Rochester Community Radio Meeting - Wednesday, 2/25 - The Mez

3 of us interested in a not for profit Community Radio station here in Rochester met last Wednesday night at 7pm at The Mez, 389 Gregory Street. We talked about the realities of corporate dominated media(including the very corporate NPR and it's local affiliates, such as WXXI). While obtaining an FM license is not possible at this time, we briefly discussed other options.

Our basic plan is one that's being done by similar groups in some other communities:

short term - operate a Part 15 AM micro station(I have such a transmitter at my house that's not quite up and running at this time). If all goes well, this might cover much of the southwedge area. We also plan to simulcast on the internet. More info on Part 15: http://www.part15.us/

long term - obtain a FCC license to operate a LPFM (low power FM) station when/if congress changes the current corporate media sponsored law that currently restricts LPFM to only rural areas: http://www.fcc.gov/lpfm/ There is optimism that with the republicans out of power, changes could be in the wind. Running a non licensed pirate FM is out of the question - doing so would make us ineligible for obtaining an LPFM license, per FCC rules.

At our last meeting, we discussed the need for diverse programming not currently on the local airwaves, including political and religious thought, lifestyles and school sports. Our next meeting is Wednesday, 2/25 at 7:30 at The Mez. Rochester's only alternative local comedy show, Comedy Underground, follows at around 8:15(participants and audience members for the show are welcome). Any group-minded individuals interested in community radio are welcome to join us.

Any questions/comments, please email me cjs@bluefrog.com

Chuck