Statement of REC Networks: Prometheus withdraws 20 informal objections

REC thanks Prometheus Radio Project and the other advocates involved in the Informal Objection against translator applications for the recent withdrawal of a handful of applications.  It is a small step in the right direction.  Despite these withdrawals, there are many pending modification applications for already licensed FM translator stations that are not subject to Section 5 of the LCRA.  We call on Prometheus to withdraw all Informal Objections against such licensed facilities.   We also call upon Prometheus to withdraw all applications in the state of Alaska due to the facts that there are no Top-150 markets in the state and also due to the fact that an LPFM-like service (Class D) is already available in Alaska without the need to wait for a filing window.  We also call on a withdrawal on one Guam application as there is plenty of spectrum available there for a future LPFM window. 

We do note that Prometheus has filed objections against short-form applications from Auctions 83 and 100 which will be soon coming up to auction.  We do feel that these facilities should be evaluated for Section 5 compliance but we need to do so at the time when the long form is filed.  In addition, the long forms filed by the Auction 99 winners also need to be looked at in the same way.  

REC feels though that the right thing for Prometheus to do is to withdraw objections against all FM translator applications that are on facilities that have already been licensed and that their modification applications are not subject to any kind of treatment under Section 5 of the LCRA.  REC has identified three translators filed in the 250-mile move window on facilities that have not yet been licensed for which can be evaluated under Section 5:

Additional objections that should be withdrawn - REC has identiifed the following applications that are still pending (not dismissed) and have not yet been withdrawn by Prometheus as of May 31, 2018.  These applications are for facilities that are already licensed and are seeking modifications.  These facilities are not considered "new licenses" under Section 5 of the LCRA and therefore are not subject to any kind of review.  This list also includes all applications in Alaska and Guam for the reasons mentioned previously.  We ask Prometheus, et al to withdraw their Informal Objection against these applications and then we can focus on those that could raise a Section 5 issue:

Again, we want to point out that Prometheus has raised some valid issues in regards to Section 5 where it comes assuring that new licenses are available for both LPFM stations and FM translator stations.  We feel that the issue is best resolved by dealing directly with the issue and not arbitrarily holding applicants hostage.  Again, let's work together and look at the plan that REC announced yesterday to determine how the other applicants are complying with Section 5.

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About REC Networks:  REC is a leading policy voice supporting a citizen’s ability to access radio spectrum.  The advocacy side of REC was responsible for the writing of RM-11749, the 250-watt LPFM proposal.  Other REC advocacy initiatives include alternate spectrum for community radio expansion in areas where FM spectrum is not available, driving changes to the FCC rules to allow more flexibility for LPFM stations while remaining compliant with the Local Community Radio Act. REC serves all six segments of LPFM including cause-based organizations, public sector agencies, micro radio stations, community media organizations, secular educational organizations and faith-based organizations. REC also provides consulting and filing services for LPFM stations, FM translators (including FM translators related to smaller AM broadcast stations) and full-service FM stations.  More information at our website http://recnet.com.

Media contact:
Michelle Bradley
202 621-2355 opt 4