06/29/2023
Why streaming and not terrestrial FM?
The FCC has only recently announced that the window for LPFM applications will be opening again later this year. To pursue an LPFM license requires professional broadcast consultants to get through the application process. Also complicating matters is the need to coordinate frequencies with the Canadian equivalent of the FCC. Our consultants are engaged and researching our options.
Meanwhile, streaming media is the future. We have better cell phone coverage than any LPFM station could ever hope for. If we were to be lucky enough to have an opportunity to place an LPFM in Eastsound, it would not be powerful enough to adequately cover the entire island community given our unique topography.
Keep in mind, Lopez Island's LPFM is only 15 watts of power. We believe both FM and streaming media are required to meet our community's needs.
Today people typically listen to FM in their cars, but we islanders do not spend much time commuting.
As the battle for the automobile dashboard rages on, Terrestrial radio is fighting to avoid extinction as connected-car (cellular) technology is handily winning out as the preferred system for media consumption, in or out of a car.
