| 15 May 2009
Harpswell Community Broadcasting Corporation (HCBC), Channel 14, recently achieved a long sought goal in its broadcasting history by receiving a Low Power Television Broadcast License for an analog station from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). What this means for HTV, according to Donna Frisoli, station manager, is six years of security without the worries that some other entity can take HTV's frequency.
The process has been long and arduous, since HCBC's initial application in 1997. In an apparent Catch 22 situation, that application was denied, as an Educational Low Power License cannot be issued unless a station already holds a full power license. The FCC did allow HCBC to re-file, but required letters of support from the community.
The response from Harpswell residents was overwhelming, and the FCC issued a Special Temporary Authority (STA) with the caveat that HCBC must re-apply when the next filing window opened in 2000.
However, in order to re-file, our station could not be within a 75 mile radius of a city with primary TV channels, such as Channels 6, 8 and 13. Additionally, Channel 7 in Bangor had been issued Channel 14 as their digital channel. Channel 7 graciously assisted HCBC by supporting its bid to retain channel 14 as a low power station, and in 2000 the application was filed with a distance waiver.
The number of applications filed in 2000 so overwhelmed the FCC that they were forced to warehouse all of them. Harpswell's application was not brought to review until 2007. A permit was granted until October 2009, and with the help of David Cox, chief engineer at FOX-TV a final application was applied for and received on March 31, 2009.
As the world changes over to digital TV, the FCC is currently not allowing low power stations to file for digital licenses, so in the meantime, HTV will remain in analog mode. Recently purchased digital televisions are equipped with analog receivers, so when you flick the switch, Channel 14 should still be there. Digital converter boxes with an analog pass through will be necessary for those choosing that option. Nothing will change for cable viewers.
From its inception, HTV has been operated mainly by volunteers. For those who have not checked it out, the station was built with volunteer labor and many generous donations from local businesses, and HTV is always looking for volunteers.
"Now is a great time to get involved," says Frisoli. "It is a new beginning for us."
From this writer's personal experience, volunteering with HTV can be not only educational but entertaining; from operating a camera at a "meet the candidates" forum, to climbing the steeple of Kellogg Church to film the Memorial Day Parade, and producing "Spring Specials," aired on April 1st.
Check out the workings of Harpswell's own TV. You'll be glad you did.
