Listeners in Austin, TX who tune to 103.1 FM are in for a bit of a surprise. The FCC records show that a translator is on that frequency belonging to Educational Media Foundation (EMF), the California-based mega-ministry that operates the “K-Love” and “Air 1” radio networks on hundreds of full power FM radio stations and FM translators nationwide. However, on 103.1 in Austin, listeners do not hear inspiring Christian contemporary music or the reading of scripture. Instead, they hear promotions for gentlemen’s clubs and “natural male enhancement”.

Due to the recent rule changes that allow AM radio stations to be carried on FM translators, EMF is seizing the opportunity by entering into an agreement with commercial mega-broadcaster Clear Channel to carry the signal of AM 1300 KVET, an all-sports format on FM using the facility on 103.1 FM.

This is upsetting the residents in a nearby community who listen to low power radio station, KDRP-LP.

The LPFM Channel Search Tool now gives you the option to remove pending Auction 83 (Great Translator Invasion) translators in designated markets proposed for dismissal under the FCC's "Channel Floors" proposal in the recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

When you access the LPFM Channel Search Tool, select the option "Exclude translators proposed to be dismissed by the FCC in the July, 2011 NPRM.". We will be adding more functionality across the other tools, such as Broadcast Query, at a later time.

Does the upcoming LPFM/Translator NPRM invalidate LPFM Tool search results or just provide more opportunities?

The current production version of the LPFM Channel Search Tools (both the PC based and mobile) assume by default that all pending translator applications are still in place. This means that any proposed plan that would suggest a new LPFM opportunity would have application priority against any existing facility record (even if just a pending original construction permit application), the tool would only display fewer opportunities then what may be possible.

This morning, the full Federal Communications Commission has voted unanimously to promote a further notice of proposed rulemaking (FNPRM) that will:

Today's decision in the 3rd Circuit was a major victory for localism, women, people of color and the overall public interest.

The court acknowledges what many of us knew all along, that the FCC's broadcast ownership restrictions are too lax and do nothing to promote diversity in ownership and programming.

While we, the public have achieved this victory, it is only one stepping stone. We must continue to close the gaps in broadcast law that preclude local organizations, minority groups and local ministries from being able to use local broadcast spectrum to convey their message because of national interests.