http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2013/02/07/what-could-low-power-fm-radio-do-here-in-seattle Comments On: What Could Low-Power FM Radio Do Here in Seattle? by Anna Minard en-us Copyright 2013 The Stranger. All rights reserved. This RSS file is offered to individuals, The Stranger readers, and non-commercial organizations only. Any commercial websites wishing to use this RSS file, please contact The Stranger. webmaster@thestranger.com (The Stranger Webmaster) Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:01 -0700 Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:15:00 -0700 Foundation http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Posted by sleystl]]> Fri, 08 Feb 2013 13:57:34 -0800 The Stranger Posted by duffellduffell]]> Fri, 08 Feb 2013 04:05:54 -0800 The Stranger
The FCC stipulates that the organization's campus must be located within ten miles of the transmitting antenna. Additionally, 75% of its governing board must reside within ten miles of the transmitting antenna. The LPFM program started back in the late 90's but the FCC hasn't had a licensing window since 2000.

They can't run "ads" but they can run underwriters which is a little different in that they are informative radio spots aired in exchange for a donation, but they are not necessary for a station's operation. "This programming is brought to you in part by..."

In fact, the only real content requirements are that a station must air their station I.D. on the hour, provide a minimum amount of public affairs/news programming that is relevant to their area's demographics (and be able to show how and why the programming is relevant), and be on the air for a minimum amount of time each week (they don't have to broadcast all day).

Once a LPFM station is set up its operating costs are extremely low compared to regular stations. Rent and electricity bills are the highest expenses followed by music licensing, which about $1050 a year for LPFM stations (if they also have a webstream).

Starting a station obviously isn't as simple as plugging a board into a transmitter and then into an antenna. The engineering involved is pretty tricky and can cost a lot of money just to get the proposal that the FCC will either accept or reject. The transmitter needs to be able to put out at least 150 Watts (to broadcast at 100 Watts) as power is lost in the connection to the antenna, and a transmitter, antenna, and coaxial transmitting line will run around $3000 on the cheap side.

Then there's all the monitoring equipment like the Emergency Alert System that runs between $2,500-$4000 in the cheaper range, and modulation monitors (to ensure the licensed power levels are being adhered to) that run around $3,000. Then there's all the studio equipment which you house... well it depends. If the engineer determines that the studio and transmitting site can't be in the organization's campus then they're screwed having to set-up remote links or STL's and paying additional rent on separate buildings.

So... obviously, $9,000,000 in grants is really awesome news.
Posted by Celebrandy]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 23:28:06 -0800 The Stranger Posted by Phil M]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 22:27:25 -0800 The Stranger Posted by litlnemo]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:31:26 -0800 The Stranger Posted by Mahtli69]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 20:58:01 -0800 The Stranger
For example, my music service, Rhapsody has a "radio" section. It is basically a playlist their music coordinators put together. Also users can create playlists.

So in theory all you have to do is post a play list and have users go and select the music and listen to it...like a computer program for your brain.

Posted by Supreme Ruler Of The Universe]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:06:39 -0800 The Stranger
Also, LPFM is great because not everyone has constant or any access to the internet and the radio is a lot more accessible for the general population. LPFM empowers community members to create radio, thus creating more opportunities for different perspectives not usually heard on the radio waves. LPFM often broadcasts information that is pertinent to the surrounding community.
Posted by lowlytootle]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 17:23:57 -0800 The Stranger
KFAI in Minneapolis started in a church at 10 watts and is stronger than ever 30 years later (now 125 watts, plus a translator in St. Paul) bringing in $100K twice a year to support a modest staff and studios, plus tons of volunteers. We always said we may be volunteers, but we were also professionals. People took it seriously! Three alarms to wake up for a morning shift, drive through freezing rain to get to studio on time. Fun times! I won't forget when the mayor called to ask about a song we'd played...
Posted by abomb]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:05:19 -0800 The Stranger Posted by watchout5]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:03:29 -0800 The Stranger
I'm imagining a small surge in local talk and political type content. A local Pacifica type radio for each city? Sent to the Internet at the same time for broader reach?

If Station A in downtown sets up, what's to stop station B in Ballard, Station C in West Seattle, Station D in Queen Anne, Station E in the UW, and Stations in other nearby areas all just carrying the same content with local targeted advertising?

This could get very, very interesting.
Posted by Joe Szilagyi]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:10:04 -0800 The Stranger
Did you know you can buy a car in the EU that costs about $2500, and gets 60 mpg?
Posted by Will in Seattle]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:56:14 -0800 The Stranger
But yeah, what @1 said.
Posted by Matt the Engineer]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:23:57 -0800 The Stranger @2

http://www.freedompop.com/


Posted by Supreme Ruler Of The Universe]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:18:57 -0800 The Stranger Posted by dangerousgift]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:18:22 -0800 The Stranger
Unless they adopt that, which would make us a First World nation, instead of Third Tier.
Posted by Will in Seattle]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:14:06 -0800 The Stranger Because the Internet doesn't exist...?

Posted by Supreme Ruler Of The Universe]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:57:00 -0800 The Stranger