[BC] sign-on games

[Phil Alexander]

On 15 Dec 2006 at 8:21, Cowboy wrote:

 
>  As you also know ( or certainly should ) unless the FCC has
>  an official notification, or an official complaint, then this
>  "problem" doesn't exist !
> 
>  The FCC can not be relied on to take action, or even to inquire,
>  simply due to long and loud bitching on a list they likely don't
>  subscribe to !

Sometimes it also depends on the FCC's workload and direction
from DC. That may vary from district to district. Most of the
time they will act on an informal complaint from the "public."
At other times, especially if they are busy, a formal complaint
by an "interested" party (IOW one with "standing" - injured by
the violation) is more effective. Those must go to the top of
the pile. For example, if a Class D interferes with a co-channel
Class A, and the Class A complains to the EB district of the 
Class D, the will usually be swift attention given. If a member
of the public within the protected coverage of the Class A
complains, there is also an expectation of quick resolution.

However, if another broadcaster in the Class D's market 
complains, the situation may be viewed as a commercial dispute
where a competing station is trying to draw the EB into a
situation that would give a competitive advantage. In these
cases, human nature being what it is, they may not give quite as 
high a priority if they are extremely busy. However, once they 
are informed, in writing, of specific violations, they will take
action at some point, although it may wait until they make a
sweep through the area looking at broadcast stations.

This is not a rag on the EB districts. Quite the contrary. They
do try to do a good job, but compared with the old days of the
little gray panel trucks with equipment inside and antennas on 
top, their staffing levels are pathetic. The EB DD's are charged
with enforcement of all licensed activities in their respective
districts including cellular, broadcast, public safety, aviation,
amateur, etc. etc.

A couple of years ago I spent some time talking to an EB manager.
IMHO, their lot is not so different from many of us. They have
to do almost everything with almost nothing.

If I were in Scott's situation and determined to do something, I'd 
sit down and compose a letter to the EB District Director explaining 
the situation clearly, casting it as a complaint of Rules violation. 
You might also visit the offending station as a member of the public 
and ask to see their public file. If that is denied or you find the 
file is not in order, there is another item for your letter that is 
almost sure to generate an inspection of the offending station. It 
is important to simply state facts as you know them in a clear and
concise way. The FCC can draw its own conclusions. However, before
starting out on this, remember that line about people in glass
houses, and make sure you can pass an inspection, or that you have
recently passed an ABIP inspection just incase the Field Engineer
decides to be "even handed."


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