[BC] LMA's

[Reader]

" Having several clients with LMA's the rules require an automonous manager
and staff. The engineer is to be autonomus as well.
The staff can simply be the person answering the phone at the front desk,
but all must be paid independently from the LMAing operator. And the
"management" had better be there or at least available for interview.
The "management" had best be providing at least an hour or so a week of
programming under the licensee's direction, even tho this can simply be
"started" by the LMA'er.
Now I realize that many many thwart these simple requirements, but a
complaint that would be tendered to investigate the operation could bring a
substantial fine to the licensee and possibly withdrawal of the LMA'ers
priviledge.
harold stanton "

LMAs are a sore subject with me.  An AM-FM combo I worked for was LMAed
prior to sale.  When the soon-to-be new owner took over (two and one half
months prior to the FCC's issuance of the consent to assignment), all
employees were stripped of their seniority and unused vacation.  The GM read
that he had been replaced in the local newspaper.  All full-time employees
were required to sign a one year non-compete contract (with no compensation
whatsoever) or be fired.  The soon-to-be, new owner took absolute, 100%
control, ten weeks before the FCC approved the sale.  (At least, that's what
I understand a consent to assignment to mean.)  The seller had absolutely no
one in control of the engineering, programming, staffing or any other part
during the LMA period.  Even ALL paychecks came from the buyer rather than
the licensee.

I believed that this operation was illegal, in addition to being hostile.  I
made up my mind to look for other sources of income.  At the time, I was
contracting for three companies.  I agonized for some time as to whether to
blow the whistle on this fiasco.  Within a few months, there was almost 100%
staff turnover.  I hoped that a disgruntled former employee would file a
complaint with the Commission.  It didn't happen.

I never filed a complaint, because I was afraid that if I had been
associated with the eventual fallout, I would have been branded a whistle
blower.  My perception has been that whistle blowers are some of the most
principled people in the unemployment line.  I rationalized that even if the
LMA had been done legally, the outcome would have been the same.

Not proud, but still employed


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