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Post by Druid Hills Radio on Dec 22, 2016 16:00:41 GMT
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Post by thelegacy on Jan 7, 2017 0:57:37 GMT
Nice stickers however if your doing part 15 AM/FM in large areas I read that if you want to get visited by the FCC advertising is one sure way to get unwanted attention.
Radio Brandy makes some reference to this as well on their site. I know TiminBovey has had wonderful luck with his advertising however his area is not (from what I see) a large Radio market. But try that in Huston,TX, Washington, D.C. or Chicago, IL and see what happens to you.
Also I would not advise you to attempt to get an interview in the Newspaper or TV News that is one SURE way to get Uncle Charlie to take a look at your operation. Even if you follow every rule its my opinion that you want to stay clear of any possible agent that won't find being a bedroom DJ amusing.
If you live in a Small Town you may be able to join the town group and post about your station and get listeners. The ones that like your page add them as a friend. This way they will share your station with their friends and word om mouth will get you listeners without the exact address of this station widely known and thus an uninvited visit.
Let us know if your have been visited because of advertising.
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Post by jimhenry2000 on Jan 7, 2017 2:07:59 GMT
I'm just getting started and have been wondering about this subject also. Should I get a PR inserted in local papers, distribute flyers at local businesses, etc.? I've been leaning to the same conclusions as you. Jim Nice stickers however if your doing part 15 AM/FM in large areas I read that if you want to get visited by the FCC advertising is one sure way to get unwanted attention. Radio Brandy makes some reference to this as well on their site. I know TiminBovey has had wonderful luck with his advertising however his area is not (from what I see) a large Radio market. But try that in Huston,TX, Washington, D.C. or Chicago, IL and see what happens to you. Also I would not advise you to attempt to get an interview in the Newspaper or TV News that is one SURE way to get Uncle Charlie to take a look at your operation. Even if you follow every rule its my opinion that you want to stay clear of any possible agent that won't find being a bedroom DJ amusing. If you live in a Small Town you may be able to join the town group and post about your station and get listeners. The ones that like your page add them as a friend. This way they will share your station with their friends and word om mouth will get you listeners without the exact address of this station widely known and thus an uninvited visit. Let us know if your have been visited because of advertising. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2017 3:58:23 GMT
One Idea To Explore
I believe that many businesses that are open to the public have public access bulletin boards for posting business cards, small classified ads and other notices. I've seen this in grocery stores, libraries and other locations.
I've thought of scouting to locate these bulletin boards and later plan on posting radio station promotions.
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Post by thelegacy on Jan 7, 2017 4:16:06 GMT
That may work since exact location is unknown. But at your house it's an easy target.
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Post by jimhenry2000 on Jan 7, 2017 4:29:01 GMT
I am always wary of the media. About a dozen or so years ago I started a group named R*A*T*B*U*S*T*E*R*S. We were hobbyists using high power precision air rifles (NOT BB guns!) offering our services to provide humane pest control to property owners. We eliminated rats and other pests with no worries about "collateral damage" as is a concern with traps and poisons. It was promoted on my website but we established several branches across the country. Well it wasn't long before the press was contacting me for an interview, including a talk radio host in Phila. and also NPR. The Phila. talk radio host was definitely pro-gun but I politely declined both requests for interviews. I just don't trust where the media will go with those things. NPR still did a story but without any assist from me. Low key is best. Once I get going I might still put some flyers out at local businesses. Many of our local businesses have bulletin boards and space for this purpose. Jim One Idea To ExploreI believe that many businesses that are open to the public have public access bulletin boards for posting business cards, small classified ads and other notices. I've seen this in grocery stores, libraries and other locations. I've thought of scouting to locate these bulletin boards and later plan on posting radio station promotions. |
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Post by mark on Jan 7, 2017 6:49:35 GMT
I maintain a sign on the community mail box just up the street. But I don't think anyone really notices unless I had flashing lights around it.
