FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn floated what sounded like a new idea when she spoke at the 35th Annual Community Radio Conference in Minnesota last week, but was it? Clyburn told the gathering that she would like the Commission to consider reallocating the FM spectrum previously used for TV channels 5 and 6 for Low Power FM outlets, non-commercial and AM broadcasters. If that sounds like a familiar refrain, see former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin (Oct. 15, 2008). It was on that date that the former FCC Chairman and human punching bag for the radio industry, suggested the very thing that Ms. Clyburn is now recommending. Martin claimed that 'white spaces' (now referred to, apparently, as channels 5 and 6) will go unused after the federally mandated transformation of analog TV signal to digital. Martin said he was "hoping to take advantage of utilizing these airwaves for broadband services to allow for unlicensed technologies and new innovations in that space." Cell phone providers then mounted pressure on the FCC to instead offer up the white-space for sale to boost competition and market leverage. Radio said the 'white spaces' would "disrupt their broadcasts and wireless microphone manufacturers said they would disrupt the signals used in sports events and concerts." On November 4, 2008, the FCC unanimously agreed to open up unused broadcast TV spectrum for unlicensed use...
Two years later, FCC Commissioner Clyburn would like the Commission to consider reallocating the unused, un-wanted spectrum for Low Power FM, non-commercial and AM broadcasters. Low Power FM will take whatever they can get. Ditto non-commercial but if I'm an AM broadcaster looking for more power, I'm telling Ms. Clyburn - uh, I don't think so or something slightly more uncivil than that. See Johnny Paycheck (1977)...
Clyburn said "I am not suggesting that the Commission move today to reallocate this spectrum for such uses. What I am suggesting, however, is that it is time for us to take a serious look at where these services fit within the overall spectrum plan." The answer from radio should be a resounding chorus of 70,000 vulvuzelas...
10 Timeline Memories:
1.1775] 'Army Strong': The United States Army is founded by the Continental Congress...
2.1777] Stars & Stripes forever: The Continental Congress in Philadelphia adopts the Stars and Stripes as our national flag...1893] Philadelphia observes the 1st 'Flag Day'...
3.1922] On the radio: Warren G. Harding becomes the first president heard on radio as WEAR Baltimore broadcasts his speech dedicating the Francis Scott Key memorial at Fort McHenry. Here's an earlier speech by Harding...
4.1943] What were they thinking?: The Supreme Court rules that school children could not be compelled to salute the flag of the United States if doing so would conflict with their religious beliefs...
5.1949] A tough crowd: Philadelphia Phillies 1st baseman Eddie Waitkus is shot in the chest at a Chicago hotel by a 19-year old fan obsessed with him for years. Waitkus will recover and play for the 1950 pennant-winning Phillies. Waitkus did not know the fan...
6.1953] "There's a time for joy, a time for tears": Elvis Presley graduates from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis...
7.1954] Now we're talking: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs an order adding the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance...
8.1989] Busted in Beverly Hills: Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor is arrested for slapping a Beverly Hills cop who had pulled her car over. She later apologizes to the officer saying 'I'm sorry deah, I sought you ver vun of mine husbands'...
9.1994] "Happy Trails": Composer and winner of 20 Grammy Awards, Henry Mancini dies at 70 of pancreatic cancer...1996] The legendary Ella Fitzgerald dies from bad circulation problems, having lost both legs in 1994. Miss Fitzgerald was 79...
10.1998] 'Three-peat": Michael Jordan leads the Chicago Bulls to their second 'three-peat' and 6th NBA title of the decade...
Jimmy Dean R.I.P.
Jimmy Dean, who went from a Country music artist and TV show host to an entrepreneur (Jimmy Dean Sausage) died yesterday at 81. Dean, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame was recently in poor health. Dean's death was from natural causes. Jimmy Dean will always be remembered for 'Big John'...
Music Memories:
•1964] #1 on this date: "Chapel of Love" - Dixie Cups...
•1965] Recorded on this date: "Yesterday" - Beatles...1965] "Like a Rolling Stone" - Bob Dylan...
•1965] Released on this date: Beatles VI LP...
Commentary...
A Tribute to Shadoe Stevens will be held tomorrow night, June 15 at the Silent Movie Theatre in Los Angeles. The tribute will feature 'Federated Group' Commercials Best Of and Shadoevision. One of the most berserk, outrageous and unforgettable TV comedies of the 1980's will be featured along with other wacky delights. Shadoe Stevens will be played by various mimes, present and past. For more information and a free translation of the ceremony, call 323-655-2510 or go to http://www/cinefamily.org/ . Break a leg Shadoe...
"Happy Birthday...happy birthday":
Steffi Graf (41), Campbell Brown (42), Boy George aka George O'Dowd (49), Eric Heiden (52), Donald Trump (64), Rod Argent (65) Rod is the lead singer of the Zombies...Marla Gibbs (79) and Don Newcombe (84)...
Timeline Countdown: Today is Flag Day, 6 days until Father's Day, 7 days until summer and 20 days until July 4th...
