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Low Power FM Broadcast Radio Stations
This page contains information about the Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service,
which was created by the Commission in January 2000. These stations are authorized for
noncommercial educational broadcasting only (no commercial operation) and
operate with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 watts (0.1 kilowatts) or less,
with maximum facilities of 100 watts ERP at 30 meters (100 feet) antenna
height above average terrain (HAAT). The approximate service range of a 100 watt LPFM
station is 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles radius). LPFM stations are not protected from
interference that may be received from other classes of FM stations. A construction
permit is required before a LPFM station can be constructed or operated.
LPFM stations are available to noncommercial educational entities and public
safety and transportation organizations, but are not available to individuals or
for commercial operations. Current broadcast licensees with interests
in other media (broadcast or newspapers) are not eligible to obtain LPFM stations.
LPFM stations must protect authorized radio broadcast stations on the same channel
or frequency (cochannel), as well as broadcast stations on first, second, or
third-adjacent channels above or below the LPFM station's frequency. This
protection is accomplished through the use of minimum distance separation
requirements, which are set forth in 47 CFR 73.807 [PDF].
LPFM Headlines
Items under this heading will be added or updated as needed. Check here
for new or updated information.
December 11, 2007
Creation of a Low Power FM Radio Service ,
Third Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, MM Docket 99-25, FCC 07-204, released December 11, 2007.
[ PDF | Word ]. Martin: [ PDF | Word ].
Copps: [ PDF | Word ].
Adelstein: [ PDF | Word ].
Tate: [ PDF | Word ].
McDowell: [ PDF | Word ].
November 27, 2007
FCC Adopts Rules to Promote the Growth of the Low Power FM Radio Service,
News Release, released November 27, 2007.
[ PDF | Word ]. Martin: [ PDF | Word ].
Copps: [ PDF | Word ].
Adelstein: [ PDF | Word ].
Tate: [ PDF | Word ].
McDowell: [ PDF | Word ].
October 25, 2006
Thin Air Community Radio,
Letter, DA 06-2106, released October 25, 2006.
[ PDF | Word ].
Granted the minor modification for KYRS-LP, Spokane, WA.
Creation of a Low Power Radio Service,
Order,
MM Docket 99-25, DA 05-2348, released August 24, 2005.
[ PDF | Word ].
Reply comment date for the Second Order on Reconsideration and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is extended to September 21, 2005.
August 3, 2005
Creation of a Low Power Radio Service,
Order,
MB Docket 99-25, DA 05-2253, released August 3, 2005.
[ PDF | Word ].
Comment dates extended to August 22, 2005; reply comment dates extended to September 6, 2005.
July 7, 2005
Federal Register Publishes Summary of
LPFM Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in MM Docket 99-25.
Federal Register links:
[ 70 FR 39182 | 70 FR 39217 ]
Comments are due by August 8, 2005, reply comments are due by August 22, 2005.
Filing comments electronically through ECFS
or ECFS Express is strongly encouraged.
March 17, 2005
Creation of a Low Power FM Radio Service,
Second Order on Reconsideration and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, MM Docket 99-25, FCC 05-75, released March 17, 2005.
Document:
[ PDF | Word ].
Copps:
[ PDF | Word ].
Adelstein:
[ PDF | Word ]. FCC to Consider Options for Expanding, Strengthening LPFM Service, News Release, March 17, 2005:
[ PDF | Word ].
License Renewal Applications for Radio Broadcast Stations
-- All radio
broadcast station licenses will expire between 2003 and 2006. Licensees
must file a license renewal application (FCC Form 303-S) and the
Broadcast Equal Employment Opportunity Program Statement (FCC Form 396)
four months before the expiration date of the station's license.
This page provides information about the license
renewal process for radio broadcast stations.
LPFM Broadcast Station Checklist (PDF file) can be used by LPFM licensees
and permittees to verify compliance with the FCC's rules. This checklist was
created by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau.
Beware of Low Power FM Radio Scams! Be cautious of offers for
equipment or services that promise to get you an LPFM station or to sell
you a Part 15 unlicensed device or transmitter as a means to starting a licensed
LPFM service. We do not recommend the purchase of equipment until you
receive a LPFM construction permit from the FCC.
LPFM Application Filing Windows
October 1, 2003
Settlement Period Announced
for Closed Groups of Pending Low Power FM Mutually Exclusive Applications Filed In
Window IV,
Public Notice, DA 03-3009, released October 1, 2003.
[ PDF | Word ]
Attachment: [ PDF | Excel ]
Eligible mutually exclusive applicants (listed in the attachment)
may file settlement agreements, minor change amendments, or
channel change amendments to break conflicts between LPFM applications.
