Is there now any impetus to begin again to start looking at following the LPFM rules as a legal model for creating similar legislation for the now-nearly-non-existant non-commercial AM community radio market?
Ken,
The last major push for some sort of licensed LPAM service was around 2005 or 2006. There was a petition
that I believe may still be posted somewhere on www.recnet.com that was filed with the FCC.
Seems like it had to be noncommercial to keep the auction process from kicking in - which no one wanted, under any circumstances.
Once in a while it gets mentioned, and a little interest follows.
I was in favor of 10 watts with a 50 foot tower, and that was kind of the levels proposed. It was never acted on by the FCC and most of the parties have more or less given up on it.
I think the OP is referring to low power FM..
Last I heard there were plans to hold an LPFM filing window this October.
100Watts min/max power with a 50 foot tower.
"I think the OP is referring to low power FM."
No, we're talking about LPAM.
I'm aware of the previous ill-fated attempt, but I was thinking with the advent of the newly formed ALPB, there might be a way to get with Prometheus, whose very professional approach actually resulted in rule changes for LPFM.
I'm really just musing, but I'd think the rules, with appropriate engineering, could be applied to NC broadcast band AM radio. However the approach must be every bit clean, professional, and presentable to the legislature, because as of now, it doesn't exist. It will take serious work and dedication. I would do whatever I can.
There may be..I just am not sure there has been any impetus regarding it recently.
As for LPFM, the max power now is 100 watts with around 100 foot antenna height (30 meters.)
Having worked most of my career in AM I have a fondness for the band. With all our local stations playing satellite fed dreck, my Part 15 definitely stands out when tuning across the band.
I am going to apply for an LPFM, but had a thought about simulcasting it via Part 15 AM.
The antenna height requirement for the LPFM 100 watt license is actually 30 meter HAAT (height above average terrain); not tower height. The have a HAAT calculator on the FCC website. The bottom line is; if your site is on top of a large hill or mountain, even a zero height antenna is too tall.
Simulcating on part 15 AM is a great idea. Since the LPFM signal will only go 3-10 miles, retransmitting the signal via part 15 AM will cover the more remote villages.