The concept of "community presence dates" comes into play when determining an organization's eligibility for certain points in the LPFM application process. These dates are significant during the LPFM filing window and are used to establish an organization's local connection and commitment to the community it seeks to serve.
To earn points for "Established Community Presence," an applicant must demonstrate that it has been actively involved in the community for at least two years (720 days) prior to the close of the LPFM filing window. This involvement can include activities such as holding public meetings, organizing events, or providing services to the local community.
The "community presence dates" are crucial because they establish the timeframe within which an organization must have demonstrated its commitment to the community. Meeting this requirement allows the applicant to claim points for their established presence, which can enhance their chances of being granted an LPFM license.
It's important for applicants to document their community involvement during this period and provide evidence to support their claims when applying for LPFM licenses.
When it comes to LPFM (Low-Power FM) Mutually Exclusive (MX) groups, understanding the role of community presence dates is crucial, especially in the context of involuntary time sharing imposed by the FCC. Let's delve into how this process works and why community presence dates matter.
Involuntary time sharing becomes a consideration when settlement agreements fail to materialize within an MX group. This scenario typically unfolds when multiple LPFM applicants in the same MX group accumulate equal points in their applications.
In such cases, if the MX group contains more than three applicants with identical points, a specific mechanism comes into play. All applicants, except the top three, will face dismissal. The top three applicants will then confront the prospect of involuntary time sharing, with each applicant allotted 8 hours of airtime per day.
Here's where community presence dates come into play. The FCC employs these dates to determine the order in which these top three applicants select their preferred time slots for broadcasting.
The applicant holding the oldest community presence date will have the first pick, selecting the time slot that best suits their needs. Following this, the second-ranked applicant will make their choice, leaving the third-ranked applicant with the remaining time slot.
In summary, community presence dates play a critical role in the allocation of broadcasting time slots during involuntary time sharing within LPFM MX groups. They establish a fair and organized process for applicants to select their preferred time slots, ensuring a smooth resolution in cases where settlement agreements are elusive.