Homer radio operator continues battle against FCC (One more Alaskan fighting the Feds)

Anchorage Daily News ^ | July 6, 2003 | TOM KIZZIA

[AlaskaErik]

SETBACK: Judge orders licenses pulled for two of Dave Becker's stations.

HOMER -- From a grassy ridgetop high above Homer, Dave Becker has spent two decades building a private radio empire to span the empty spaces of Southcentral Alaska. His main assets have been his technological wizardry, a keen eye for marketing advantage, and a stubborn willingness to ignore orders from the federal government to shut his operation down.

[AlaskaErik]

"I would be scared spitless putting everything on the line like that," said Davis, a borough assemblyman whose politics are as conservative as Becker's. "Nobody's ever done this in America. When the government says 'You may not do this,' you better not do it. They're going to get you, sooner or later."

I wonder what this person would say or do if the government told him he couldn't do something near and dear to him. Why don't we just grab our towels now and head for the showers. "Hey guys, strange shower we have here...where's the water...."

[jimtorr]

Yeah, that statement from Davis is scary.

What's even more scary is that I agree with some of the FCC rulings on this one. The reason is that I would much rather have a local radio station to listen to, rather than one originating far away. Local stations tend to be more responsive to local wants and needs.

On the other hand, competition is good. Companies like Clear Channel seriously need competition. I don't want to get all my news or music from just one media company.

FCC regulation can be a funny thing. I don't know the best balance between local media and competition.

[wgeorge2001]

"I would be scared spitless putting everything on the line like that," said Davis, a borough assemblyman whose politics are as conservative as Becker's. "Nobody's ever done this in America. When the government says 'You may not do this,' you better not do it. They're going to get you, sooner or later."


A conservative talking just like a left wing communist. Is their yet hope for our country; have we already been overtaken by liberals and rino's. May the good Lord help us and keep us safe from politicians, liars and thieves.

[Bluntpoint]

Homer call letters:

DOH!

Homer on Religion"

"I'm normally not a praying man, but if you're up there, please save me Superman."

[ampat]

I've always felt the govt (FCC) was a bit arrogant when it comes to the air waves. I believe some regulation is required (perhaps referee is more appropriate). However, the govt doesn't own the atmosphere. It's been used a lot to generate revenue. How greedy.

[DB]

If the frequencies are clear and you're not interfering with any other licensed services then the people should decide what they want to listen to. If they broadcaster is willing to provide the signal at his expense and he meets the above criteria the FCC shouldn’t be in the business of providing protection against competitors. Again, let the listeners decide.

[norraad]

..translators?

[TommyDale]

Translators are low-power transmitters that rebroadcast a signal to a small area that otherwise couldn't have received good reception. Most common are TV and FM radio. You'll see a lot of PBS TV stations using translators to rural communities.

[NonValueAdded]

The reason is that I would much rather have a local radio station to listen to, rather than one originating far away. Local stations tend to be more responsive to local wants and needs.

Doesn't your radio have a tuner that lets you choose the local station? If you and your neighbors prefer the local station, then the local advertisers will place their ads where you can hear them. Meanwhile, competition drives down advertising rates which increases the advertiser's profit margins and their competition drives down prices.

<voice=Yakov>What a system!</voice>

I can't believe there are that many stations to choose from that there aren't enough formats to go around and attract listeners and advertising revenue.

Just because we bought Alaska from the Russians doesn't mean capitalism isn't allowed there, does it? What part of the constitution would apply here?

In a couple of years, XM and Internet radio is going to eat their lunch anyway.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

FCC regulation can be a funny thing. I don't know the best balance between local media and competition.

FCC regulation makes some of us more easily heard than others. It is a system which is utterly foreign to the Constitution.

Broadcasting as we know it could not exist without FCC regulation--but the Republic could, and did, exist without broadcasting. Click my handle to read more on the subject . . .

[HAL9000]

Many years ago, the FCC tried to shut down my repeater network after the cable company complained. But I only learned about it later. They got my address wrong and sent the notices to my neighbors.

[ASOC]

XM and Sirius dont work in Alaska - too far North. Check their site - all of the entire United States (Except Alaska)


Thats OK - we are used to getting screwed "buy online and get free shipping - except Alaska.....

folks in the L48 like the oil tho.....they should come up and enjoy the mountians and trees.

[Bluntpoint]

"Thats OK - we are used to getting screwed "buy online and get free shipping - except Alaska....."


Alaska is only make-believe, like elves, gremlins, and eskimos.

[teeman8r]

i would think the market would be the best judge for the stations... let the government just issue licenses for the signal band and allow the market to decide whether independents survive....

keep the government out of saying who should and shouldn't and just allow them to regulate where... on the bandwidth that is...

t

[muawiyah]

Once Blue Tooth manifests itself everywhere this becomes a meaningless exercise.

[ASOC]

I dunno
The eskimos I know live in Greenland....

[norraad]

I'm not impressed w/ bluetooth so far, how will it manifest?

[muawiyah]

No doubt a fully operational "blue-tooth" array will be added to field corn and tumbleweeds through recombinant DNA technology.

We could have a ground hugging "turnip" version as well.

All things are possible! /\

[chuckles]

This guy has never heard of Ruby Ridge and Waco?

[TommyDale]

I must admit -- the thought of the FCC dynamiting or setting fire to a pirate radion station would be difficult to fathom. Wouldn't that be just a bit out of character? Now, bring in Janet Reno and her thugs...