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The Upcoming LPFM Opportunity. Catholic Radio. Low Power FM is a service that was created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to fill a need to provide truly local programming to an area.
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The Upcoming LPFM Opportunity Catholic Radio
Low Power FM is a service that was created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to fill a need to provide truly local programming to an area. LPFM’s are very versatile and can be used to provide catechetical programming, Spanish programming or Catholic music. What is LPFM?
In order to make the LPFM station accessible to non-broadcasters, the FCC significantly relaxed its rules. Stations are available on the FM band from 92.1 to 107.9 and cover approximately 12 miles in diameter or more; enough to adequately cover most small to medium-sized cities, or a significant portion of a metropolitan area. What is LPFM?
The only way to bring Catholic radio to most communities is to purchase an already existing radio station, since the potential to apply for a new radio station in most areas is quite limited or nonexistent. This cost is a high hurdle for many communities. LPFM is one of very few remaining cost-effective opportunities available to obtain a new license and build a station to bring Catholic Radio to your community, Diocese, and state! Why LPFM?
A projected Low Power FM application window by the FCC in mid 2012 could provide for nearly complete coverage for the remainder of Texas and the United States with Catholic radio. The FCC window will open with only 30 days notice Last opportunity for this window was in 2000 and will likely be another decade or more until another such opportunity comes along The Catholic Radio Association is organized more now than ever, along with RED-C Catholic Radio and other Catholic Radio groups in TX Why now?
The Catholic Radio Association (CRA) is a nonprofit apostolate that was created to foster Catholic radio in the United States. It provides technical, programming and operational expertise to assist in the procurement, development and operation of locally operated Catholic-programmed radio stations. About the Catholic Radio Association
The CRA helped local organizations through the first LPFM process 12 years ago. It assisted dozens of organizations through the AM station and FM translator processes of 2004. In 2007 the Catholic Radio Association provided the legal and technical support to assist 225 local groups in applying to the FCC for a Noncommercial Educational FM license. It possesses the knowledge and competence to assist groups through this LPFM window. About the Catholic Radio Association
The CRA’s engineers are among the best as seen in the 2007 Noncommercial Educational FM window, winning over 70% of applications in a highly competitive environment. Equally important is the ability of the CRA to help coordinate the applications of multiple Catholic applicants in an area to maximize the opportunity for wins and lessen competition amongst Catholic applicants. About the Catholic Radio Association
Initially, the CRA will provide the engineering and application services required to make application to the FCC. This includes: • A preliminary survey to determine the availability of FM spectrum. • The final Engineering portion of the application. • Step by step guidance in selecting/creating the most competitive applicant for this competitive process. • Referrals to Catholic communications attorneys to provide direct counsel at discounted fees. How the CRA can Help
If the applicant is successful in securing the license grant, the CRA will assist the applicant in bringing the permit to air as a station through helping obtain and install the necessary equipment to begin broadcasting. Continued help from the CRA
Once on the air, the CRA can provide for a station • Referrals to program providers • Station operating systems and purchasing discounts • Marketing and fund raising support • Resource sharing and newsletters/information exchange • Regulatory updates and guidance • Training, education & consulting Continued help from the CRA
What is necessary to apply for an LPFM? • Belief that Catholic Radio can be a powerful influence in listener’s lives and willingness to act. • Applicant must be non-profit entity (2 years of existence is best) with educational purpose, which would be furthered by use of a station. This can be as simple as two people being members of an unincorporated association, a parish or a school. Getting Started
The residence of the parties to that entity or the headquarters of the entity must be within 10 miles of the proposed Community of License. • $900 to $1,500 total investment to join CRA, start the LPFM Study, and finish the legal work for an application. Getting started
For Such a Time as This • HHS Mandate • Abortion • Euthanasia • Threats to Marriage and Family • Religious Freedom • The New Evangelization Why Catholic Radio?
Openness to understand the importance of this effort, and the critical LPFM window timeline. Follow-up after this presentation to the LPFM Section of the RED-C Catholic Radio Website: http://www.redcradio.org/lpfmand watch the “Why Catholic Radio” Video. Log On to the CRA Website for U.S. Catholic Bishops: http://www.makeyourvoiceheard.net. Your blessing and full support in this endeavor. What we are asking from TX Bishops
A unified letter from Texas Bishops to all Pastors • Explaining the importance of this effort • The critical timeline of the LPFM window • Asking pastors who do not have Catholic Radio in their area to help locate a non-profit group who can apply for this LPFM window • Referral, of those interested in applying, to the Catholic Radio Association and RED-C Catholic Radio for help What we are asking from TX Bishops