FCC Sets "Second Adjacent Channel" Policy; Grants First Waiver

May 14, 2008 - Encroached LPFM stations can file a 318 minor mod at any time to any channel with reduced interference, provided distance / interference requirements are met.  This now include Second Adjacent Channel moves, with permission from the 2nd Adjacent station.  (Currently FCC approval is in the form of an six-month STA.)

All LPFM stations can request such a move, not just those facing full-power City of License encroachment.  For example, WPCG-LP 107.9 Canton (in the Atlanta market) is severely encroached by co-channel WHTA-FM.  It cannot move to second-adjacent 107.5 because it would then be co-channel short-spaced to WJZZ-FM 107.5  However, WPCG-LP could move to 98.1 which would be short-spaced only to secon-adjacent WSB-FM 98.5 Atlanta
(This information is from the FCC Audio Bureau.)
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April 16, 2008 - WGNH-LP. Lexington (near Columbia, SC) moves from 107.7 to 107.9  This tiny one-channel change is a historic leap forward for LPFM.  Earlier this year full-power WNKT-FM changed its City of License, moving from Charleston to Columbia and started Digital transmission on 107.5  The impact to low power WGNH was devastating.  

On February 22, Christian Community Broadcasters filed a minor mod request to change frequency.  This, however, was not a routine request since the only available frequency was Second Adjacent to WNKT-FM.  The filing included a "Non-Interference Agreement and Request for Waiver" signed by both stations.  It stated this move would reduce interference to (and from) both stations.  No other change was sought.

Precedent was set by the "Thin Air Waiver" decision several years ago.  However, this decision was the first under the new guidelines spelled out in the LPFM Report and Order which went into effect last month.  FCC approval was in the form of a six-month Special Temporary Authorization.
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In God's Good Providence . . .
In June 2000 a dozen applicants filed for an LPFM station in Providence, RI, the largest LPFM market in the USA with 250,000+ potential listeners.  By 2005, seven had withdrawn or been dismissed.  Three of the five remaining entered into a time share agreement.  Petitions to Deny, Oppositions, Replies to Oppositions, and Supplements were filed to attack other applicants or defend themselves.

Now, nearly three years later, in a 16-page ruling with 38 sections and 95 footnotes, the FCC granted three time-share applications and dismissed the remaining three two.  (Because of full-power encroachment the victory may be limited.)

FCC document (Word format): click here