority over broadcast translators in the allocation of available spectrum. This is problematic insofar as a loophole in the regulations for broadcast translators exempts non-commercial stations from the requirement that translators be within the coverage area of the original station that they rebroadcast.

An FCC licensing window for new translator applications in 2003 resulted in over 13,000 applications being filed, most of them coming from a few religious broadcasters. A large percentage of these stations were a result of broadcasters were exploiting a loophole allowing non-commercial stations to feed distant translators from satellite-delivered programming hundreds or even thousands of miles outside the parent station's coverage area,. It should be noted that this is only true for those located on channels 201–220. However even though all translators on commercial frequencies must be fed by a direct, over-the-air source, regardless of who owns the translator per FCC rule 74.1231(b)., the actual over-the-air source can be satellite fed. This leads to programming from a single station (retransmitted my many others) ending up on several hundred different translators. One station cannot apply for hundreds or thousands of translators nationwide, using automated means to generate license applications for all available channels, unless all of their applications are exclusively on the non-commercial part of the broadcast band (88–91.9 MHz). (47 CFR 74.1231(b)) As with any new service that shares the FM spectrum, when translators are added to an area, they can reduce or eliminate the availability of channels both for new LPFM applicants and for relocation of any existing LPFM stations displaced by full-service broadcasters. Unlike an LPFM station, a translator is not required to (and legally not authorized to) originate any local content except as permitted by 47 CFR 74.1231.

See also: Broadcast relay station § Great Translator Invasion of 2003

AM radio

LPAM licensed operations in the United States are frequently the low-power nighttime or post-sunset/pre-sunrise authorizations for higher-power licensed AM stations; these vary in power but are typically 100 watts or less. Part 90.242 licensed operations are normally authorized for 10 watts or less, although some 100-watt emergency authorizations exist, primarily in locations where emergency evacuation may be part of the operations. Legal unlicensed operations are governed under FCC Part 15.219, 15.221 primarily.

There are several manufacturers of unlicensed, legal "Part 15" AM transmitters with a power of about 0.1 watt. Higher output powers are allowed within the campus of any school, so long as the normal Part 15 rules are adhered to when measured at the edge of the campus. Many currently licensed college radio stations started out this way. Stations may have freestanding radio antennas, or may use carrier current methods to ride on power lines. These signals cannot pass through transformers, however, and are prone to the electromagnetic interference of the alternating current. Stations may also use 'leaky' or radiating cable transmission systems. Tens of thousands of these stations have been in operation around the country since the 1940s, and many continue to thrive where conventional licensing is unavailable and the operators still desire to conform to Federal laws.

Part 90.242 systems are known as Travelers' Information Stations (TIS), sometimes also called highway advisory radio (HAR). These are licensed LPAM stations set up by local transport departments to provide bulletins to motorists and other travelers regarding traffic and other delays. These are often near highways and airports, and occasionally other tourism attractions such as national parks. Only governments may have licenses for TIS/HAR stations, and music is disallowed. These operate under FCC Part 90.242 and may be licensed by quasi-governmental agencies as well (many are used by chemical and nuclear facilities for emergency evacuation information systems) as well as by public safety entities for mobile operations.

Television

There are more than 2,450 licensed LPTV stations in the U.S. and they are in markets of all sizes, from New York City (5 stations) down to Junction City, Kansas (2 stations).

LPTV (-LP) is common in the U.S., Canada and most of the Americas where most stations originate their own programming. Stations that do not originate their own programming are designated as translators (-TX). The Community Broadcasters act of 1998 directed the FCC to create classification of LPTV licenses called Class A (-CA). Digital low-power and Class-A television stations have an ERP limit of 3000 watts (3 kW) for VHF, and 15 kilowatts for UHF.

The LPTV service is considered a secondary service by the FCC, which means the licensee is not guaranteed protection from interference or displacement. An LPTV station must accept harmful interference from full-service television stations and may not cause harmful interference to any full-service television station. (The FCC defines what interference levels are deemed to be "harmful".) The problem with potential displacement was made evident during the transition of broadcasting in the United States from analog to digital. All television stations operating on channels 52 and above were required to move to channel 51 or below. Full-service stations were guaranteed a place to land in the new compressed band while LPTV stations operating on channels 52 and above were forced to find their own channel to move to. If a station was not able to find a displacement channel it runs the risk of losing its license.

Class A LPTV stations

The FCC provided for a one-time filing opportunity for existing LPTV stations to become Class A stations. The designation was available only to those LPTV stations that were producing two hours per week of local programming. Class A status provides for protected channel status and Class A stations are required to produce two hours per week of local programming, maintain a production studio within their Grade B contour, and comply with many of the requirements placed on full-service television stations.

