FCC Staff Deny LPFM Proponent Request for More Time on NPRM Comments

The FCC won't extend by a few weeks comment deadlines on an NPRM about improving low-power FM technical rules. REC Networks, "the original proponent of the LPFM rulemaking proceeding," made a "late-filed Extension Request ... submitted only five days before the comment deadline," said Media Bureau Chief Michelle Carey's order, released Friday. She said the group doesn't "present any emergency or other persuasive reason." Comments remain due Oct. 21, replies Nov. 4, on docket 19-193. REC's request was posted there Thursday. It sought more time because MB took eight days from "when the NPRM was published in the Federal Register to the time when the public notice was issued," emailed founder Michelle Bradley Friday. "Reaching out to LPFM stations is somewhat like reaching out to consumers, you have to be more proactive." MB denied her motion "on a technicality because I filed it too late for their standards, yet the Media Bureau can be 8 days late on informing the public of a comment deadline period," Bradley added.