The original LPFM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was a product of the two Petitions for Rulemaking that became known as RM-9208 and RM-9242. it was also the rest of a major grassroots campaign to raise the awareness of media consolidation and the lack of ability for the common citizen to access the airwaves.
| Document Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| Docket Number(s) | MM 99-25 |
| Related RM(s) | RM-9208, RM-9242 |
| FCC Number | 99-6 |
| FCC Record | 14 FCC Rcd 2471 |
| Federal Register Citation(s) | 64 FR 7577 |
| Relevant Dates | |
| Adoption Date | January 28, 1999 |
| Release Date | February 3, 1999 |
| Comment Deadline | April 12, 1999 |
| Extended to | August 2, 1999 |
| Reply Deadline | May 12, 1999 |
| Extended to | September 1, 1999 |
| Commissioner Statements | |
| Approve | Kennard, Tristani, Ness, Powell |
| Dissent | Furchtgott-Roth |
In the NPRM, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recognized that there was substantial interest in and public support for increased citizen's access to the airwaves and that LPFM stations would provide a low-cost means of serving urban communities and neighborhoods as well as populations living in smaller rural towns and communities.
The FCC's goals in this proceeding were to address unmet needs for community-oriented radio broadcasting, foster opportunities for new radio broadcast ownership and promote additional diversity in radio voices and program services.
Under the proposal, LPFM stations would not be subject to certain technical rules that apply to other classes of radio services. This includes third-adjacent channel protection requirements, and possibly even second-adjacent channel. In adopting any new rules and requirements, the FCC was wary of any provisions that could limit the development of what would eventually become known as HD Radio.