Translators
Translators are radio transmitters under 250 watts that repeat the signal of an existing radio station and do not originate their own content. Currently, translators share equal status with low power stations (LPFMs), so a low power station cannot displace a translator and visa versa. (On the other hand, both are secondary to full power radio stations, which can kick either translators or low power stations off the air; see the encroachment page.)
In March 2003, the Commission opened an application window for translator licenses, the outcome of which may be disastrous for LPFM. Over 13,000 applications were filed for the very same frequencies that will be available to LPFM stations after the passage of the Local Community Radio Act. Prometheus protested, and the FCC froze the applications. Though many have already been granted, those locked up in competing applications (more than one entity competing for the same frequency) have been frozen until the FCC decides on the relative priority of LPFM vs. translators.
In the fall of 2007, The FCC took some preliminary steps to help with low power frequency availability. The FCC established a cap on translator applications, asking each applicant to choose only ten applications, and discard the rest (some had applied for as many as 2,500!). This is sometimes called the ten-cap.
While this was a step in the right direction, it doesn't go far enough in ensuring opportunities for LPFMs. When the FCC has a choice between granting a corporation their 700th nationwide repeater or giving a local community group their one and only community radio license—the local group should get priority. No one gets seconds until everyone got firsts! We continue to advocate on LPFM vs. translator priorities in order to make more opportunities available for participatory radio.
