Programming

10/7 Question: where can I learn more about FCC obscenity regulations and what should a station do to prevent independent program producers from violating these rules?
Nick Ring, LPFM Operator

Answer: Go to the FCC website covering these rules.  Review pre-produced programs before accepting them.  Only allowed people you trust to air live.  Don't air call-in conversations from the public without a "seven-second tape delay system."  One vulgar word by a malicious caller could create very serious problems for you.

Question: Can two differently licensed local LPFM's simulucast the same "locally originated" programming 24/7? Can they air dual IDs?  Randy Bennett, WCEE-LP, Melbourne, FL
Answer: There are no rules against an LPFM relaying another LPFM station but not full power broadcast stations, domestic or foreign, and not TV audio either. Dual IDs should not be an issue during the time the stations are simulcasting.  See §73.879] Rich Eyre, RECNET.com

Question: Can a LPFM enter into an agreement to share local programming since various LPFM stations affiliate with same Christian satellite network? Randy Bennett, WCEE-LP, Melbourne, FL

Answer:   "No LPFM licensee may enter into an operating agreement of any type, including a time brokerage or management agreement, with either a full power broadcast station or another LPFM station."  See §73.860(c) Rich Eyre, RECNET.com

Answer: There is an important difference between (1) affiliating with a satellite or internet which network is legal, and (2) entering into an LMA (local management agreement) with another broadcaster.  In the first case total control is being maintained by the LPFM licensee and in the second case this authority is being delegated to someone else.
John Broomall, CCB 

Salem Music Network is the country’s primary provider of Christian music radio formats, and delivers the nation’s fastest growing music genres to more than 230 North American markets. They offer a variety of full-time formats, all designed to help stations reach the increasingly large Christian radio audience. Salem affiliates are permitted to air as much or as little programming as they desire.

The Word in Praise brings you great music from popular praise music labels including Integrity Music, Vineyard Music and Maranatha Music. Contemporary in style with lyrics that are distinctly vertical, The Word in Praise is music people singing directly to God. Plus, The Word in Praise airs music from churches at the forefront of praise & worship, and music from projects like the hugely popular Women Of Faith and Promise Keepers conferences. This genre specifically targets 35-54 age range, and yet maintains a surprising amount of appeal to younger listeners as well.

And for Christian teaching and talk stations, they provide the ability to come and go at the top of every hour, allowing the airing of programs your listeners already know, plus the music they know and love. For talk/teaching stations, The Word In Praise will be a complement for selected dayparts.

Today’s Christian Music is Salem’s contemporary Christian music format. As an affiliate of the Today’s Christian Music network, stations get the best of both worlds: major market appeal plus localization!

With studios in the heart of Nashville, the Christian music capital of the world, the Today's Christian Music staff stays current with the Christian music industry, daily bringing opportunities for participation in the lives and ministry of the artists and personalities through one-of-a-kind features, interviews, and contests.

Solid Gospel provides uplifting, energetic, Southern Gospel music, and this format has helped scores of radio stations develop fiercely loyal and responsive radio audiences. Targeting a 25-54 year old demographic, Southern Gospel has been the fastest growing commercial Christian radio format since 1992, growing 158% over that time (compared with 25% for contemporary Christian formats and a 10% decline in Christian talk/teaching formats).

Solid Gospel listeners enjoy the inspirational sounds of Bill Gaither, known for his millions of Southern Gospel homecoming videos and concerts sold/attended each year. Plus they enjoy the bluegrass harmonies of the Isaacs, hand-clapping quartet music of the Cathedrals, rich blends of Gold City, and moving melodies of Jeff & Sheri Easter.

Included is live, weeklong concert coverage each year from the National Quartet Convention, featuring live performances from every big name in the genre. Plus, Solid Gospel delivers weekly radio shows including the "Gaither Homecoming Magazine Radio Show" featuring artists "live" performances at Homecoming Concerts, "The Old Country Church" playing country style gospel featuring major country artists and the "Front Porch Fellowship", an award winning weekly look at all the top bluegrass songs.

All three genres are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and Salem will help build a strong local identity. By providing frequent call letter mentions and customized liners promoting station and local events, they help you sound like they’re right there in your market.

Salem is truly unique. Even though it is the nation’s largest Christian radio broadcaster with more than 90 owned-and- operated stations, Salem has a strong commitment to assisting even the smallest low power station. Its monthly fees for satellite-delivered music programming are half those charged to full power stations.

Salem has been a supporter of Christian Community Broadcasters’ series of LPFM Success Seminars and Jim Black, Salem’s Director of Affiliate Relations and Syndication, has been a speaker at each Seminar. Jim can be reached at 615-367-2210, x 203.