We have before us a once-in-a-generation opportunity, one that could directly increase how much chamber music, jazz, vocal, world, and community arts we hear on the radio.
This fall, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will give away hundreds of full power non-commercial educational (NCE) licenses for any qualified nonprofits. The FCC has just announced that applications will be accepted for these valuable licenses by the FCC between October 12 and October 19, 2007. For ten years, no new licenses have been given out. If you have ever dreamed of starting your own radio station, this is likely to be your last chance before all remaining FM spectrum is given away.
How much time will I need to prepare an application?
The window to apply will only last seven days, and will be between October 12 and 19, 2007. Only complete and error-free applications will be considered, and putting an application together will require the help of an engineer and maybe also a lawyer familiar with the FCC process, and generally takes about two months. Engineers and lawyers are expected to get busier and busier as the October window approaches. We recommend getting started no later than July.
What kind of licenses are available?
The only eligible channels distributed in this window are between 88.1 Mhz and 91.9 Mhz on the FM dial – this is a part of the FM band reserved for public radio stations. Licenses can range from 100 watts – 100,000 watts, depending on the region where the station is located. Examples of stations currently broadcasting with such noncommercial radio licenses include – independent jazz and world music station WPFW, serving Washington DC; full time classic jazz station KKJZ-FM in Long Beach, CA; Georgia Public Broadcasting, WACG in Augusta; and Pittsburgh classical station WQED.
What groups are eligible for full power FM radio licenses?
Any group with nonprofit status is eligible to apply, and 501c3 status is not required. Over the years, all manner of community-based nonprofits, large and small, have applied for and been awarded these licenses. (Even labor organizations such as the AFL-CIO and SER – Jobs for Progress National, Inc. have endorsed or applied for community radio licenses.) Stations serving niche music interests, orchestras and classical music institutions, bluegrass and jazz supporters that have lost much of their radio coverage, can also apply. Any group, or consortia of organizations, with a message to communicate, or a desire to expand their organization locally can benefit from this rare opportunity.
What does this opportunity cost?
The FCC gives out these licenses to nonprofit organizations in the United States for free, and there is no application fee. But there are costs associated with preparing the applications.
First step: Finding a Frequency. The most important part of the application is having an available spot - frequency - on the FM dial where a new station can go. To determine this, you will have to do a basic frequency search. If there is a good frequency for your organization, then the next step is to figure out the more detailed costs for getting an application ready, hiring an engineer, and maybe an attorney. This might cost between $3,000-10,000 for technical and legal support, depending on your local conditions. Note that it is unlikely that there will be any frequency available if you live in or are within 20 miles of the 50 largest cities in the US.
Demonstrating Access to Capital. At some point in the process, the FCC will also ask you to demonstrate that you have access to the cash to construct and operate the station without income for the first six months. Depending on the coverage you plan to provide along with other factors, you may need to demonstrate access to funds or collateral property worth anywhere between $25,000-$200,000 for the purposes of the application. Actual annual operating costs once the station is up and running will vary, depending on if you have a paid staff or use volunteers, but it could range from $25,000-$1 million per year.
Associated Legal Fees. There is going to be a lot of competition for these frequencies, from public radio stations, schools, churches, and other community groups. So if another group applies for the same frequency you want, you might also incur legal fees to devise the best strategy to win your license. These costs have to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
When can I apply?
You will be able to submit your completed, error free application between October 12 and October 19, 2007.
How long will it take? When will my organization be able to build its own radio station?
Because the FCC will be flooded with applications, the processing time is likely to be at least a year. That will give you plenty of time to do fundraising and build local support for your project. After processing, the FCC issues a construction permit, which allows you to build the station, which might take 1-2 years. When everything is plugged in and working, you will then get your actual license to broadcast.
Where can I learn more?
You can get more information on how to apply for a new license, on how to construct a new radio station, and on organizing, operating and supporting a community radio station from the following resources:
www.getradio.org - enter your zip code to see if spectrum might be available in your area.
Full Power Step by Step outlines the process of starting your own radio station, from the application process, to building and programming a radio station. It also highlights specific board actions that need to take place this summer if you plan to apply for a radio station.
