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LPFM Report and Order: Difference between revisions
→Programming and service rules
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=== Public interest requirements === | === Public interest requirements === | ||
Comments received were mixed between those that felt that certain public interest requirements were burdensome. The Low Power Radio Coalition believes that LPFM stations should be held to high standards similar to full-power stations. NAB argues that LPFM stations should follow the same rules as full-service stations. | |||
The FCC determined that certain obligations would be unnecessary for LPFM stations. The eligibility and selection criteria will help ensure that LPFM licensees will meet the needs and interests of their communities. LPFM stations will not be required to provide programming responsive to community issues or to maintain a list of issues addressed for specific programs aired. This means no public file requirements. | |||
LPFM stations would still be subject to rules regarding obscene and indecent programming, sponsorship identification, political programming, recorded programming, personal attacks and periodic call sign announcements. | |||
=== Locally originated programming === | === Locally originated programming === | ||
The FCC inquired whether there should be a local programming requirement on LPFM. Many commenters favored a local programming requirement while some opposed specific requirements. Amherst Alliance argued that the best way to prevent LPFM stations from being "corporate satellites" is through limits on LPFM license eligibility. Commenters generally agreed that LPFM stations should not be used as translators for retransmitting full-power programming. | |||
The FCC's position that programming need not be locally originated to be responsive to local needs. Therefore, the FCC will not impose any specific requirements for local programming. They believe the nature of the service, combined with the eligibility criteria and preferences that are being adopted, this will insure that LPFM licensees provide local originated programming or programming that is otherwise responsive to local needs. | |||
The FCC did impose a restriction that LPFM stations could not be used for retransmitting, either terrestrially or via satellite, the programming of full-power stations. | |||
=== Political programming === | === Political programming === | ||
The FCC has determined that Section 312(a)(7) of the Communications Act requires broadcasters to provide legally qualified candidates for federal office reasonable access to their facilities and Section 315(a) which requires equal opportunities for candidates also applies to LPFM stations. As noncommercial stations, LPFM stations may not allow political candidates to purchase time, including paid political advertising/underwriting acknowledgements. Like all other NCE stations, LPFM stations cannot endorse or oppose candidates for public office. LPFM stations will be required to keep a political file to record any requests made or otherwise given to use the LPFM facilities. | |||
=== Station identification === | === Station identification === | ||
LPFM stations will use the same call sign system as Low Power TV stations, a four letter call sign with the suffix "-LP". Like with LPTV stations, call signs cannot duplicate other service call signs without consent from the other station. | |||
=== Operating hours === | === Operating hours === | ||
To ensure an effective utilization of channels, the current standards for full-service NCE stations will be used. Stations will eb required to operate at least 36 hours per week and at least 5 hours a day, 6 days a week. Stations licensed to educational institutions are not required to operate on Saturday or Sunday (or during school vacation periods). | |||
=== Other broadcast administrative rules === | === Other broadcast administrative rules === | ||