April 24, 1998
 
 

Federal Communications Commission
Room 222
1919 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20554

Reference: FCC File No's. RM-92O8 and RM-9242

Dear Sirs:

As a small market broadcaster I want to express my dismay, concern, and opposition to the various proposals being considered for low power radio stations.

It was not long ago when my company, on the verge of financial disaster due to the plethora of docket 80-90 radio stations, was forced to borrow literally millions of dollars to keep operating. Eventually, thanks to the telecom act and the ability to consolidate some of the surplus stations, we have begun to recover financially.

While we are making some progress, the prospect of round two of station overflow is an overwhelmingly negative concept. Most markets to this day have stations that are barely financially viable, and these stations most certainly would fail in the wake of even more signals.

Perhaps I am under a misconception, but I thought that a significant mission of the FCC was to protect the technical integrity of existing service to the public. With the industry apparently on the verge of technical change with IBOC technology, how could this possibly be anything but an incredible technical complication?

Does the commission have no memory of the devastating affects of docket 80-90? Please understand that most radio broadcasters are still small owned operators who are not financially able to handle yet another FCC created disaster.

Most small broadcasters appreciate the commissions quest for diversity and community service, and most of us strive hard to promote and encourage that diversity and service. What we need is your help and encouragement to do even better. What we don't need are hundreds of new stations with the inherent interference and financial complication which would be inevitable.

Thank you for your consideration of my views on this issue.
 

Sincerely,

Michael R. Shott
President/CEO

s/jb