Settlements or amendments must be filed no later than December 5, 2003. The
LPFM Channel Finder is available
to assist eligible applicants in finding potentially suitable channels.
NOTICE: We cannot advise as to when the next application filing window might be.
Future window filing dates will be posted here, and announced by Public Notice.
You may retrieve information on LPFM stations and applications using the
following form. This form will retrieve information from the FM Query in the form of a list.
Selecting a call sign or facility id number from the list will retrieve more detailed
information pertaining to that record, and related information may then be retrieved from
the Media Bureau's CDBS system. Please note that some states may not
have granted construction permits or licensed LPFM stations at this time.
LPFM Reports
Choose the options you want in your report, then Submit.
LPFM Channel Finder
The LPFM Channel Finder has been reactivated as of August 28, 2003 to assist
applicants in preparing settlements or amendments to pending LPFM applications
(see the August 28, 2003 Public Notice listed above).
You may access the LPFM Channel Finder at
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/lpfm/lpfm_channel_finder.html.
Be aware that use of this tool does not guarantee that a frequency
or site that appears OK will be acceptable when an amendment is actually filed.
Additional information about the program is located on the LPFM Channel Finder page.
LPFM Notes
Number of Applications Per Applicant.
In general, LPFM applicants may only apply for a single station.
However, on reconsideration, the Commission clarified that government
public safety and transportation organizations may apply for multiple
LPFM stations for disseminating traffic, safety, and other information
where the additional applications are not subject to competing applications.
Similarly, where there are no conflicting applications, LPFM
applications will be accepted for university student-run LPFM
stations from universities holding LPFM licenses that are not
student-run. Separate college campuses within a university system, or individual
high schools under a single school board, could each individually apply for
LPFM construction permits. ITFS (Instructional Television Fixed Service)
stations run by universities and colleges
that only transmit educational programming are not considered a "broadcast
service" under the FCC ownership rules.
Zoning, land use, local building codes
Applicants should, prior to submitting an application to the FCC, to
consider how local zoning, building permits, or other land use restrictions might
affect whether and how quickly an LPFM station can be constructed
upon FCC grant of a construction permit. However, zoning, land use, or building permit
information or approval is not needed to file FCC Form 318 with the Commission for an
LPFM construction permit.
Conflicting LPFM Applications. Where one LPFM
application does not meet the spacing requirements in 47 CFR 73.807 to another LPFM application, those applications are "mutually
exclusive" in that both applications cannot be granted if interference is to be
avoided. Mutually exclusive applications can occur with all the applications
clustered together, or can take the form of a chain in which the end applications
are linked through intermediate proposals.
These mutually exclusive situations will be resolved through the application of a
point system. Points are awarded for (1) the organization's presence in the
community for at least two years, (2) a commitment to broadcast at least 12 hours
per day, and (3) a commitment to provide at least 8 hours of locally originated
programming each day. The applicant with the most points will be awarded the
construction permit.
If there is a tie after the points are tallied, the
competing applicants will be encouraged to share a license. Those competing
applicants resubmitting their applications together will be permitted to
aggregate their points. For example, three applicants tied with three points
each would be given a total of nine points upon resubmission. This aggregated
group of applicants with nine points would be awarded the construction permit over
a single applicant with three points.
If the tied applicants cannot agree to share a license, the FCC will divide equally
an eight year non-renewable license term among the applicants. For example, if
there are four tied applicants, each will receive a two year, non renewable license
term. The first license term will be awarded to the first to complete construction
of its facilities pursuant to its construction permit.
if there are more than eight tied applicants, the FCC will divide the eight
year term among those applicants receiving a point for established community
presence. If there are more than eight such applicants, the FCC will award one year,
non-renewable license terms to the eight entities with the longest community
presence.
For details on the point system, please see the Report and Order in
MM Docket 99-25.
LPFM Radio Service Rules
In general, the rule sections of interest to LPFM applicants, permittees,
and licensees are contained in 47 CFR Part 73, Subpart L (the Section 73.800
series). Related rule sections in different subparts of Part 73 are listed
in 47 CFR 73.801.
Rule sections pertaining to LPFM stations are listed at
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/amfmrule.html#LPFM. Up to 3 individual
rule sections at a time may be retrieved. Please be aware that selecting
more than three rule sections at a time may result in a "server error"
message from the Government Printing Office's server.
To find documents containing a specific
application file number, such as the Broadcast Actions
and Broadcast Applications Public Notices, enter the right-hand side
of the file number into the FCC's Word Search
engine. For example, for file number BNPL-20000602AFI
enter 20000602AFI and submit. NOTE: The results may not
include PDF documents that contain this number.
