[BC] Local studio rules

[DANA PUOPOLO]

Hmmm..

I thought the FCC had completely converted to metric..

-D

------ Original Message ------
Received: 
From: "Phil Alexander" <dynotherm at earthlink.net>
To: "Broadcasters' Mailing List" <broadcast at radiolists.net>
Subject: Re: [BC] Local studio rules

On 22 Feb 2006 at 11:22, Harold Hallikainen wrote:

> Regarding distances, it's
> 
>   (1) Within the station's community of license;
> 
>    (2) At any location within the principal community contour of any AM,
> FM, or TV broadcast station licensed to the station's community of
> license; or
> 
>    (3) Within twenty-five miles from the reference coordinates of the
> center of its community of license as described in  Sec. 73.208(a)(1).
> 
> 
> For all the gory details, see
> http://sujan.hallikainen.org/FCC/FccRules/2006/73/1125/

Be very very careful with the third one, the so-called 25 mile
rule. Use the OFFICIAL city coordinates found on the FCC
website at: 

	<http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/atlas2.html>

Next determine the EXACT geographic coordinates of the studio 
location you intend using to nearest second. This can be done
using USGS topographical maps, or a program such as Delorme's
TopoQuads. If in doubt about how to do this, consult a 
registered professional land surveyor. Note: Since USGS maps
and FCC data for locations is referenced to NAD27 (North
American Datum 1927) it is useful to have all data referenced 
to this basis.

When you have accurately established both sets of geographic
coordinates, use the FCC distance between coordinates program 
found at:

	<http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/distance.html>

for determining distance.

If you must go beyond 24 miles, it is prudent to have an
engineering consultant check your figures. The FCC does
not guarantee the numbers provided in its database, nor
its calculations although they may use them for preliminary
enforcement decisions. Therefore, allowing at least 0.25
mile margin for error is wise. If the numbers show you are
more than 24.75 miles from your COL, a closer location may
be in your best interest. Remember that USGS maps and the
US Bureau of the Census Gazetteer (for community reference
coordinates) are the official information in cases of
alleged rule violation. If the distance appears to be
within a quarter of a mile of the 25 mile limit of 
73.1125, a professional civil engineer (registered 
*CIVIL* PE) or registered land surveyor should make the 
final distance determination. It will be expensive, but 
cheaper than a fine for violation. (And if you are found
in violation you will have to correct the violation AND
pay the fine.)

If your only useful studio location is beyond 25 miles, 
then you need to consult a communications attorney about 
getting a 73.1125 waiver. Upon a showing of good cause, if 
the distance is close, the FCC may grant a waiver.

Another thing to remember is that (excepting special
arrangements) your public files must be at the studios.
You should carefully review the public file rules if
you are considering locating studios away from your COL.


Phil Alexander, CSRE, AMD
Broadcast Engineering Services and Technology 
(a Div. of Advanced Parts Corporation) 
Ph. (317) 335-2065   FAX (317) 335-9037





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