REC is delighted that the FCC took our suggestion and lifted the restrictions that were placed on proposed student operated LPFM stations. Under the original rules, if an LPFM application by a student operated station at an institution that already has a broacast license was mutually exclusive with other LPFM applicants, the student application would be dismissed.
As we have seen with KUSF and many other student stations that have seen their fate set in the past decade as universities downsize their broadcasting and journalism programs, LPFM is an affordable way to maintain some form of over-the-air experience for our next generation of people in the broadcast industry.
Under the new rules, a student operated station that is based out of an institution that already has a FM, AM or TV station will not be dismissed solely because of this status and will be able to now compete for points and if necessary, share time with other LPFM stations thus increasing dial diversity even further.
Like the FCC Chairman and many others, my first experience at a licensed radio station was at a student-run station. In my case, as a community volunteer. I have a place in my heart for student run radio and my comments that made this change take place was common sense and from the heart.
I encourage all potential student broadcast station applicants to use myLPFM to find their potential channels and to use Radio Spark from Prometheus Radio Project to network with other potential applicants as well as us who are more seasoned in the LPFM community.
Finally, thanks to our friends at Common Frequency who filed comments in favor of our student station proposal.
Michi Eyre
Founder, REC Networks
11/30/2012