August 24, 2005
Creation of a Low Power Radio Service,
Order,
MM Docket 99-25, DA 05-2348, released August 24, 2005.
[ PDF | Word ].
Reply comment date for the Second Order on Reconsideration and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is extended to September 21, 2005.
August 3, 2005
Creation of a Low Power Radio Service,
Order,
MB Docket 99-25, DA 05-2253, released August 3, 2005.
[ PDF | Word ].
Comment dates extended to August 22, 2005; reply comment dates extended to September 6, 2005.
July 5, 2005
Federal Register Publishes Summary of
LPFM Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in MM Docket 99-25.
Federal Register links:
[ 70 FR 39182 | 70 FR 39217 ]
Comments were due by August 8, 2005, reply comments were due by August 22, 2005.
Filing comments electronically through ECFS
or ECFS Express is strongly encouraged.
May 27, 2005
Commission Issues 18 LPFM Points Decisions. MO&O orders were released May 27, 2005.
Pineros Y Campinesos Unidos del Noroeste, FCC 05-97. Time Share.
[ PDF | Word ].
Miracle International Christian Life Center, FCC 05-98,
[ PDF | Word ].
The Villages Chanber of Commerce, Inc., FCC 05-99,
[ PDF | Word ].
Citylight Ministry Center, FCC 05-100. Time Share.
[ PDF | Word ].
New Life Worship Center, FCC 05-101,
[ PDF | Word ].
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, FCC 05-102,
[ PDF | Word ].
Menomonie Christian Radio, FCC 05-103,
[ PDF | Word ].
School District of La Crosse, FCC 05-104,
[ PDF | Word ].
Greater Johnstown High School, FCC 05-105,
[ PDF | Word ].
Greenfield Community Television, Inc., FCC 05-106. Equal, successive license terms.
[ PDF | Word ].
Calvary Chapel of Brandon, Inc., FCC 05-107. Time Share.
[ PDF | Word ].
Calvary Chapel of Gainesville, Inc., FCC 05-108. Time Share.
[ PDF | Word ].
Everglades Community Association, FCC 05-109. Equal, successive license terms.
[ PDF | Word ].
Drake University, FCC 05-110. Time Share.
[ PDF | Word ].
Black Business Alliance, Inc., FCC 05-113.
[ PDF | Word ].
Billings Seventh-Day Adventist Church, FCC 05-114,
[ PDF | Word ].
GSRI Property Owners Association, FCC 05-115. Time Share.
[ PDF | Word ].
March 17, 2005
Creation of a Low Power FM Radio Service,
Second Order on Reconsideration and Further Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, MM Docket 99-25, FCC 05-75, released March 17, 2005.
Document:
[ PDF | Word ].
Copps:
[ PDF | Word ].
Adelstein:
[ PDF | Word ]. FCC to Consider Options for Expanding, Strengthening LPFM Service, News Release, March 17, 2005:
[ PDF | Word ].
February 2, 2005
FCC Announces Agenda for Low Power FM Forum
To Be Held February 8, 2005, DA 05-288, released February 2, 2005.
[ PDF | Word ].
January 24, 2005
FCC Announces Low Power FM Forum
To Be Held February 8, 2005, DA 05-165, released January 24, 2005.
[ PDF | Word ].
February 19, 2004
Report to Congress on the Low Power
FM Interference Testing Program - Pub.L. No. 106-553, released February 19, 2004.
[ PDF | Word ]
January 28, 2004
Closed Groups of Pending Low Power FM
Mutually Exclusive Applications Accepted for Filing,
Public Notice, DA 04-123, released January 28, 2004.
[ PDF | Word ]
Attachment: [ PDF | Excel ]
Mutually exclusive groups listed are from Windows I, II, and III.
November 7, 2003
Filing Locations for Settlement
Agreements for Window IV Low Power FM Applications,
DA 03-3570, released November 7, 2003.
[ PDF | Word ]
October 1, 2003
Settlement Period Announced
for Closed Groups of Pending Low Power FM Mutually Exclusive Applications Filed In
Window IV,
Public Notice, DA 03-3009, released October 1, 2003.
[ PDF | Word ]
Attachment: [ PDF | Excel ]
Eligible mutually exclusive applicants (listed in the attachment)
may file settlement agreements, minor change amendments, or
channel change amendments to break conflicts between LPFM applications.
Settlements or amendments must be filed no later than December 5, 2003. The
LPFM Channel Finder is available
to assist eligible applicants in finding potentially suitable channels.
August 28, 2003
Settlement Period Announced
for Closed Groups of Pending Low Power FM Mutually Exclusive Applications Filed In
Windows I, II, and III,
Public Notice, DA 03-2744, released August 28, 2003.
