Magalie R. Salas, Esquire
Secretary
Federal Communications commission
Room 222, 1919 M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
 

Re: RM-9208
      RM-9242
      Microstation/Low Power FM
      Broadcasting Service

Being an independent FM radio station owner in a small market, I would like to voice my concerns about the FCC allowing low-powered FM stations into small communities.

As an independent radio station owner for seven years who has put most of my assets into my station to build a life for my family, I have yet to make a profit, which is not uncommon for small markets, I'm sure.  But to let low-powered FM stations move into our small markets, which are already overcrowded, would be detrimental to a lot of independent station owners like myself.  It is difficult enough to make a profit, but allowing this to happen would give us no hope at all.

There is already so much competition for a small market station.  It probably would not harm the large markets if you were to put these low-powered stations in the big cities, but it would kill the hopes of any independent owners in small markets.

It seems to me someone is trying to change the rules in the middle of the game, and the only one I see that would be affected would be independent owners in small markets like myself and all employees employed by a small market station, including their families.

I cannot emphasize enough how distressing it is to think that the Commission would even consider something of this magnitude, knowing how it would affect the independent owners in small markets.

When I started out, I was and still am small and independent and I do not remember anyone making things easier or more economical for me.  And, now through all my struggles over the past seven years, the Commission talks of throwing another obstacle in my way of even a small hope that I might one day show some profit.  I'm sure I'm not the only independent small market FM station owner with these concerns.  So, please think of us before ruling on something of this magnitude.
 
 
 

Respectfully submitted, NEW WAVO COMMUNICATION GROUP, INC. By: Benjamin Amato President