In the Matter of
Proposal for Creation of the Low Power FM
(LPFM) Broadcast Service
 

I believe the time has come for the FCC to allow the creation of licensed Low Power FM Broadcast Service for small communities. But I do not favor the plan as proposed by RM-92O8.

Stations, even in medium and small markets are being taken over by large corporations. This is not in the interest of communities that need a local "voice." The trouble with RN-9208 is that it limits this new service to one watt. Even FM translators have 250 watts!

In my community, our population is spread over 10 miles in just one direction. There is a local newspaper, but it publishes just once a week. Located on the coast, we have had severe winter storms and there was a need for up to the minute news and information concerning road closures and power failures.

Although there is a real need for such a low power broadcast service, I think it ill-conceived to have only two channels for the entire nation, shared by perhaps hundreds of new stations.

After reading both proposals, I wish to strongly recommend RM-9242 as a much better plan. This would allow for flexible wattages as needed to serve different communities and their surrounding terrain.

The time has come to let interested individuals in their own towns and communities enter into broadcast services. Please do not let the NAB, that speaks for the "haves", sway you from supporting the needs of local communities.

Thank you.
 

James J. Henderson
85 Creekside Drive - Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 - 650/726-3OO5