BRING ON LOW POWER
Proposals to create a new batch of low
power FM stations have produced an immediate rash of broadcaster criticism
aimed at the FCC, and specifically at Chairman Bill Kennard, who seems
determined to push the idea through. We don't agree with this knee-jerk
reaction to LPFM. There is much to like in the idea. The federal
government long ago took upon itself the task of regulating who can use
this part of the spectrum. As long as that remains true, it should
also be the task of the FCC to allow the greatest number of users, and
the greatest diversity of voices, consistent with technical quality.
Consider the "traffic cop" argument, one that broadcasters themselves bring
up quickly whenever the FCC proposes to regulate them in some new way:
"The FCC should simply be a traffic cop," this argument states, "keeping
traffic moving safely and smoothly on the spectrum." We agree. And
a traffic cop is not supposed to prevent new traffic from coming onto the
road. Some broadcast supporters, including friends of the NAB on
Capitol hill, argue that new competition will damage the economic prospects
of licenseholders. Indeed it could, if existing stations don't serve
their audiences well. But it's not the job of congress to protect
the economic interests of a certain group of existing broadcasters.
The spectrum belongs to the public, and we sometimes forget that.
Competition is healthy. If new stations can do the job better than
existing ones, let 'em rip. A new group of stations will benefit
communities, schools and other groups who can create voices of their own
on the band. It will be good for radio employees, who can hope for
more job opportunities, rather than fewer. It will be good for suppliers,
who will have more customers to serve. A robust supplier marketplace
benefits all radio buyers. Most important, new stations will serve
listeners
better. We in the radio industry
have succeeded, if that is the correct word, in wringing a tremendous amount
of profit out of a limited, government-protected slice of the spectrum.
Ad sales are at record levels. But dissatisfaction with our product
also is increasing. Formulaic programs with sound-alike liners make
it easier for the listener to push radio into the background of their lives.
New media hunger for our listeners. Unlicensed operators spring up,
outside of the realm of regulation or control of interference. Legitimate
questions exist about how low-power radio will affect interference protection
and the future of digital radio. the FCC must address them.
But if a technical solution can be found that allows low-power radio stations
to bloom, the commission should pursue it. -RW