April 24, 1998

Federal Communications Commission
Room 222
1919 M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20554

With Reference:
File # RM 9208
File # RM 9242

Good Morning!

 With respect to proposals before the Commission to allow so-called Micro Stations to use the airways:.  Please observe that aside from the new "expanded band", AM radio is already a chaos of interference.  In many areas, the FM dial is similarly congested. Note, however, that under the present system, the Commission at least has the means to police the respective bands to keep unlicensed stations, regardless of power, off the air.

 This policy should be continued.  If these pirate stations are  allowed to proliferate, both the AM and FM bands will soon come to resemble Citizens Band Radio.  What standards would be required of such stations?  Will they provide greater diversity of ideas, or merely become "electronic soapboxes" for a limited number of people to preach only a single religion, philosophy or political point of view?

Our station has always made certain that many points of view are presented on our air. Of course we run the usual Public Service Announcements for scores of worthy activities in our small (pop. 6000) community, which is also served by a non-commercial college FM. But we go much further than PSA's. For example, this week we are spearheading the local March of Dimes Walkathon.  Our air-personalities will be walking with the participants, and broadcasting on-location throughout the afternoon.  We have conducted Bowlathons for Big Brothers/Big Sisters.  Our Christmas food drive brought in three tons(!) of food for the needy this past season.  Imagine the damage that a co-channel or adjacent Channel pirate would do to our little 4,000 watt FM station.  We will no longer be able to provide our community service efforts, our news reporting, our sports play-by-play, etc. In times of emergencies will these pirates (Licensed or Unlicensed) be required to provide EAS services?.

Please don't open this Pandora's Box.  It is true that Commercial stations are run for profit, but that is the very reason they are in a position to offer the kinds of activities mentioned above.
 

Sincerely,

Thomas R. Andrews
Lake Cities Broadcsting Corporation