In a letter to Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John McCain (R-AZ), co-sponsors of the recently passed Local Community Radio Act, REC Networks founder Michi Eyre points out the need for ownership controls on non-commercial educational (NCE) FM broadcast stations and FM translators..

Citing the behavior of Radio Assist Ministries and Edgewater Broadcasting during the 2003 Auction 83 "Great Translator Invasion" FCC filing window and the recent "rapture" hoax by Family Stations, Eyre points out that these "mega-ministries" have hundreds of satellite-fed non-commercial stations including more than one station in the same market precluding local organizations and local ministries from having a voice in their community.

The FCC has released a Consent Decree in the case of Broadcast Towers Inc., a participant in the 2003 “Great Translator Invasion” filing window. In the Decree, the FCC charges BTI of using the minor modification process to slowly move FM translators closer to Miami to “take advantage of the larger populations located there”. According to the FCC, BTI would file an application for a construction permit with a roadside location. BTI would then park a vehicle at the site with a telescoping antenna and operate the translator for two to five hours using a telescoping antenna and a portable generator. They would then discontinue operations, disassembled the equipment and drive away. BTI would then file an application to cover. After the license was granted, BTI would then choose a new location and do the same process all over again.

We have heard of mothers trying to kill their kids and family pets being put down. Why? Because of speech that has incited these and potentially other actions with negative consequences. Let's not also forget the lost work time and overall lack of productivity that resulted from this broadcast and outdoor media hoax.

Some may argue that this is protected speech and it may be. But when this speech incites physical injury to human life, then suddenly the protection diminishes, maybe not in the law but in the conscience of many.

Well, it's been one week since REC Networks was mentioned in tech, telecom and business blogs around the world regarding the Sprint "Man in a dress" ad that we spoke out about. Honestly, I was never expecting the story to go that viral.

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