scwis

Deejay 1620 writes:

Hello! The process of obtaining our FM permit has been, in a word, interesting…

Deejay 1620 writes:

Hello! The process of obtaining our FM permit has been, in a word, interesting…

I’ll give you the highlights of what we’ve been through so far.

First of all, I want to clarify that our permit is for one of the new low power FM (LPFM) stations, which require FCC licensure. We filed our original application in September of 2000, and were displaced about three weeks later due to Congressional action requiring third-adjacent channel protection for LPFM stations.

Following a two-year wait, we were finally able to file a “remedial” application to correct our short spacing to a nearby third-adjacent Class B1 FM. Our remedial application was accepted for filing in early 2003, and was granted on June 30 of the same year.

The grant of our construction permit was announced on July 3, 2003, and our call sign, WPKC-LP, was granted on July 10. Our license application was filed on December 21, 2004 and accepted for filing the very next day.

The license application is still pending, but expected to be granted any day. WPKC-LP is authorized to operate at 95.5 FM with 100 watts effective radiated power.

Our city of license is West Frankfort, IL a city of just over 8,000 people in far southern Illinois. During our testing phases, we were able to hear a solid signal 15 miles from the antenna.

At the present time, there are no additional filing windows scheduled for LPFM stations. If and when windows are reopened, they will likely be for 10-watt stations.

The LPFM application process is lengthy and aggravating, but still well worth it! Nothing compares to the feeling of pride and accomplishment found in bringing local radio back to your community, as I am sure you already know.

I hope that this has been helpful to you, and I wish you the best in your future.

Best Regards,

Scott

Scott also let us know that he would be willing to discuss his efforts with others who might be interested. If you’d like to contact Scott, please drop us a line on our Feedback page and we’ll hook you up!