Author: Paul

Reuters reports that the FCC wants to reallocate some gov’t only spectrum space for new wireless devices.How come the FCC can get mobilized behind getting us wireless video on a wristwatch, but teeth have to be pulled to free up or create just a little more space for plain ol’ radio broadcasting? Oh, right, there…

There is a new unlicensed low-power radio station in Springfield, IL according to the State Journal-Register. The station, calling itself WY2K, is operating at 100 mw on 1690 AM, so that, theoretically, it is within the part 15 range not requiring a license. However, it will be interesting to see if the FCC chooses to…

Wired News reports that Michael Powell, Gen. Colin Powell’s son, is the likely new head of the FCC. Powell has said he favors a “hands-off” approach to regulation, and disfavors the FCC getting involved in corporate mergers like AOL/Time-Warner. Powell’s approach will likely be a turnaround from that of current chair William Kennard, who, while…

On Sunday’s Show (1/7/00): John Anderson of the pirate/free radio page at About.com will be my guest for a wrap-up on the year in free radio, low power FM, and the movement for greater media democracy. You can tune in live on the ‘net at 10:00 am CST at the WEFT website, or check back…

Apparently the shit has hit the fan at Pacifica again. This time it’s at NYC station WBAI. Reports from the station indicate that Pacifica director Bessie Wash has fired WBAI’s station manager Valerie Van Isler and program director Bernard White, the doors to the station have also been locked and station staff are being admitted…

Strangely enough, NPR did a short piece on the LPFM cutback today on All Things Considered. They did include the fact that NPR lobbied agressively against LPFM and gave Kennard and LPFM advocates some say. Click here to listen to the story. Here’s links to some other stories on Congress’ attack on LPFM that are…

The mainstream media finally recognizes the evisceration of low-power FM. Today the New York Times reports on the anti-LPFM rider attached to the omnibus budget bill. Of particular note is this observation: “Taking a direct slap at the regulators, the new law shifts the policy- making authority from the F.C.C. to Congress to set standards…

Direct from the horse’s mouth — this is what the National Association of Broadcasters is telling the world about their crippling of LPFM: IMMEDIATE RELEASE STATEMENT OF NAB PRESIDENT/CEO EDWARD O. FRITTS ON PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION PROTECTING RADIO LISTENERS AGAINST INCREASED INTERFERENCE “We are pleased that Congress has protected radio listeners against additional interference that…

I’ve searched all the major gov’t databases, including Thomas, and Lexis-Nexis’ Congressional Universe, and can’t find an updated status on the Commerce appropriations bill that contains the onerous anti-LPFM rider, but I’ve received word from the Center for Democratic Communciations and from Radio Free Richmond that the bill did pass Congress and should be signed…

Today the NY Times has a story on the effect of rising rents in San Francisco, with a focus on the Mission neighborhood-based AK Press, which is being forced to leave its building due to its rent being tripled. This is an unfortunate outcome of the renewed interest in cities and urban living and working.…