NAB took a cautious tone in its reaction to this week’s LPFM decision.
The association said it looks forward to reviewing the final text of this week’s commission action, but was pleased the FCC clarified that LPFMs must be locally-owned with locally-originated programming, and that ownership is capped at one station per licensee.
On the issue of the FCC considering granting enhanced stature to LPFM, NAB EVP Dennis Wharton stated: “We share the concerns expressed by Commissioners Tate and McDowell about the commission’s decision to adopt interim processing guidelines without full notice and opportunity for comment, but we look forward to working with the commission to find a solution that works for all.”
The FCC voted to recommend to Congress that third-adjacent channel protections be eliminated. NAB continues to believe that such protections are “critical” to protect listeners against interference.
“The idea that hundreds, if not thousands, of additional LPFM stations can be shoe-horned into an overcrowded radio dial without causing considerable interference simply defies the laws of physics,” stated Wharton.