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FCC Picks Five Noncoms Vying for FM Translators

Paperwork took years to process

The FCC has tentatively selected five winners among several applicants to build noncommercial FM translators.

The applicants are from mutually exclusive Group Numbers 4, 18, 24, 28 and 38. The FCC tentatively selected Community Broadcasting Inc. over Educational Media Foundation for an FM translator station in St. Joseph, Mo. in Group 4; over Living Way Ministries Inc. for an FM translator station in Weehawken, N.J.; and over Pensacola Christian College, Inc. for an FM translator station at Union City, N.J. in Group 18.

In Group 24, two applicants were vying for a translator in Narberth, Pa. World Revivals Inc. prevailed over Calvary Chapel of Twin Falls Inc. Group 28 had three groups vying for a translator: The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago wanted an FM translator serving Tampa, Fla.; Radio Training Network Inc. sought an FM translator for Oldsmar, Fla.; and Faith Pleases God Church Corp. wanted an FM translator in Clearwater, Fla. Radio Training Network won the initial nod for a CP from the agency.

Two applicants wanted a translator in Gainesville, Ga. The FCC tentatively selected Living Way Ministries Inc. over Community Public Radio Inc. in Group 38.

The commission resolves such conflicts by applying comparative procedures, using a point system to make tentative grant selections. Applications are judged on things like being an established local presence, ownership diversity, or if they are a statewide network providing programming to accredited schools or if they have what the commission deems to be the best technical proposal in their group.

These applications actually stemmed from around 2000, when the agency used formal hearings to resolve conflicts and it took until now to convert to the new selection process and process this paperwork because of judicial challenges. Applicants had to keep their paperwork up to date during this period. They could also file settlements or technical amendments to resolve conflicts.

On channels reserved for NCE use, the commission grants the application of a translator providing fill-in service over one that extends the area of the primary station. In the event of conflicting mutually exclusive applications of the same type (fill-in or non-fill-in), the commission applies the point system to select one application for grant.

Those who don’t agree with the decisions have 30 days to file a petition to deny.

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