Einar Stefferud <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> Call signs have much of the same character as DNS names, in that they
> may not be used in conflict by two different Electro Magnetic Signa
> Transmitters. But, this has nothing to do with whether or not the
> call sign registrant owns some intellectual property in connection
> with the Call Sign string.
Actually, the FCC licenses broadcast transmitters according to
frequency, height, and power, and not call letter, per se. Call
letters are primarily used for station identification.
BTW, the FCC will allow call letters to be transferred between
stations. Some stations will pick up the call letters of other
stations in much the same way that some individuals register names for
the purposes of selling the right to use those names. If you read the
archives of rec.radio.broadcasting or some of the regional
broadcast-related groups, you will see many examples of how
broadcasters "bought" call letters that were famous (or were thought
to be of value).
--gregbo
