FCC Rejects Low-Power FM Radio Application for Page, Arizona
Background
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has denied an application for a low-power FM (LPFM) radio station in Page, Arizona. The applicant, Page Community Radio, had sought to establish a station operating at 107.1 MHz with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 50 watts.
Rationale for Denial
The FCC's Media Bureau cited several reasons for its decision to reject the application:
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Insufficient Distance to Existing Station: The proposed LPFM station would have been located within the 150-kilometer interference contour of an existing full-power FM station, KNAU-FM. This would have violated FCC regulations that prohibit LPFM stations from causing harmful interference to licensed broadcasters.
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Lack of Unique Programming: The applicant failed to demonstrate that the proposed LPFM station would offer unique programming that is not currently available in the Page community. The FCC requires LPFM stations to serve niche audiences that are not adequately addressed by existing broadcasters.
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Reduced Coverage Area: The FCC expressed concerns that the proposed station's low ERP and antenna height would have resulted in a coverage area that is too small to effectively serve the Page community.
Applicant's Response
Page Community Radio has expressed disappointment with the FCC's decision. The applicant argues that the proposed station would have provided a valuable service to the community by offering local news, information, and programming that is lacking on existing stations.
The applicant also notes that the proposed station would have operated on a frequency that is not currently used in Page, thus avoiding interference with any other broadcasters.
Impact on Page Community
The FCC's decision to deny the application leaves Page without a local LPFM radio station. This means that residents of Page will continue to rely on existing full-power stations or distant LPFM stations for their local radio listening needs.
Analysis
The FCC's decision to reject the LPFM application in Page is a reminder of the challenges faced by low-power broadcasters. LPFM stations are often subject to stricter regulations than full-power stations, particularly when it comes to potential interference.
The FCC's decision also highlights the importance of demonstrating a clear need for a new LPFM station in a community. Applicants must be able to show that the proposed station will provide unique programming that is not already available.
Conclusion
The FCC's denial of the LPFM application for Page, Arizona, is a setback for the community and for the low-power broadcasting industry. However, the FCC's decision serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to regulations and demonstrating a clear need for a new broadcasting service.
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