Frequency Coordinator Designated for `04 Political Conventions, STAs Granted for Low-Power Stations

Louis Libin has been designated as the point man for BAS frequency coordination for the 2004 political conventions, the FCC announced this week. Libin, who is chairman of the Frequency Coordinating Committee for the 2004 Political Conventions (POLCOMM2004), will handle coordination for the Democratic National Convention in Boston, July 26-29; and for the Republican National Convention in New York, Aug. 30 - Sept. 2.

"This designation will allow for advance coordination of auxiliary broadcast frequency usage in the designated area," an FCC release stated. "The designated area is defined as a circle drawn around Boston and around New York City with a 100 kilometer radius for terrestrial stations and a 150 kilometer radius for any mobile operations aboard aircraft."

The FCC also granted Special Temporary Authority for the operation low-power auxiliary stations running at 2W or less on TV channels where the nearest operating station is at least 40 kilometers from Fleet Center and Madison Square Garden. POLCOMM2004 informed the FCC that these low-power stations would be operated only inside the venues and the majority of the facilities will not exceed 200 milliwatts.

POLCOMM2004 conducted analysis and RF measurements at each venue to confirm that the proposed low-power operation would not adversely affect the stations.

All short-term auxiliary broadcast in the area must be coordinated in advance through Libin. Frequency coordination forms are available through the POLCOMM2004 Web site at www.polcomm2004.org. Completed forms may be faxed to Libin at 516-374-9410 or to Jeff Cochran, data base administrator, at 404-885-6990. Completed forms may also be e-mailed to louislibin@broad-comm.com or jeff.cochran@turner.com.