A few years ago, REC used to publish periodic updates on the granting of LPFM construction permits. With that, we would mention how far along the FCC was in the process. This information was and still is available on the "LPFM Scoreboard" option on the REC website.
Just last Thursday, an LPFM application for an original construction permit in East Palatka, Florida was dismissed, almost 10 years after it was originally filed. The application, for an organization called Minority Educational Broadcasting, Inc. has been looming on an informal objection since 2003. There were concerns about the status of the organization. The FCC had sent numerous inquiries to Minority Educational and they were returned by the post office. This of course happened in 2009. Obviously, after many years of waiting, this organization (if there ever was one) no longer exists. The FCC did the right thing and dismissed the application.
With that application out of the way, only two applications remain. In Washington state, two applications are still floundering in the FCC hopper. First, we have an application for Bainbridge Island Broadcasting. They appear to be a provider of cable access programming on the island. The other application is from Calvary Chapel of Bremerton. This application has had 10 years of scruitny related to the many issues that have been raised over the years by LPFM proponents and others regarding the status of applications by churches in the Calvary organization.
These applications were properly spaced back in 2001 and that includes third adjacent. The applications are for 104.5, which now is short spaced to both stations due to a full power encroachment. Some of you may remember the story of the controversy caused by KMCQ, a full power station that was in The Dalles, OR and was moved north to Covington, WA. This also caused the displacement of KMIH, a Class-D high school station on Mercer Island. Fortunately, KMIH was able to relocate to 88.9 FM.
So what will remain for these two applications? Second adjacent waiver on 104.9 may work for both applicants. Are these applicants still interested? No matter what, let's get them out of the way so we can finally put a fork in this historic first series of LPFM filing windows. We get to start this wild ride again very soon.
Well, we wound up with 863 full licenses. Too bad I am seeing STAs for stations going silent.
