REC Networks has made a major release of the Broadcast Query Tool (FMQ). The new version has significant improvements in the mapping functionality. Based on how the mapping functionality works, we may use look at expanding it into our other tools.

Summary of changes:
- A majority of the mapping has been moved from the US Census Bureau's TIGER service to Google Maps Open API. We note that the Census Bureau's TIGER system has been extremely unreliable, especially during the week.
- The Google maps give us much more detail on street names and locations than the Census Bureau did.
- You still have the ability to zoom (and unlike the Census maps, you will see street name details at the wider zooms).
- You can now pan within the window.

REC has had a chance to review the applications that were filed in the second round of the Digital TV (DTV) Channel Elections. The Channel Election is an FCC process in the transition to DTV where stations, many of which were given a second "transition" channel are asked which channel they would like to have their final operations on at the conclusion of the transition to digital. REC has an interest in the Channel 6 aspect of the Channel Election as many have proposed the reallocation of the TV Channel 6 spectrum (82-88 MHz) from television broadcasting to lower power primary non-commercial stations as well as a (potentially primary) low power broadcast service in this spectrum. In the second round, WEDY in New Haven, CT who had Channel 6 as a transition channel has elected to stay on 6.

In his reply comments, William C Walker gives the impression that REC is trying to do away with Part 15.

''In addition, REC Networks wish that the Commission should not take into Part 15 AM broadcasters into consideration is foolish. Displacing these legal unlicensed broadcasters is likely to anger many and lead to a greater problem with pirate activity on the FM band. Part 15 AM is an honest outlet for people bitten by the broadcasting bug but don't have the financial means or otherwise to build or buy a licensed radio station. Please do not do anything to take Part 15 AM away from these people or hamper their ability to broadcast.''

REC Networks has announced today that it is collecting information about existing "Part 15 AM" operations. Specifically, REC is requesting the operators of Part 15 AM stations to volunteer some information to REC which will be included in a database.

REC Networks has announced that effective December 1, 2005, the long running broadcast Anime Hardcore Radio on Live365 will no longer be financially supported. REC will continue to support Hardcore J, the number one Japanese language music service on Live365 and the highlighted Japanese station on ROCK.COM. AHR will continue to be available for Live365 VIP members but the station will not be updated. AHR originally started as a spinoff of REC's former operation POWERPUFF-FM as POWERPUFF-Hardcore, a broadband version of the cartoon music station that played more longer anime songs.