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REC's "2x70" concept for the handling of the pending Auction 83 (Great Translator Invasion) applictions is starting to gain support in the broadcast engineering community. Radio World's Michael LeClair recently described our proposals:
REC’s commonsense proposals go a long way to address the faults of the 2003 translator window and point the way to a more reasonable translator allocation system.
We are very confident that we have the most sophisticated handling method for these applications that would assure that translators are available in areas where they are the most needed (the rural areas) and LPFM stations are available in the areas where they are most needed (the suburban and urban areas). "2x70" imposes a counterbalance in the current structure where there are more urban translators and more rural LPFMs. Rural LPFM must continue to be made available and if anything we feel that rural LPFM deserves a boost, we also see the value of translators in rural areas. "2x70" assures that in the rural areas where there's plenty of room for both LPFM and translators, they can both co-exist. These are opportunities that would have been foreclosed upon with the 10-cap.
Now, with the FCC working on an eventual rulemaking proceeding to implement the Local Community Radio Act, it is time that we need to look at moving the LPFM service to a more level playing field with FM translators.
We really think the opinion of Michael LeClair really states why we are doing this. We are coming up with ideas that make good common sense. We have made it clear in the past that REC does not speak for the entire LPFM community nor should we be considered a national association. Unlike other LPFM proponents, REC is not driven by a faith or political agenda. Our only agenda is to assure that local citizens can regain access to their airwaves. At one time, we wanted to start an LPFM station (and maybe someday we will). But for now, we want to make sure that the 100 channels of the FM radio dial serve as many people as possible and completely neutral as possible on the basis of politics and faith. To us, it does not matter whether an applicant is left-leaning or right-leaning, as long as they fairly follow the application process and service rules and they use their alloted channel to promote their community in a positive manner.
We ask that you access MM Docket 99-25 in the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System and show your support for the 2x70 concept.
REC and other ally LPFM supporters will be very busy for the next two years. We would all appreciate your ongoing support as we work to make this right.
