FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
June 14,2011
.JULIUS GENACHOWSKI
CHAIRMAN
The Honorable Lynn Woolsey
U.S. House of Representatives
2263 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Woolsey:
Thank you for your letter regarding the status of an application to establish new FM
translator service in Lagunitas, California that was submitted to the Commission by West Marin
Community Radio, Inc. (West Marin).
As you may know, FM translator stations use the same broadcast spectrum as low power
FM (LPFM) and full power FM stations, and there is strong demand for the use ofthe limited
number offrequencies that are dedicated to these services. In 2005, following the large number
of FM translator applications submitted during a 2003 filing window, the Commission instituted
a freeze on the processing of applications for new FM translator construction permits so that it
could consider policies to harmonize the licensing procedures for LPFM stations and FM
translators.
In line with this effort, Congress recently enacted the Local Community Radio Act of
20 10 (LCRA), which establishes criteria the Commission must consider when licensing stations
in the FM translator and LPFM services. The Commission will commence a rulemaking
proceeding in the near future to implement the requirements ofthe LCRA, including policies
governing the processing ofFM translator applications. Upon completion ofthis proceeding, the
Media Bureau will be in a position to resume the processing ofpending FM translator
applications, such as the one filed by West Marin.
I appreciate learning your concerns on this important matter. If I can be of further
assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Julius Genachowski
445 12TH STREET S.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 • 202-418-1000