STATEMENT OF 
COMMISSIONER DEBORAH TAYLOR TATE
APPROVING IN PART, DISSENTING IN PART
Re: Creation of a Low Power Radio Service, Third Report and Order
I appreciate that the hallmarks of LPFM radio stations are its local character and locally originated 
programming.  In fact, I had the opportunity to visit RadioFree Nashville last spring and talk with many 
of the original founders as well as the staff and radio show hosts. They provide a variety of informational 
and educational programming, talk shows and unique music formats to West Nashville.  In fact, a former 
colleague, George Haley has a regular show regarding issues affecting individuals facing mental and 
behavioral health issues and it is precisely this type of forum that LPFM can provide listeners.
I support much of what is in the further notice.  In fact, that is a more appropriate place for the majority of 
the action we take in this item today.  I believe that we need to have more input and further comment 
before taking some of these broad and expansive actions regarding the status and protections of both 
LPFM and primary or licensed full-power stations and therefore I approve in part and dissent in part.
At present, there are several bills pending before Congress and it would seem appropriate to wait on their 
instruction before moving forward, especially before moving beyond what is included in the legislation 
regarding 3rd adjacent channel interference.  I also think that we should have a rational basis for setting 
the standards for Low Power FM, perhaps using the minimum operating guidelines for the required 
number of hours of operation.  Regarding the applications for additional translators, again, I would have 
preferred a more measured approach, rather than an 80% cut: from 50 to 10.  Finally, enhancing the status 
of  Low Power FM licensees as compared to full power FM stations, or creating new status and 
protections, is beyond the scope of the NPRM and is more appropriately addressed in the Further Notice 
we are issuing today.  Such a sweeping change by an agency should require further notice, consideration, 
and comment.
Therefore, I dissent from this Order’s finding of a ten application limit on translators, from the finding 
regarding second-adjacent channel waivers, and from the portion of this Order that places Low Power FM 
in a superior position to full power.  I find no justification in the record for such a complete shift in well-
established policy.  Low Power FM licensees provide a great service to their communities, but they accept 
their license knowing that they are a secondary service, and accept both the risks and rewards that status 
entails.