[EAS] LP-1's Vs. LPFM's

[Dave Kline]

I have not yet heard of any LPFM issues, EAS related or otherwise.
We have a significant number of LPFM construction permits on the books for the Omaha metro.
We will be watching this closely here.

As far as any action against interfering LPFM's, I think the committee should steer clear of involving itself in such matters. This is after all an issue between the two stations that has federal jurisdiction. The committee could offer to act in an advisory role to either or both sides and perhaps be a mediator if necessary, but it should not take sides in a situation where an LPFM is affecting a station's ability to monitor an LP-1.

Since monitoring an LP-1 is deemed as optional, it may be a hard fight, or at least an unpopular tactic, to try to move an LPFM given that we are asking them to do so to clear the way for optional monitoring. EAS monitoring requirements in Nebraska do not include LP-1 stations, just NWS and SP/SR's. If LP-1 monitoring was a requirement of the State Plan, that might be a different story.

I think only in a case where a station's monitoring is unusually poor or non-existent for both NWS and the SP/SR and they are also having trouble receiving an LP-1, and the station has pursued all possible and reasonable efforts, should anyone consider the question of changing an LPFM's frequency. Such a change could have the effect of putting the Low Power station off the air if they can't afford the costs of changing frequencies.

It seems that our pool of engineering talent in this state ought to be able to help the stations work out a technical solution without creating an undue burden for either station involved. 
Implementing CAP/IPAWS at a state level would seem to also go a long way towards eliminating any such problems of a station not being able to monitor any of its required assignments. 

Dave

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Dave Kline   UNO-TV/Mav Radio/KVNO
University of Nebraska at Omaha
6001 Dodge St. Omaha, NE  68182  CPACS 200