Visit our del.icio.us page at where you can find advice about applying for a station, explanations of the FCC's process for deciding who gets licenses, and the FCC forms you'll need to apply. We'll be updating the page through the fall with the latest news and more useful tips as we find them.
Other resources:
Public Radio Capital (http://www.pubcap.org/) -- is a consultancy that helps groups find financing for new frequencies.
National Federation of Community Broadcasters (http://www.nfcb.org) – provides services and advice to community radio stations, production groups and others.
Prometheus Radio Project (http://prometheusradio.org) – has been helping build low-power radio stations all around the country.
Musicians Get the Hint About Health Insurance
Two Raleigh concerts in memory of musician Drew Glackin; proceeds go to Glackin’s family and Future of Music Coalition’s Health Insurance Navigation Tool
April 10, 2008 Press release FMC's HINT program
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Forums in Rochester (April 28), Syracuse (April 29) and Albany (April 30) to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres.
March 25, 2008 Event details | RSVP
Pop Rockers OK Go "Tour" Congress in Support of Net Neutrality
Damian Kulash and Andy Ross discuss the importance of open Internet structures to musicians; Kulash testifies before House Judiciary Committee.
March 13, 2008 Press release
Spoken testimony
Written testimony
Rock the Net
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Kick-off forum in Buffalo on April 2 to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres. March 7, 2008 | Event details
Philly Bands Rocking for Net Neutrality February 23 Sugar Town show at Tritone in Philadelphia will showcase lady rockers and DJs, as well as musicians' support for net neutrality. February 15, 2008
OK Go and Bonerama Rocked DC for New Orleans Musicians Bands also champion FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality February 2 benefit show at DC's 9:30 Club raised over $8,000 for New Orleans musicians. Bands played cuts off their new benefit EP, You're Not Alone, available on iTunes on February 5. February 4, 2008
Upcoming Washington, DC show and benefit EP from OK Go & Bonerama
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Successful New Orleans Concerts Aid Big Easy Musicians
Last week, two benefit concerts raised over $6,000 for Sweet Home New Orleans - a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for the city's musicians - and Big Easy music legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
January 15, 2008 Press release | Event details
Ann Chaitovitz Appointed
FMC's New Executive Director A proven leader in musician and public policy issues, Chaitovitz replaces founding Executive Director Jenny Toomey January 3, 2008
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FMC's Jenny Toomey Appointed Program Officer for Ford Foundation
Kristin Thomson to Serve as FMC’s Interim Executive Director Michael Bracy to Chair FMC Board of Directors November 26, 2007
Seattle "Rocked the Net" Rep. Jay Inslee advocated network neutrality;
joined by rocker Matt Nathanson, Reclaim the Media, FMC and local music business representatives October 31, 2007
Rock the Net: Campaign for Net Neutrality Rocks Seattle
Teleconference with Rep Jay Inslee on Tuesday, Oct 30. Matt Nathanson performs at Seattle’s Crocodile Café on Tuesday, Oct. 30 October 26, 2007
Future of Music Policy Summit to Tackle Critical Issues at the Intersection of Music, Law, Technology and Policy Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Ron Wyden to Deliver Keynote Addresses
Mac McCaughan, Bob Mould, Marybeth Peters of the U.S. Copyright Office and More Than 90 Other Panelists Confirmed. September 10, 2007 Summit home page Press Credentialing
AT&T's muting of bands points toward a pattern of silencing political speech Content monitor did not edit out 20 instances of curse words during Pearl Jam webcast, despite AT&T claim it hires monitors to block "excessive profanity". August 13, 2007
Top musicians, lawyers, technologists confirmed for FMC's 7th annual Policy Summit August 13, 2007 Press Release Summit home page Press Credentialing
FMC Statement on AT&T Silencing Pearl Jam's lyrics during Lollapalooza webcast August 9, 2007
FMC Statement on Federal Trade Commission Report on Net Neutrality June 29, 2007
FMC files testimony with House Small Business Committee on CRB Webcasting Rates June 27, 2007 Press Release | Testimony
Clear Channel strips local, independent artists of digital performance royalties
FMC has discovered that Clear Channel's online application for local and independent artists to submit their music for airplay on each of its stations requires the artist to approve a licensing agreement that does away with their digital performance right. June 22, 2007
Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress
Congress introduces bills to create hundreds of new low power FM radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country. June 22, 2007
FMC Announces Dates for 7th annual Policy Summit
September 17-18, 2007
GWU Betts Theatre, Washington, DC June 11, 2007
FMC Organizes "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II"
A Benefit Concert on May 27 at New Orleans' Tipitina's for Sweet Home New Orleans featuring: Indigo Girls, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Matt Nathanson, Pamela Z...and special guests
May 23, 2007 Press Release | Details
Congressman Mike Doyle to address conference on music, law and technology
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 25, 2007
A2IM Endorses Rock the Net Campaign
American Association of Independent Music urges its label members to join the campaign for network neutrality. April 17, 2007
Music Mashes with Policy at upcoming Technology and IP Policy Day
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 16, 2007
FMC Applauds FCC's Payola Settlement
Payola agreement by FCC and big broadcast chains represents a major - but tentative - step toward once again opening the nation's airwaves to local music and voices. April 13, 2007
Rep. Edward Markey, Ted Leo kick off "Rock the Net"
Nearly 150 artists and labels have already signed onto campaign for net neutrality
March 27, 2007 Press Release | Rock the Net
Major Artists To Join Launch of Rock the Net Campaign for Net Neutrality March 23, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC's "Rules of Engagement" On Payola March 5, 2007
FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Media Ownership Proceeding January 16, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC Payola Settlement
FMC's statement on FCC's reported consent decree with the broadcast industry in regards to payola. January 16, 2007
Radio Station Ownership Consolidation Shown to Harm Musicians and the Public
FMC study shows that the rapid consolidation of the commercial radio industry that followed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has led to a loss of localism, less competition, fewer viewpoints and less diversity in radio programming in media markets across the country.
December 13, 2006 Press release Report details
FMC Organizes Musicians Bringing Musicians Home Benefit concert at New Orleans' Tipitina's on November 6th featuring Steve Earle, Mike Mills, Allison Moorer, Tom Morello, Boots Riley, Corin Tucker and special guests.
October 23, 2006 Read press release Read press coverage
Job
Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation Undermine Localism and Diversity FMC, Newspaper Guild and Consumers Union urge FCC to take employment effects
of their policies into account during upcoming review of media ownership rules August 9, 2006
FMC Releases Research on Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidaton August 9, 2006
FMC on Preserving the Dynamism of the Internet Opinion Piece on ABC News June 29, 2006
FMC Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Vote in Support of LPFM June 28, 2006
FMC Statement on FCC Media Ownership Proceeding June 21, 2006
Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy June 13, 2006
Pearl Jam Donation To Help Musicians Help Themselves Proceeds From Washington, DC Appearance to be Donated to FMC Artist Research
Council May 25, 2006 Press Release
FMC signs on letter to preserve net neutrality May 17, 2006
FMC Announces Dates for Sixth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
October 5-7, 2006 Media Advisory May 15, 2006
FMC Statement on Release of Feingold's Radio and Concert Disclosure
and Competition Act of 2005 November 18, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Commerce Committee in Support of a
Public Performance Right for Sound Recordings October 19, 2005
Top Names in Music, Law, Technology and Policy Return to Debate Critical
Issues at Fifth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
September 6, 2005 Media Advisory | Policy
Summit home page
FMC Announces Health Insurance Navigation Tool
August 9, 2005 HINT Home Page
FMC Press Release: Music Mashes with Policy at DC Policy Day April 8, 2005
FMC's Michael Bracy Testifies in front
of House Judiciary Committee on "Digital Music Interoperability" April 6, 2005
FMC files comments at US Copyright Office on "Orphan
Works"
Comments also ask Copyright
Office to consider status of out-of-print recordings March 25, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Stating Concerns about S 193, Broadcast Decency Enforcement
Act March
10, 2005
FMC and artist groups file joint reply comments at FCC on localism in broadcasting,
MB Docket 04-233
January
3, 2005 PDF of document
