rh@BBN.COM> (02/10/90)
This is a reminder that you only have until the 16th of February to write to the FCC expressing your support for more channels for shortwave broadcasting, to alleviate overcrowding. The FCC invited public comment on this issue as it will be discussed at a World Administrative Radio Conference in 1992. This will be our last chance this century to get more spectrum. More spectrum is obviously needed to reduce congestion and interference. However, George Jacobs tells us that VOA and RFE/RL are likely to OPPOSE more spectrum for broadcasting, because of their own political agenda vis-a-vis the ITU planning process. The US military may also oppose it lest it reduce the amount of spectrum they have for over-the-horizon radar and military comms. In the past the US has strongly advocated more channels for shortwave broadcasting. However, they may not do so this time UNLESS listeners speak out. Filing comments with the FCC is easy, so long as you use the right format: Put "Gen. Docket 89-554" in the heading of the first page. Put your name at the top of each subsequent page; use standard size typing paper and leave wide margins. Explain your stake in the proceeding (e.g., "I am a regular listener to foreign broadcasts..."). Send an original and 5 signed copies of your comments to: The Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Room 222, 1919 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20554. Every DXer who wants to give weak stations a better chance to be heard in North America should write. Remember, your comments must be received by 5 p.m. on 16 February 1990. -- ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Robert Horvitz, Executive Secretary ANARC BBS: 1-913-345-1978 Association of North American Radio Clubs Compuserve: 76210,517 P.O. Box 143, Falls Church, VA 22046-0143 USA uucp: rh@well.sf.ca.us