Mark
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Post by cthuskyman on Jan 7, 2017 23:44:34 GMT
One Idea To ExploreI believe that many businesses that are open to the public have public access bulletin boards for posting business cards, small classified ads and other notices. I've seen this in grocery stores, libraries and other locations. I've thought of scouting to locate these bulletin boards and later plan on posting radio station promotions. Yet another in the category of "why didn't I think of that", LOL. One idea that just crossed my mind is running periodic spots on my cable system's public access station/TV based board. Not sure what it would cost, but I could probably swing it.  |
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Post by Druid Hills Radio on Jan 7, 2017 23:55:17 GMT
Nice stickers however if your doing part 15 AM/FM in large areas I read that if you want to get visited by the FCC advertising is one sure way to get unwanted attention. Radio Brandy makes some reference to this as well on their site. I know TiminBovey has had wonderful luck with his advertising however his area is not (from what I see) a large Radio market. But try that in Huston,TX, Washington, D.C. or Chicago, IL and see what happens to you. Also I would not advise you to attempt to get an interview in the Newspaper or TV News that is one SURE way to get Uncle Charlie to take a look at your operation. Even if you follow every rule its my opinion that you want to stay clear of any possible agent that won't find being a bedroom DJ amusing. If you live in a Small Town you may be able to join the town group and post about your station and get listeners. The ones that like your page add them as a friend. This way they will share your station with their friends and word om mouth will get you listeners without the exact address of this station widely known and thus an uninvited visit. Let us know if your have been visited because of advertising. That's Bull dump. If you're legal you have nothing to worry about. I am getting tired of the gloom and doom. |
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Post by jimhenry2000 on Jan 9, 2017 2:59:29 GMT
I really have to question how the FCC has the manpower to track down LP broadcasters for minor technical violations. Interference with other broadcasters or broadcasting obscene content is a different story, but if they actually have the resources to go after LPBs for things such as exceeding the 10 meter total length of antenna and ground lead, then their budget needs to be put on a strict diet.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 3:23:51 GMT
Playing It Safe
JimHenry wrote: "I really have to question how the FCC has the manpower to track down LP broadcasters for minor technical violations. Interference with other broadcasters or broadcasting obscene content is a different story, but if they actually have the resources to go after LPBs for things such as exceeding the 10 meter total length of antenna and ground lead, then their budget needs to be put on a strict diet."
After years of following this hobby I will share what I have come to believe with the proviso that I don't truly know what FCC policy really is regarding small radio.
I think the FCC is complaint driven. If someone complains about a small unlicensed station the FCC might investigate.
If the complainant is a licensed station the FCC may be more likely to crack down by digging for a reason to stop the small station.
Complaints about language or politically controversial or racial or ethnic stations might be enforced more stringently than some small-timer playing rock music.
Occasionally the FCC stumbles across an unlicensed station while they (FCC) happen to be in the area for other reasons, and in such cases may check out the station to determine what action they might pursue.
Based on an accumulation of anecdotes some agents tend to be hard-line while others may be lenient for reasons known only to the agents.
Unfriendly HAM or engineering radio cops are sometimes known to make sport out of tracking down and reporting unlicensed stations. They've even been known to vandalize outdoor installations or even impersonate FCC inspectors.
Finally, in the case an agent of the FCC finds a station in excess of the part 15 limits, they will issue an NOUO (Notice of Unauthorized Operation) which requires shutting down and responding to the notice. If a station operator obeys and responds the problem dissolves, and business can restart upon declaring compliance.
The actual risk may be overblown by some commenters.
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Post by mighty1650 on Jan 9, 2017 12:55:42 GMT
I really have to question how the FCC has the manpower to track down LP broadcasters for minor technical violations. Interference with other broadcasters or broadcasting obscene content is a different story, but if they actually have the resources to go after LPBs for things such as exceeding the 10 meter total length of antenna and ground lead, then their budget needs to be put on a strict diet. The short answer is they don't. Carl is right by saying they are complaint driven, that being said not even the licensed broadcasters like dealing with the FCC. The likelihood of a part 15 AM getting inspected is pretty slim, real slim. |
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Post by Druid Hills Radio on Jan 9, 2017 14:13:13 GMT
"The short answer is they don't. Carl is right by saying they are complaint driven, that being said not even the licensed broadcasters like dealing with the FCC. The likelihood of a part 15 AM getting inspected is pretty slim, real slim."DHR said: "The Chief of the Tampa Enforcement Office drives by the exit to my small town daily (maybe no longer) and has never left a note on my door about my Part 15 AM station. It seems that our Resident Hobby Agent is more worried about my operation than he is LOL!" |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2017 17:10:03 GMT
If you're obviously attempting to operate legally, you really have little to worry about. I've also found that the media, even other radio stations, to be very supportive, particularly if you go out of your way to tell them what you're doing.
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Post by End80 on Jan 9, 2017 18:21:43 GMT
I agree. Advertising with bumper stickers, signage, websites, newspapers, what have you. It's all good, and even advised, providing your installation is indeed legit and up to code. The FCC is not, and never was, seeking out and troubling Part 15 stations. Every now and again you may hear of a supposed part 15 receiving a NOUO, but when you read the details it is usually found the citation had been issued for good reason.
On a side note: If some want to pirate, ie; operate without a compliant installation, then pirate. I personally don't particularly care.. But don't do it while operating under a guise of Part 15, because that can cause potential problems towards genuine Part15'ers who actually do make every effort to insure they're operating legally.
Featuring and promoting a legally operating Part 15 station in the public eye, by most any means, is not only good for that station, but also of benefit to the entire community of Part 15 stations across the US.
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