The radio annual (1957)

(XZXI HOW TO APPLY FOR FCC LICENSE (XOO application miist be in writing on a form supplied by the Commission (Form 301, "Application for Authority to Construct a New Broadcast Station or Make Changes in an Existing Broadcast Station," which covers AM, FM, and TV broadcast). This form requires information about the citizenship and character of the applicant, as well as his financial, technical, and other qualifications to construct and operate a station, plus details about the transmitting apparatus to be used, and the proposed new service. Triplicate copies are required, one of which must be executed under oath or affirmation. Application Processing Applications for new broadcast stations are twice reported by the Commission — when first tendered, and, again, when accepted for filing. Such an application is not acted upon until at least 30 days after public notice is given of its acceptance. Applications are reviewed in their engineering, legal, and financial aspects by the Broadcast Bureau, which makes recommendations to the Commission. Applications are, in general, processed in the order in w'hich accepted for filing. There is a Temporary Processing iProcedure for TV applications. 0<=>0 If, upon examination of an application, the Commission determines that there are no engineering conflicts, that the applicant is qualified, and that aU other requirements are met, the application is granted without hearing and a construction permit is issued. (XIX) Any grant made by the Commission without a hearing is subject to protest within a period of 30 days, during which the protesting party may request a hearing. Within 15 days thereafter the Commission must determine whether the objection merits a hearing. The law requires that, in general, final decision on noncontested applications be rendered within three months from the date of the original filing, and within six months from the conclusion of a hearing in those cases which go through a hearing. Hearings Where it appears that an application violates provisions of the Commission's rules and regulations; that interference would be caused to another AM or FM broadcast station; or that the minimum separation requirements for TV stations are not met; or if other serious questions of a technical, legal, or financial character are involved, a hearing usually is required before a final decision on the application can be made. Often a hearing is necessary because two or more applicants seek to tise the same frequency or immediately adjacent frequencies with such a proximity of stations that excessive interference would result. In such instances, the Commission is compelled by law to accord a hearing to the competing applicants and to make a comparative judgment as to which, if either, should be granted. 0<Z>0 If unable to grant an application, the Commission is required to notify the applicant and other known parties of interest as to the reason. The applicant usually is given 30 days in which to reply. Aiter that, if the Commission is still unable to make a grant, a hearing is ordered. 0<Z>0 In designating an application for hearing, the Commission gives public notice of the issues for the information of the applicant and other parties who may be concerned. The hearing notice generally allows the applicant a period of 60 days or more in which to prepare. Even after being designated for hearing, an applicant may sometimes find it possible to satisfy the issues by amending his application, especially if the apparent deficiencies are of an engineering nature. o<r>o Competing applications for the same facility are not considered if filed more than 10 days after public notice designating the prior application or applications for hearing. (X=Xl Hearings by an has authority aref customarily conducted examiner. The hearing examinerj to administer oaths, ex 1242