Must-carry

One of the key distinctions between full-service television stations and low-power stations is cable TV and Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) carriage. Full-service stations are guaranteed carriage in their local DMA through "must-carry" and LPTV stations are not. In 2008 there was an effort put forward by FCC Chairman Kevin Martin to grant must-carry rights to Class A LPTV stations. The effort failed due to a lack of support from the other FCC Commissioners.

Network affiliates

Though many low-power TV stations are either unaffiliated, or broadcast programming from small networks meant for their use, some LPTV stations are affiliated with major broadcast networks like Fox, The CW or My Network TV. Examples include in Youngstown, Ohio, where a pair of LPTV stations based at WYFX-LD broadcast Fox programming, along with the digital subchannel of the co-owned CBS affiliate, WKBN-TV, or in the Lima, Ohio area, whose low-power stations are affiliates of major networks, such as NBC and ABC.

Digital transition

On July 15, 2011, the FCC issued an order to low-power broadcasters that effectively requires all remaining TV transmitters to vacate channels 52 to 69 by December 31, 2011. In that same order, the FCC effectively requires all remaining analog transmitters to shut down by September 1, 2015.

Unlike FM and AM, unlicensed use of TV bands is prohibited for broadcasting. The amateur television channels do allow for some very limited non-entertainment transmissions however, with some repeaters airing NASA TV during Space Shuttle missions when they are not in local use.

The Low Power Television industry was represented by the Community Broadcasters Association (CBA), which held its annual convention each year in October and an annual meeting each year in April at the National Association of Broadcasters Convention in Las Vegas. The meeting was always held on Monday night of the NAB convention in Ballroom B of the Las Vegas Hilton and was open to anyone interested in the Low Power Television industry. On August 13, 2009, the CBA announced in a statement that it would shut down after 20 years of representing LPTV stations. One reason given was the "restrictive regulations that kept the Class A and LPTV industry from realizing its potential". Another was the inability to reach most viewers, partly due to Multichannel Video Programming Distributors refusing to carry these channels. Also, Amy Brown, former CBA executive director, said, "some 40% of Class A and LPTV station operators believe they will have to shut down in the next year if they are not helped through the digital transition."

Update

In February 2006, the FCC released its Notices of Proposed Rules for Digital Radio. The Commission reaffirms its commitment to provide broadcasters with the opportunity to take advantage of digital audio broadcasting (DAB) technology, proposed criteria for evaluating models and systems, such as the In Band On Channel (IBOC) system, and inquired on the needs for a mandatory DAB transmission standard.

In section 39 of the Notice, the FCC inquires as how to balance incentives for broadcasters to switch to digital systems with incumbents of new entrance opportunities, stating that they “seek analyses of the minimum power levels that would preserve service within protected service areas in an all-digital environment, and alternatively, the levels that would not result in significant disruptions to current listening patterns.”

The DAB system that has been identified as the best fit for LPFM is IBOC system. This is a hybrid system that uses existing frequencies and can operate carrying digital information along with analog broadcast signal on the sidebands. However, the digital carriers require the bandwidth to be widened, which would cause interference to stations on the first adjacent channel. If LPFM adopts IBOC, then LPFM would also need to accept a second adjacent channel restriction between two LPFM stations, as there is a potential that the sidebands of two LPFM stations would overlap causing interference. Currently, imposing a second adjacent channel restriction would impact less than 10 LPFM stations.

See also

• List of broadcast station classes — Explanation on broadcasting classes
• North American call sign — How call signs and classes are used in North America
• ITU prefix — How callsigns and classes are used worldwide
• List of LPFM stations in New Zealand
• Cognitive radio
• Wireless mesh network

External links

• Status of LCRA of 2010
• President Obama Signs LCRA of 2010 into law
• Genachowski Statement
• Template:Dmoz
• Globe FM An LPFM station in New Zealand
• Part-15 Low Power AM Radio in U.S.
• Part 15 Radio Stations of North America (from archive.org April 2006)
• Radio Deregulation: Has It Served Citizens and Musicians?
• REC Networks LPFM site
• Society of LPFM Broadcasters Inc. (based in Auckland, New Zealand)
• The Cartoon Guide to Federal Spectrum Policy by J. H. Snider and Nigel Holmes (discussed at Slashdot)
• The Telecommunications Act of 1996 and its Impact by Nicholas Economides (September 1998)
• New Zealand GURL
• Complete Manual of Pirate Radio
• US FCC Consumer Advisory