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FCC rules to allow low-wattage transmission

KAMP student radio could receive a FM station for the first time in its 10-year history after the Federal Communications Commission's Jan. 20 decision to allow low-wattage transmission.

The low-power FM service would provide non-commercial stations with 10 or 100 watt power, reaching a radius of between one and two miles or 3.5 miles, respectively.

However, the University of Arizona's KAMP student radio station's general manager is unsure whether it will be approved for the low power station because the FCC's application process will probably not begin until May.

"We've been doing the waiting game with low power because that's the best option," said Carrie Arnette, KAMP general manager.

KAMP broadcasts through the Internet and in residence halls through channel 20 and on TV3.

Low power radio will allow smaller organizations - like universities, high schools, churches or local government bodies - to broadcast through a medium that was previously unavailable.

However, low power FM radio service will not be licensed to agencies with an existing media source, according to FCC data.

But public broadcasting radio stations KUAT and KUAZ may prohibit KAMP from receiving a FM station because they are affiliated with the UA, said Arnette, a German and political science senior.

If KAMP is ineligible for a low power radio station, it may attempt to share a license with an entity that already has a FM station or may attempt to be recognized without being affiliated with the UA, Arnette said

Edward Kupperstein, KUAT radio station manager, said he is in favor of KAMP receiving a FM station.

"We are really very in support of KAMP," Kupperstein said. "We hope they can progress one way or another so students can hear KAMP."

FCC information released about the new ruling states that "licensee or parties with interests in other media - cable or newspapers - will not be eligible for LPFM stations."

But David Fiske, FCC spokesman, said the Arizona Daily Wildcat will not prevent KAMP from receiving a low power station.

"Campus newspapers are not considered newspapers," said Fiske about FCC specific regulations.

KAMP may also face other challenges. Low power radio service is under scrutiny from some members of the U.S. Congress.

U.S. Rep. Michael Oxley, R-Ohio, is sponsoring H.R. 3439, the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 1999. The bill states the FCC shall not prescribe rules authorizing the operation of new, low power FM radio stations, or establishing a low power radio service.

"He's concerned about interference," said Peggy Peterson, communications director for Oxley.

Peterson said four Ohio stations have contacted Oxley's office to voice concerns about low power stations interfering with existing stations.

"This could really end up being very damaging to radio in general," she said.

But Fiske said the FCC has conducted tests to ensure low power radio will not interfere. "The FCC is not going to license stations where there is going to be interference," Fiske said. "There are interference protections built into the order."

Arnette met with U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Arizona, in mid-January to notify him of her wishes for a low power radio station.

Keith Rosenblum, Kolbe's press secretary, said the U.S. representative has not made up his mind yet but is expected to later this month.

Michael Bracy, the executive director of the Low Power Radio Coalition in Washington, D.C., estimated about 500 stations nationwide will receive a low power FM station.

"If you don't get a station in May you'll probably have to sit it out for another phase," said Bracy, adding that agencies may have to wait for the FCC to allow another application process.

He said there are about two dozen other universities that want low-power stations.

KAMP previously broadcast with one-fifteenth of one watt on 1570 AM, but it lost much of its capability during the summer when part of the equipment had to be removed because of Memorial Student Union construction.

Rachael Myer can be reached at city@wildcat.arizona.edu