Pirate Cat may serve to show it,
that ev’ry listener needn’t know it.

FCC Free Radio is going to use the same reasoning that’s worked well for the other local low-powered station, Pirate Cat. Matter of fact, right now they are using the same word-for-word justification on their website *cough*. The hope is that the FCC will accept our professional-sounding PSAs as readily as they do Pirate Cat’s index-card-based freestylin’. Seems only fair. Fingers crossed.

I’m a former San Franciscan who reads the Squid a lot. As an attorney, I am familiar with the CFR, although I have no direct interest or involvement with the FCC or any governmental agency. And I too believe in transparency.

As for being at war, you are correct, but that isn’t the issue. I would argue that the only reasonable interpretation of Section 73.3542 is one where temporary authority to broadcast is given only in times of war AND “where such action is necessary for the national defense or security or otherwise in furtherance of the war effort.” I fail to see how your station supports this effort. Moreover, from your post, it appears you have not received any such approval from the FCC on the basis of that section. I am just pointing out that, again, in my opinion, you do not appear to qualify under 73.3542.

I am a big supporter of and believer in independent media, so I wanted to point out that you may have a hard time defending your operation on a claim of approval under that CFR section.

Good luck,

J

Who are you? It helps when you go online to criticize, that you actually be a transparent as possible.

“73.3542 – Application for emergency authorization.

(a) Authority may be granted, on a temporary basis, in extraordinary circumstances requiring emergency operation to serve the public interest. such situations include: emergencies involving danger to life and property; a national emergency proclaimed by the President or the Congress of the U.S.A and; the continuance of any war in which the United States is engaged, and where such action is necessary for the national defense or security or otherwise in furtherance of the war effort.”

We are at war. And being at war the community deserves to have as many voices as possible within communities underrepresented by commercial, mainstream media. And the FCC allows for this.

Once we have scheduled programming, then the show hosts are to have guests, that represent the community. We already have an anti-gang task force (wouldn’t hear that on KMEL), a nightly news program, and are already inviting politicians, artists, activists, musicians, writers, and more to come to the station, to represent their communities.

Perhaps you would like to come on as well. Who are you J, and how do you wish to make your community better?

We’re participating in our community; working on making it a better, more livable, and less hate-filled, scary place to be. Hmm, that’s something commercial, mainstream media doesn’t pay much attention to.

Just sayin’.

Just sayin.

I have 20 years of radio experience in SF, spending 9 at KFJC, 5 as program director of Radio Free Burning Man, 3 at San Francisco Liberation Radio and 1 at Pirate Cat. There were others, but these are the one’s that stand out.

Be on the lookout for fundraisers (we are a micro station, you know?).

We also have some needs, including auto-start turntables, five mic booms, cables, etc. If you want more info, please email me at mrjohnhell@yahoo.com

Also, I started a Facebook page, so find us there too.

BTW, Scott Beale has always been very supportive of Bay Area Micro Radio. I’ll be sure to have him document our rise.

Community radio is all about listening to and broadcasting for the community.