In this week’s issue… FCC opens LPFM window – Kim out at PRO-FM – Union bid at iHeart Philly – New lineup at WFAN – Bell seeks CTV News cutbacks – Remembering Erie’s Warvel, Maine’s Knox
By SCOTT FYBUSH
Jump to: ME – NH – VT – MA – RI – CT – NY – NJ – PA – Canada
*For a few years now, rumors have been swirling that the FCC might open a window for new applications for low-power FM stations. After the 2021 window for new full-power noncommercial FMs, those rumors intensified – and now that the Commission has pretty much worked its way through the applications from that window, it’s moving a little faster than most of us expected.
It’s one thing to have interest, of course, but it’s another entirely to have an available frequency and all the other specifics that go along with a successful application. While the FCC has relaxed some of the restrictive spacing rules for LPFMs since the last window was open in 2013, there’s still only so much FM spectrum to go around, and most of it is full, at least in most areas with any population to speak of at all.
What happens next? That’s where we come in at Fybush Media, of course – we’ll have some limited availability to help a few applicants get ready for the window, and we’d advise you to reach out soon if you’re interested. But whether you work with us, our friends at REC Networks or any of the other consultants out there, there are a few things to keep in mind.
If there’s a frequency available – and it is indeed a big “if,” even considering there are a few spots where LPFMs from previous windows have surrendered their licenses – it’s only noncommercial entities with a local presence that are eligible for these licenses. If there’s competition for an available frequency, the FCC’s point system will give preference to noncommercial entities with an already-established presence.
That’s an attempt to prevent some of the shenanigans that have gone on in previous windows, and there’s no doubt we’ll once again see some questionable applications from some questionable applicants. We’ll be watching closely, and we’re here to help legitimate applicants put quality radio on for their communities.
WE’RE WELL INTO 2025…
Do you have your Tower Site Calendar yet?
Now is the time to get it — and we have reduced the price. It’s now 20 percent off!
This year’s cover is a beauty — the 100,000-watt transmitter of the Voice Of America in Marathon, right in the heart of the Florida Keys. Both the towers and the landscape are gorgeous.
Other months feature some of our favorite images from years past, including some Canadian stations and several stations celebrating their centennials (buy the calendar to find out which ones!).
We have quite a few calendar left and are still shipping throughout the week.
The proceeds from the calendar help sustain the reporting that we do on the broadcast industry here at Fybush Media, so your purchases matter a lot to us here – and if that matters to you, now’s the time to show that support with an order of the Tower Site Calendar. (And we have the Broadcast Historian’s Calendar for 2025 ready to ship, too. Why not order both?)
Visit the Fybush Media Store and place your order now for the next calendar, get a great discount on previous calendars, and check out our selection of books and videos, too!