Frequency

It all began more than a year ago. After only six months of FM broadcasting, WIUX found out it was going to lose its newfound spot on the FM dial to a larger station based out of Columbus, Ind. The reason behind this was that WIUX is a low-power FM station, which means it has as much wattage as some light bulbs and no leverage when it comes to dealing with full-service FM stations. With a limited number of options, WIUX staffers enlisted the help of family, friends, faculty, staff, listeners, congressmen and organizations who were sympathetic to our plight.\nWe delayed the switch to a new frequency for nearly a year until the proper paperwork could be filed. WIUX found its new home on 99.1 FM, but we were still in jeopardy of losing our newest frequency within the next decade, or sooner. However, due in part to our situation and the pending displacement of dozens of other low-power FM stations across the country, the Federal Communications Commission has decided to do something about low-power FM's secondary status.\nOn Nov. 27, the FCC adopted the provisions of the Low Power FM Third Report and Order. The rules still do not prevent full-power stations from taking low-power FM stations' frequencies. If the lower-powered station will cause interference, it will still relinquish the frequency after receiving just compensation from the other station. However, if low-power FM station has no other frequencies available in its broadcast area, its position on the dial is secured.\nWIUX is currently in the aforementioned situation, and, as such, is ensured a spot on the FM dial, even if another Class A station were to decide that it wanted to expand its broadcast range into the Bloomington area. This provision protects not only WIUX, but hundreds of other low-power FM stations across the country. \nLow-power FM stations are usually licensed to schools, churches and other community organizations. These stations provide immediate, local and unique programming for the communities they are licensed to serve. \nWIUX will continue to provide educational opportunities for IU students and unique on- and off-air programming for the audience we serve for years to come. So, thanks for helping us make some noise when we were in trouble and for helping to give low-power FM stations their rightful place on your radio dial.