LPFM.wiki was founded by Michelle Bradley, CBT as a public service to provide information regarding various forms of low power FM (LPFM) services to promote regulatory compliance, promotion of LPFM broadcasting and community radio in general and to help improve the on-air experience for radio listeners.
User registration
User registration is not required in order to read the pages on this Wiki, but in order to assure a quality experience for readers and to prevent vandalism that occasionally takes place on other Wiki sites, we will limit registration to approved users. Once approved, users with passwords can access the Wiki system in order to create and edit pages.
Policy in respect to any perceived relationship to REC Networks
While Michelle Bradley is also the founder of REC Networks and Michelle as an individual is funding this site's operation. This Wiki should not be considered as an outreach of REC Networks. Any editorial control of this Wiki by REC will be at an equal level with any other contributor.
REC's only other direct involvement in this Wiki will be the use of data collected under the auspices of REC in order to review requests for editor access. For example, public and non-public data from REC may be used to determine the qualifications of an LPFM station representative to participate in the editing process such as reviewing the listing at LPFM.us, reviewing non-public data regarding LPFM stations with a past history of running commercials as well as reviewing past participation in Facebook groups under the control of REC Networks (LPFM, LPFM Tech Advice, Part 15 AM and FM Broadcasters, etc.). Participation in an REC controlled Facebook group is NOT a prerequisite for obtaining editor access to this Wiki.
Policy regarding promotion of products and services
Promotion of products and services offered by users who have been validated and approved as editors will be limited to their user profile page. This includes those who provide services in direct competition with REC Networks.
Qualifications for access to this Wiki as a contributor
To assure that information delivered on this Wiki is coming from those who are considered as subject matter experts in their field, LPFM.wiki will have the following qualification requirements in order to participate as an editor on the Wiki.
Regulatory advocates
Individuals who represent organizations that represent organizations, as well as those individuals who are "freelance" and do not represent a specific organization, that have participated in FCC rulemaking proceedings in the radio broadcasting services. Known organizations that have participated in past rulemaking proceedings include, but are not limited to:
- Common Frequency, Inc.
- National Federation of Community Broadcasters
- LPFM Advocacy Group
- LPFM Consortium
- Prometheus Radio Project; and
- REC Networks
To validate individuals requesting access using this criterion, the Wiki may consult public FCC data in the Electronic Comment Filing System.
LPFM.wiki has the right to reject requests from those with a track record of hostility towards LPFM and community radio in general.
Consultants and Engineers
Those with demonstrated knowledge of radio theory and have had experience in the broadcast radio application process, especially in the fields of LPFM, FM translator and full-service noncommercial educational stations. Qualifications include any of the following:
- Holds a certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) in the (radio) Engineering, Broadcast Networking or (FM radio) Specialist Level certifications including:
- Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT)
- Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT)
- Certified Audio Engineer (CEA)
- Certified Broadcast Radio Engineer (CBRE)
- Certified Broadcast Networking Engineer (CBNE)
- Certified Senior Radio Engineer (CSRE)
- Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE)
- Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist (DRB)
- Certified Senior Broadcast Engineer (CSBE)
- Certified Radio and Television Broadcast Engineer (CBRTE); or
- Certified Senior Radio and Television Broadcast Engineer (CSRTE)
- (An active or past SBE membership is not a requirement); or
- Holds a valid Amateur Radio Service license at Amateur Extra Class (for the United States) or Advanced class (for Canada) and has had a minimum of two years of experience in the broadcast industry within the past 5 years (this is the same criteria as CBT certification from the SBE); or
- Holds other credentials, such as state licensure as an electrical engineer; or
- Has extensive experience in the filing of FCC radio broadcast applications as the "Technical Representative".
Representatives of stations
Individuals including organization board members, station managers, operations directors and program directors of FCC licensed LPFM broadcast stations or from full-service NCE broadcast stations with a past history as an LPFM station. LPFM stations must have a robust listing at LPFM.US, which demonstrates that the LPFM station is visible and serving their community. LPFM stations must not have a past record or previous observations by REC Networks of major rules violations (such as Notices of Violation and Forfeiture Orders) or those known to be violating the FCC Policy on the Noncommercial Nature of Educational Broadcasting.
LPFM.wiki also recognizes that not all LPFM stations operate under a "community radio" model. Some stations are operated by faith-based organizations for biblical teaching, either from local or distant sources. Some stations are operated by educational institutions for the purpose of providing students access to operating a radio station. Some stations are operated by state and local governments for the purpose of travelers and emergency information. LPFM stations not operating under the stereotypical "community radio" model (i.e. elected governance boards with terms, extensive local programming, storefront main studios, etc.) is not an impediment to participation in LPFM.wiki as long as the individual is willing to participate with constructive content.
Subject matter experts in studio construction and the audio chain
Those expertise in the fields of building studios, audio engineering, service delivery (studio to transmitter), etc. are welcome to participate and share their knowledge in this Wiki on those subjects. While self-promotion is prohibited on the Wiki pages, the individual's personal profile Wiki page may include contact and promotional information.
Attorneys specializing in FCC and nonprofit law
While attorneys are welcome to participate, we must respect the fact that any information provided on this Wiki would not be construed as legal advice and any edits made by known attorneys are done in the capacity of a subject matter expert as opposed to an attorney. Attorneys may promote their practice and provide contact information on their personal profile Wiki page.
Subject matter experts on community radio services outside of the United States
Anyone with extensive experience with the structure of low power, community and social broadcasting in various nations, including, but not limited to:
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- Japan
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
Due to the extensive amount of misinformation regarding legal broadcasting under Part 15 of the FCC Rules, any information regarding Part 15 will be handled by Michelle Bradley in the capacity of a subject matter expert. Manufacturers of certain certified Part 15 AM or FM transmitting equipment may request representation on the Wiki. While they may edit pages, promotion of products and contact information is limited to their personal profile Wiki page.
Requesting access to LPFM.wiki as an Editor
To request access to this Wiki as an editor, please send an email to lpfmwiki (at) gmail.com and include:
- Your name
- The organization or company you represent (or if you are freelance)
- Your contact telephone number (just in case)
- Which criterion you qualify under and what you can provide to the Wiki.
- User name preference.
- Password (for security, at least one capital letter, one digit and one special character).
Once the request is granted, you will receive an email to confirm your access.