[Azham] McCain Re-introduces Bill to Create More LPFMs

[Brian Short]

McCain Re-introduces Bill to Create More LPFMs

Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Patrick Leahy, 
D-Vt. have re-introduced a bill that would allow more low-power FMs by 
dropping third-adjacent channel protections for full-power stations.

  Sponsors say the Local Community Radio Act of 2005 would allow more 
LPFMs on the air, some in large markets, and "eliminate costly and 
redundant studies on possible interference from low power FM radio 
stations to other FM stations."

  "While low-power FM radio stations were authorized five years ago, 
implementation has been severely hampered by commercial broadcasters' 
flagrantly exaggerated claims of interference," McCain stated.

  "The most recent obstruction, a two-year study conducted at the behest 
of broadcasters, cost taxpayers over $2 million and proved what the FCC 
and community groups have known for years: low-power FM stations will 
not cause significant interference to other broadcasters' signals.

  "It is time for broadcasters to stop hiding behind false claims of 
interference when they are really afraid of the competition from truly 
local broadcasters."

  McCain referred to the Mitre study, comissioned by the FCC, which LPFM 
supporters say showed no harmful interference to full-power FMs if 
third-adjacent restrictions were lifted. NAB argues this point.

  McCain's bill did not pass in the last session of Congress.



--
73, Brian (K7ON)
http://members.cox.net/bshort4/