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            UP, UP, and AWAY!!!
The FCC application window is coming up very quickly but once you are granted an FM license, your organization will have up to THREE YEARS to get your signal on the air.

This is plenty of time to collect the equipment, personnel, and finances necessary for geting your station off the ground.  It's enough time to connect with your community and develop a vision for your staton, even if it is all a little hazy when you apply. 



It is SO IMPORTANT to submit your application and secure your radio license during the November LPFM window. YOU WILL NOT HAVE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY, at least not anytime soon. 

Don't worry if the details of your initial application are not ideal.  You can always amend the tower location and other items later but you will need approval from the FCC.  Likewise, you will be able to transfer the license to another nonprofit organiation so long as they have the proper qualifications.  Be sure to work with an Engineer during this process to make sure all the FCC paperwork is filed & processed correctly.

When it is time to hoist your antenna, there are many organiations that are willing to help.  The PROMETHEUS RADIO PROJECT, for example, often hosts community "Barn Raisings" in which the tower is raised and transmission equipment installed within a matter of days.





The First Amendment of the Constitution gaurantees Americans the right to Free Speech.  The U.S. Goverenment, including the Federal Communications Commission, is strictly prohibited from dictating what its citizens can say and play on air.  This is an important right that never be taken for granted.  

There are, however, are number of guidelines all U.S. broadcast stations are required to follow.  These are explained in detai in the FCC publication "The Public and Broadcasting".  For the most part, these rules are designed to protect public safety.  You can find this document online on the FCC website or by requesting a copy from any broadcast station.

In addtion to FCC law, there are other issues concerning copyright and station liablity that you will want to become aquainted with prior to going on air.  These are discused in detail in the "LPFM for DUMMIES" handbook.  Stations are also are avised to consult with their own attorney to avoid on-air statements that could put the station in legal or financial jeopardy.

Outside of these legal considerations, your broadcast is free to be whatver you want it to be, sound the way you want it to sound.  Be Unique - Be Expressive - Have Fun!!!!  Let your station discover its own personality by exploring the boundries of communication, seeking new possibilities for broadcasting!





BUILD A STATION THAT LASTS
Managing Low Power FM radio station is a fun and incredibly rewarding job.  If done right, your station will become a hub for community connections, a site of international influence.  Creative people will come together within your studio walls and you will hear the most amazing things happen over your airwaves!  All expections get thrown out the window so there is nothing wrong with opening the doors of your station, allowing your community to determine exactly what it will be.

On the ENDURE page of this website you will find some links that will become essential as you get your station up and running.  We will continue to add to this page as well as the rest of the Website when we think of information that is relevant.  For more detailed information on building and maintaing an LPFM radio station, check out the book LOW POWER FM for DUMMIES and shoot over e-mail at any time: gm at artxfm dot com

Thank you and Good Luck!





           












          
                                                                             
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Tower Photos by Aron Conaway of Rough Draft Radio on WXOX

          




                                                                                ARTxFM / WXOX 97.1 FM Louisville  *  P.O. Box 5103  *  Lousiville, Kentucky 40205