Ms. Magalie Roman Salas
Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Ms. Salas:
In the matter of Microstation Radio Broadcast Service RM-9208: we were shocked to learn of the latest FCC effort to harm the public and current broadcasters. By creating many "microstations", the potential for disaster is great.
I began my career at a ten (10) watt radio station over thirty years ago. That station adequately covered the Huntington, West Virginia market, a city of over 60,000 citizens. Low wattage stations' signals may carry much further than most people realize. Due to small technical budgets, poor engineering practices at microstations could produce spurs or harmonics that could interfere with the public's favorite radio stations. I fear that every Tom, Dick, and Mary will want to be owner of their own station, with no regard to serving the public interest or large potential for interference.
At a time when the Commission is struggling to put pirate stations out of business, it seems inconceivable to attempt to regulate hundreds of microstations. We do recall the glut of CB radio problems not so long ago. We also remember Docket 80-90, when more frequencies were allowed. The negative effect on broadcasting was serious.
With over 11,000 commercial radio stations currently licensed, virtually every community has at least one station, and virtually every local service is already being provided. Broadcasters donated almost seven billion dollars in public service and public affairs time in 1997. We are doing the job!
If the commission is interested in expanding ownership in radio, try
reversing the flow. More mega owners are buying up as many stations
as they can. Please protect current licensees and the public from
what may be the Titanic of radio decisions.
Sincerely,
William A. O'Brien
Owner/Operator
WJLS AM/FM (our only stations)