Eakinomics: Time to Jettison Legacy FCC Rules

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Eakinomics: Time to Jettison Legacy FCC Rules

You know, maybe it’s time to try again. The endless (and pointless) network-neutrality debate over regulation of the internet using Title I versus Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 convinced Eakinomics it was time to simply dump the 1934 Act and pass a modern law for internet regulation. Now, a similar issue arises regarding Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ownership rules for broadcast media.

As nicely exposited by former AAF policy expert Jeff Westling (now at the International Centre for Law & Economics, where we wish him well and a better back swing) and Aryan Mirchandani:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has long set standards designed to prevent consolidation within the radio and broadcasting industry. These standards aim to promote competition, localism and diversity of viewpoints by ensuring that the power to inform the masses is not held by limited actors. Congress directed the FCC to reevaluate these standards every four years to determine if they continue to meet their intended aim. In September, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking continuing the latest quadrennial review.

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DRM Says It’s the Best Choice for Digital Radio in India

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India’s broadcast regulatory body recommended the adoption of a single national standard for digital radio in the VHF Band II (the so-called FM band 88–108 MHz). Now, in a new press release, Digital Radio Mondiale says it is the only technology fit for the job.

“With strong industry readiness and proven public-service integration, DRM is the only technology that satisfies both the letter and the spirit of the regulator’s roadmap,” said DRM in the release.

DRM can deliver a unified digital radio ecosystem that supports every broadcaster category [and] can enable true simulcasting, expanding free public access to information, education and emergency warnings through an open technology. DRM can ensure spectrum and energy efficiency, affordability and long-term sustainability across the country.”
— Digital Radio Mondiale

In October, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released recommendations to allow analogue FM band stations to add digital services, as reported by the Economic Times. At the time, TRAI recommended that India adopt a single digital radio technology standard for the FM band, but it did not specify which one.

Over several years, advocates for both Digital Radio Mondiale and HD Radio have made pitches for their respective technologies to be selected. In this case, the DRM Consortium says that adopting DRM as India’s single, digital radio standard will ensure a “unified, secure and future-proof national broadcasting ecosystem.”

2025 “Dream Rig” Essay Contest for Young Ham Radio Operators

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Six years ago, the Intrepid-DX Group, a international group of amateur radio operators, began their annual youth “Dream Rig” essay contest as a means to reach young people and interest them in amateur radio.

“This year, rather than our past essays, we are seeking well thought-out and clearly communicated project proposals for a public access amateur radio station.”
— Paul S. Ewing, N6PSE, president of The Intrepid-DX Group.

This year’s contest is called “Amateur Radio for the Greater Good.” Written proposals may be submitted between 10th November and 10th December 2025, by amateurs age 25 or younger, describing how they would establish a club, contest, community, or emergency communication station in a school, church, fire station, community centre, hospital, or other public building. The station must be in the USA and only US-licensed amateurs may submit proposals.

“This is a departure from our conventional essay contest. We are looking for proposals that would place the station in a secure and common area where it could be enjoyed by other licensed amateurs. Once the winning proposal is selected, the proposal author will have sixty days to secure written permission from the owner or guardian of the facility. The written permission must indicate approval for the station and antenna to be installed. The proposal author may be the trustee of the station.”
— Paul S. Ewing, N6PSE

The equipment provided will include an HF transceiver, VHF/UHF transceiver, 13.8V power supply, two 100' lengths of coax, and antennas.

The awardee of the complete station will be announced on 15th December 2025.

Proposals may be submitted via email to intrepiddxgroup@gmail.com or via USPS to:

The Intrepid-DX Group
3052 Wetmore Dr.
San Jose, CA 95148

For more information about the Intrepid-DX Group, visit its website at https://intrepid-dx.com.