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Looking for advice on licensing and operating an LPFM station in Monmouth County, New Jersey

S

Spareparts

I volunteer with an existing NPO in the northeast that changed their mind on wanting a radio station. Backstory is that management refused to allow filing during the first LPFM window and now wants a station, but there is no space left on the dial.

Our podcast studio is air ready, right down to the EAS and playout system, have a donated LPFM certified Nautel, and have a tower on the property (tower will be used for another service)

Was under the impression that the only option at this point is to convince one of the many religious LPFM that sprung up during the first LPFM window to assign or sell their license. Turns out there actually is an open spot on the dial

So after reading this thread end-to-end https://www.radiodiscussions.com/threads/i-want-an-lpfm-license-in-madison-mississippi.742114/ and picking up some really good information, I figured it was prudent to ask for help

SP
There’s a great power in knowing what you don’t know. When we accept our ignorance and limitations, we become wiser.
 
Spareparts said:
I volunteer with an existing NPO in the northeast that changed their mind on wanting a radio station. Backstory is that management refused to allow filing during the first LPFM window and now wants a station, but there is no space left on the dial.

Our podcast studio is air ready, right down to the EAS and playout system, have a donated LPFM certified Nautel, and have a tower on the property (tower will be used for another service)

Was under the impression that the only option at this point is to convince one of the many religious LPFM that sprung up during the first LPFM window to assign or sell their license. Turns out there actually is an open spot on the dial

So after reading this thread end-to-end https://www.radiodiscussions.com/threads/i-want-an-lpfm-license-in-madison-mississippi.742114/ and picking up some really good information, I figured it was prudent to ask for help

SP
There’s a great power in knowing what you don’t know. When we accept our ignorance and limitations, we become wiser.
Click to expand...
It sounds like you are well prepared, and honestly, that thread you mentioned has helped my knowledge. I'll ping @fybush and @R.D.P. to this.
 
Spareparts said:
I volunteer with an existing NPO in the northeast that changed their mind on wanting a radio station. Backstory is that management refused to allow filing during the first LPFM window and now wants a station, but there is no space left on the dial.

Our podcast studio is air ready, right down to the EAS and playout system, have a donated LPFM certified Nautel, and have a tower on the property (tower will be used for another service)

Was under the impression that the only option at this point is to convince one of the many religious LPFM that sprung up during the first LPFM window to assign or sell their license. Turns out there actually is an open spot on the dial

So after reading this thread end-to-end https://www.radiodiscussions.com/threads/i-want-an-lpfm-license-in-madison-mississippi.742114/ and picking up some really good information, I figured it was prudent to ask for help

SP
There’s a great power in knowing what you don’t know. When we accept our ignorance and limitations, we become wiser.
Click to expand...
Since you read that "other" thread and I believe I saw you even posted there before it was locked and a few replied to you there, can you possibly be a bit more specific on what details you still need or are curious about? It doesn't make sense for a bunch of people to pile in and say what was already stated in the other discussion thread, but are there still unanswered questions you have or specific information you're looking for?
 
Mikey Radio said:
Since you read that "other" thread and I believe I saw you even posted there before it was locked and a few replied to you there, can you possibly be a bit more specific on what details you still need or are curious about? It doesn't make sense for a bunch of people to pile in and say what was already stated in the other discussion thread, but are there still unanswered questions you have or specific information you're looking for?
Click to expand...

  • Went through the entire website at https://www.prometheusradio.org/ when the first window opened.
  • Multiple volunteers have a strong background in live audio and recording
  • I am am on the board of another NPO and have a solid understanding of running an NPO, volunteer management, and fundraising.
  • As noted, we basically are air-ready, other than purchasing an antenna (we may end up protecting another station so a generic circularly polarized antenna might not be the best choice)
  • There are other solid stations (rock, oldies, talk) in the market, plus a local college station to cover the independents - our plan is to go hyper-local talk with call-in content and a music playout system when not live
  • Branding is ready to go, including a potential call sign.

What are we missing?

SP
 
It sounds like you're in very good shape. As you're probably well aware, talk is an extremely resource-intensive format to do properly, so that's something to consider as you ponder how to sustain an operation over the long term.

Right now, though, there's not much to do other than to wait for the FCC to open an LPFM window. Will it happen in 2022? Here's hoping.... and when and if it does, please feel free to reach out for help with filing and other issues.
 
