The FCC and How it Regulates the Broadcast Spectrum

The media has been around for quite some time now and we as a society have seen what Radio and TV and even our cell phones have advanced into. We are very different from what it was in the 70s and 80s with the rotary phone and the first introduction of color TV. The FCC has even had to come up with new ideas to keep up in this day and age when it comes to how consumers use media outlets.

The FCC’s main job is to oversee the Radio and TV spectrum for the purpose of public safety so first responders can know what is happening around the community. If you see or hear your favorite personality on the airwaves entertaining the station audience is only half of the job and the other half resides in this even as AM or FM band. When you hear a siren going down the road someone was using the radio spectrum to pass along important information to the public regarding an ongoing investigation or something of similar nature. One example of this could be a traffic or weather update that a local broadcaster is giving for the purpose of informing the public of current community conditions.

First Response and EAS

Radio in the eyes of the FCC is not just for entertainment but also inherits a responsibility that everyone in a given community stays aware of an ongoing situation in the place they live. The content you hear on air might come from a caller or news desk for passing along. The officials in the government dubbed FEMA(Federal Emergency Management Agency) are responsible for any messages relating to the Emergency Alert System like a broadcast transmitted from the White House in a nationwide emergency. Although the FCC has nothing on EAS it still regulates the bandwidth used to get the word out to listeners or viewers.

This is why broadcasting has to be licensed to serve a community unless an FM transmitter is extremely low power and complies with Part 15 rules permitting unlicensed operation. These stations usually cover a residential area and typically only go for a few blocks before fading out. If you read the FCC rules they permit FM and AM transmissions up to 200 feet from the station location. Coverage of a whole neighborhood can be accomplished through use of these devices.

In order to obtain a license you have to file an application with the FCC and then they have to approve it before they ask you to take the knowledge test and pass to assign you a frequency and call letters. There are people in bigger cities like Dallas and Houston who have reported “pirate“ radio stations for being up to at least 100 watts. Some of these stations have even caused interference with licensed operators. If you own a part 15 transmitter you are not considered a pirate but rather a friendly neighbor station that has power localized.

For more information on how to apply for a license go to www.FCC.gov.

-Tristan