Why I Disagree with FCC "Filing Windows"

Imagine for a moment that you'd like to open a business..say, a clothing store, for instance. You've
found a location, obtained the necessary local business licenses and such. You've saved up enough funding to open your store and operate for several months.

Yet, when you get ready to open your store, you're told you have to wait until the next filing window opens. You can't open your shop without the wait.

So, why is it any less ridiculous that perspective station owners have to wait for the next filing window in order to even apply for a radio station?

I applied for a 3,000 watt FM station back in 1988. I saved for, and paid, the non-refundable application fee; engineering studies; passed the FAA requirements; received permission to locate a tower on several acres of land; and filed while the window was open.

Unfortunately, so did 13 other parties. The FCC weeded them down one-by-one until there were only three left. Mine was one of the three. Then they tossed it on a minor technicality.

The Z-Rock applicant ultimately won, and built the station, which has since changed hands a number of times.

But, you don't get your money back if you lose, you go through all that process again.

I'm hoping against hope that the FCC will adopt some kind of low power AM system that does not require auctions and filing windows. LPAM is probably the last hope for many "small guys" such as myself.

Please, FCC folks, don't close this last door of hope for us little broadcasters.