Here's a link to some info about your station log and a sample copy. Hope you'll be able to use this. Much love and support for your radio station. Hope it'll do well, once you get it on the air.​

Dan <><

This one doesn't have the big three spaces like mine has but it's a great starting point. On the one I use now, it has a space for my local commercial radio station, the NPR radio station and IPAWS.

http://www.blacksheepradio.org/WOOL/docs/EAS-log-instructions.pdf This will tell you how to fill out the logs legally.​
 
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fybush said:
It sounds like you're in very good shape. As you're probably well aware, talk is an extremely resource-intensive format to do properly, so that's something to consider as you ponder how to sustain an operation over the long term.

Right now, though, there's not much to do other than to wait for the FCC to open an LPFM window. Will it happen in 2022? Here's hoping.... and when and if it does, please feel free to reach out for help with filing and other issues.
Click to expand...

Question: What's the process to use an existing call sign, appending the -LP suffix?
Example would be WOLD and WOLD-LP
 
Breaking news sir...Just found some that will work for you. No one is using them, as of this posting. According to the FCC Call Sign Desk-Query, WQFZ is available and can be used. Better seize them while you can.

Dan <><

P.S. I was creating some out of thin air and as I was doing it, those came to my head. Want to help those that are serious about getting into the LPFM radio business too. If you need any further assistance, let me know.

In closing: If you already have some picked out, ignore this post and have a nice day. :)
​
hpban1.gif
Media BureauCall Sign Desk - Query

Call Sign WQFZ is available.

SELECT TYPE OF REQUEST/RESERVATION

​
CHANGE REQUEST​
​
PERMITTEE INITIAL REQUEST​
​
TRANSFER/ASSIGNMENT REQUEST​
​
EXCHANGE REQUEST​
HELP​
 
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Spareparts said:
Question: What's the process to use an existing call sign, appending the -LP suffix?
Example would be WOLD and WOLD-LP
Click to expand...
You would need permission (in the form of a letter) from the incumbent holder of the base call.

You cannot request a callsign from the FCC until you've been issued a construction permit, however.
 
fybush said:
You would need permission (in the form of a letter) from the incumbent holder of the base call.

You cannot request a callsign from the FCC until you've been issued a construction permit, however.
Click to expand...
Thanks - Working on Form 318/319 as we speak so it's ready if/when the window opens
 
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Hold off on the frequency chosen. So much an happen between now and the time they freeze new applications before the next LPFM filing window. Once you get a CP you can apply for call letters.
 
Makes sense to hold off on the frequency selection

The surveyor will be out next week to confirm the tower building location, ASL, and elevation of the proposed antenna mounting location on the tower building.

BPOLE Building with Pole/Antenna on Top
 
It looks like you got everything honed down real good, Mr. Spareparts. I wish you all the best. :) Once you get the CP, I hope you'll use those calls, I created for you. If you already have some picked out, hope you can use them.

Dan <><

P.S. I see this person as a go getter. He's very active in pursuing this LPFM radio station and wants to learn everything he needs to know. Kudos and still wish him all the best. :)​
 
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Spareparts said:
Thanks - Working on Form 318/319 as we speak so it's ready if/when the window opens
Click to expand...
Can't hurt for practice - but when the time comes, you'll want to start fresh with current FCC database information to make sure you're not missing anything that's been filed in the meantime.
 
Surveyor was on site this AM - was on his way to visit family that is local, so he is waiving the mileage charge.

He already had the benchmark and triangulation station information for the area, so let's just say his Trimble CenterPoint RTX system is way more accurate than Google maps!!
 
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R.D.P. said:
P.S. I see this person as a go getter. He's very active in pursuing this LPFM radio station and wants to learn everything he needs to know. Kudos and still wish him all the best. :)​
Click to expand...
Dan,
Thanks - Not just me doing the legwork. The team wants to get this right on the first try, and not have to cleanup after the fact.

SP
 
First of all, you can't start filling out a "318" form yet. The FCC has not yet installed into LMS, the form that will be used for original LPFM construction permit applications. Remember, you must file electronically, the FCC no longer accepts paper 318s... (that went out with button shoes). For now, stay tuned to https://recnet.com for information. Also, if you plan to "DIY" your application, make sure you know ALL of the rules and exactly what you are doing. In the recent NCE window, we saw some "DIY" applications that were way off the mark. It's important to remember that if your location is second adjacent channel short spaced, you will need help from someone who (1) understands the second adjacent channel waiver policy and (2) has access to a tool that can do contours like VSoft, ComStudy or RFInvestigator. If there is no second adjacent waiver, you can probably do it yourself as long as you can determine the locations of other facilities, can measure the distances to those facilities and know what the minimum distance separations are. Bottom line.. it's best to use hired help.. when the FCC actually announces when a window will be. We are still working through the NCE window aftermath right now.. it may not be until mid to late 2022 or later before there's an LPFM window.
 
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