Copyright 1999 The New York Times Company
The New
York Times
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February 9, 1999, Tuesday, Late Edition -
Final
SECTION: Section A; Page 22; Column
5; Editorial Desk
LENGTH: 155 words
HEADLINE: Airwave Nuisances
BODY:
To the Editor:
Jackie Dove
(letter, Feb. 5) says the real reason for the National Association of
Broadcasters' discomfort at the proposal to open up the radio airwaves to
low-power FM stations is the potential loss of revenue by
commercial broadcasters, whose listeners will be siphoned off by "quality,
noncommercial programming that really serves the needs and interests of local
populations."
Yet a low-power station, whose annual operating budget
might be as low as $2,500, will not be in a position to provide meaningful
service of any kind, let alone maintain strict technical standards to avoid
interference.
Even the heavy-hitters like National Public Radio have yet
to make any serious inroads in mainstream ratings, and they are permitted to
raise money over the air, along with receiving Government help.
J. R. GACH
Albany, Feb. 5, 1999
The writer is a talk show
host at WGY-AM, Albany.
http://www.nytimes.com
LOAD-DATE: February 9, 1999 
