NationStates Jolt Archive

I was watching the espisode of Malcom in the Middle where they were having the Yard Sale. Hal found some old radio equipment from when he used to have a radio program back in the colleges days. Anyways this brings up an intresting question. The first admendment states that we shall have freedom of Speech. However, the FCC rules states this.

No person shall use or operate any apparatus for the transmission of energy or communications or signals by radio (a) from one place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States or in the District of Columbia to another place in the same State, Territory, possession, or District; or (b) from any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or from the District of Columbia to any other State, Territory, or possession of the United States; or (c) from any place in any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or in the District of Columbia, to any place in any foreign country or to any vessel; or (d) within any State when the effects of such use extend beyond the borders of said State, or when interference is caused by such use or operation with the transmission of such energy, communications, or signals from within said State to any place beyond its borders, or from any place beyond its borders to any place within said State, or with the transmission or reception of such energy, communications, or signals from and/or to places beyond the borders of said State; or (e) upon any vessel or aircraft of the United States (except as provided in section 303(t) of this title); or (f) upon any other mobile stations within the jurisdiction of the United States, except under and in accordance with this chapter and with a license in that behalf granted under the provisions of this chapter.
http://www.dinf.ne.jp/doc/english/Us_Eu/ada_e/telcom_act/47/301.htm

This brings up the question, is this FCC regulation infringing on our freedom of speech? I mean if the Aryan Nations and KKK nutjobs are able to pratice hate speech while being protected by polices, then how come we can't have pirate radios?

Radio airwaves are considered public property and therefore under control of the government. Yeah, I'm not a big fan of that either

Radio airwaves are considered public property and therefore under control of the government. Yeah, I'm not a big fan of that either

Well see, thats the term "public property". A Park is Public Property open to everyone. Are we going to start telling people they can't go to a park because they don't have the license to be on that park?

Well see, thats the term "public property". A Park is Public Property open to everyone. Are we going to start telling people they can't go to a park because they don't have the license to be on that park?
Well the idea is only one station can occupy a given frequency within a certain radius, as such only stations promising to give public service are granted license. Usually this takes the form of news programming. At least thats the way it works with television.

Well see, thats the term "public property". A Park is Public Property open to everyone. Are we going to start telling people they can't go to a park because they don't have the license to be on that park?
Except that they have to be regulated because of rather bad interference caused when two stations are on the same band.

and I wanted to create an aviation related talk show. :) :p

and I wanted to create an aviation related talk show. :) :p
Talk to NPR, they're loaded with boring stuff. :p (kidding)

Talk to NPR, they're loaded with boring stuff. :p (kidding)

nah, NPR is too liberal for me. If I was going to do a show, I would like it to be on a non-political station.

nah, NPR is too liberal for me. If I was going to do a show, I would like it to be on a non-political station.

Good luck finding one of those.

Good luck finding one of those.

I know what you mean lol.

Well see, thats the term "public property". A Park is Public Property open to everyone. Are we going to start telling people they can't go to a park because they don't have the license to be on that park?

The better question would be, can I go hunting in the park?

The FCC licenses the same way the DMVs license people to drive: under basic guidelines that ensure the airwaves are ruled sanely.

The better question would be, can I go hunting in the park?

The FCC licenses the same way the DMVs license people to drive: under basic guidelines that ensure the airwaves are ruled sanely.

I wonder how hard it would be to get licensed by the FCC.

Well, just make sure that you conform to absolutely every standard they have, and you're set. And, don't do anything to piss them off, because they're like the mafia.

I wonder how hard it would be to get licensed by the FCC.

A friend of mine in high school had a local license on AM. He broadcasted for a couple of years (with haphazard hours of course). Took him about 6 months of study and a fee. This was in the late 80s.

Well, just make sure that you conform to absolutely every standard they have, and you're set. And, don't do anything to piss them off, because they're like the mafia.

Eh I just want a freq. on Saturday nights from 8-10 to talk about aviation. I am an aviation nut. :D.

The planes you talk about better be FCC-friendly, or they'll grab your ass...

The planes you talk about better be FCC-friendly, or they'll grab your ass...

No no, its not going to be Howard's style. If you ever heard "Coast to Coast AM" with Art Bell, or Goerge Noorey, thats the way my program will be like.

First 30 minutes :news: Local, national, international, aviation or non-aviation
Second 30 minutes: Calls!
Second hour: Talk to a guest.

That'll basically be my 8-10 show.

Well see, thats the term "public property". A Park is Public Property open to everyone. Are we going to start telling people they can't go to a park because they don't have the license to be on that park?

They already do exactly that at many national parks and local parks, *cough* day pass *cough*.

Yeah, I'm kidding. But, the FCC really will kick your ass if you do anything they think is "immoral". Ah yes, wonderful, wonderful censorship.

And yes, I've heard the coast-to-coast radio before, but it's quite boring. I only listen to it when there's a lot of crappy songs being played on the radio.