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Arizona: Congressional Decision helps Bisbee radio station plans

Copyright 2000 Associated Press 
All Rights Reserved

 
The Associated Press State & Local Wire

 View Related Topics 

December 22, 2000, Friday, BC cycle

SECTION: State and Regional

LENGTH: 235 words

HEADLINE: Congressional decision helps Bisbee radio station plans

DATELINE: SIERRA VISTA, Ariz.

BODY:
Bisbee's efforts to get a low-power FM radio station may be getting a boost from Congress.

Lawmakers included new Federal Communications Commission regulations in the budget package they sent to President Clinton that will make it nearly impossible to open a low-power station in crowded radio markets.

However, it does not appear to hinder new stations in the least populated parts of the country, including Bisbee.

"My feeling is it's bad for the country, but good for Bisbee," said David Skinner, president of the local radio project's board.

There probably will be fewer eligible applicants for the licenses now, enhancing the Bisbee group's prospects, he said. "They effectively disenfranchised people in underserved urban areas (but) we hope to take advantage of the situation."

The FCC had planned to add 1,000 stations before Congress' decision.

Clinton had threatened to veto the legislation by itself, but is unlikely to do so as part of the larger budget deal.

Bisbee's distance from Tucson, its proximity to Mexico and the Mule Mountains hinder radio reception in the city.

The proposed Bisbee radio station would operate at 100 watts, compared to the 6,000 to 100,000 watts of most radio stations. The station would serve only the Bisbee area and would be limited in how far it could broadcast. Low-power stations typically are able to operate between four and seven miles.

LOAD-DATE: December 23, 2000