Prometheus Asks For FCC Review On HD Power Increase

May 21, 2010: Prometheus Radio Project has submitted an application for review to the FCC, asking the full commission to review the Media Bureau's decision to allow FM stations to increase power on HD Radio signals.

Prometheus says the Media Bureau acted "without consideration of any of the substantive concerns and recommendations submitted by Prometheus and other affected parties," and that the bureau's failure to address those arguments was "arbitrary and capricious."

Specifically, Prometheus says the Media Bureau didn't address "documented concerns" about significant interference from a blanket power increase, as well as concerns that the increase would harm radio listeners relying on full-power, low-power, and translator analog signals. The filing also claims the bureau did not explain why a power increase was appropriate in light of open proceedings in the matter and pending petitions for reconsideration, and says the FCC failed to consider alternatives that could limit the disruption to analog signals.

In another filing, Syracuse, NY-based engineer Alan Jurison objects to the methodology used in NPR's study of the potential effects of a power increases. He says he believes NPR's study had flaws that "unfairly skewed the data to show more interference on elevated digital operations," saying this "adversely affects the public by putting very restrictive rules on the newly approved a digital power increase." Jurison would like stations to be allowed to increase their digital power to -10dBc, thereby "providing solid, reliable digital reception."

http://www.radioink.com/Article.asp?id=1814022&spid=24698