[ PDF | Word ]
Attachment: [ PDF | Excel ]
Eligible mutually exclusive applicants (listed in the attachment)
may file settlement agreements, minor amendments, or
channel change amendments to break conflicts between LPFM applications.
Settlements or amendments must be filed no later than October 31, 2003. The
LPFM
Channel Finder has been reactivated to assist eligible applicants in finding
potentially available channels.
July 11, 2003
Comment Sought on the Mitre
Corporation's Technical Report, "Experimental Measurements of the Third-Adjacent
Channel Impacts of Low Power FM Stations" [MM Docket 99-25],
Public Notice, DA 03-2277, released July 11, 2003.
[ PDF | Word ]
[ Mitre Report Entry in ECFS (6/30/2003) ]
Comments were originally due by September 12, 2003, but by Order, DA 03-2767,
released August 29, 2003
[ PDF | Word ] the
comment deadline was extended to October 14, 2003.
April 17, 2003
Notice of Acceptance of Low Power FM
Broadcast Applications and Notification of Petition to Deny
Deadline, Report No. LPFM-S-8, released April 17, 2003.
[ PDF |
Word ]
Petitions to deny the listed applications and minor amendments
must be filed no later than May 19, 2003.
Notice of Acceptance of Low Power FM
Broadcast Applications and Notification of Petition to Deny
Deadline, Report No. LPFM-S-7, released February 13, 2003.
[ PDF |
Word ]
Petitions to deny the listed applications and minor amendments must be
filed no later than March 17, 2003.
October 16, 2002
Notice of Acceptance of Low Power FM
Broadcast Applications and Notification of Petition to Deny
Deadline, Report No. LPFM-S-6, released October 16, 2002.
[ PDF |
Word |
Text ]
Petitions to deny the listed applications must be filed no later than November 15, 2002.
List consists of applications mainly from Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina,
Pennsylvania, and Washington. If an application
from NE, NM, NC, PA, or WA did not appear on this list, the application
either (1) conflicts with another timely filed application, or (2) has some
serious defect.
September 19, 2002
Notice Regarding FCC Certification of EAS Decoder
.
Low Power FM Stations Must Install Certified EAS
Decoders Within One Year of Publication of this Public Notice in Federal Register
Cable Statems Serving Fewer Than 5,000 Subscribers May Comply with October
1, 2002 Deadline to Install EAS Equipment by Installing Certified Decoder
Public Notice, DA 02-2312, 67 FR 65321,
released September 19, 2002 [ PDF | Word | Text ]. The deadline date for LPFM
stations to install EAS decoders is October 24, 2003.
September 9, 2002
Media Bureau to Open Low Power FM Major Amendment Window from October
28 through November 1, 2002 for Certain Pending New Station
Applications, Public Notice, DA 02-2178, released
September 9, 2002 [ PDF | Word | Text ].
September 6, 2002
Notice of Acceptance of Low Power FM
Broadcast Applications and Notification of Petition to Deny
Deadline, Report No. LPFM-S-5, released September 6, 2002.
[ PDF |
Word |
Text ]
Petitions to deny the listed applications must be filed no later than October 7, 2002.
List consists of applications mainly from Alabama, Arkansas, Guam, Kentucky,
Massachusetts, and Montana. If an application
from AL, AR, GU, KY, MA, or MT did not appear on this list, the application
either (1) conflicts with another timely filed application, or (2) has some
serious defect.
May 23, 2002
Notice of Acceptance of Low Power FM
Broadcast Applications and Notification of Petition to Deny
Deadline, Report No. LPFM-S-4, released May 23, 2002.
[ PDF |
Word |
Text ]
Petitions to deny the listed applications must be filed no later than June 24, 2002.
List consists of applications mainly from Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont,
U.S. Virgin Islands, and West Virginia. If an application
from OR, TN, TX, VT, VI, or WV did not appear on this list, the application
either (1) conflicts with another timely filed application, or (2) has some
serious defect.
March 11, 2002
Notice of Acceptance of Low Power FM Broadcast
Applications and Notifications of Petition to Deny Deadline, Public Notice,
Report No. LPFM-S-3, released March 11, 2002.
[ PDF | Word | Text ].
February 8, 2002
Greg Ruggerio v. FCC, Case No. 00-1100
(D.C. Cir. Feb. 8, 2002)
[ HTML ].
Provision in LPFM rules implementing statutory provision disqualifying from eligibility
any party who ever engaged in unlicensed broadcasting is declared unconstitutional.
July 10, 2001 Broadcast Applications Public Notice, Report No.25023,
contains a list of LPFM applications received in the June 2000 application
filing window. Use your browser's search feature to look for "BNPL".
April 2001
Information About Your LPFM Permit (April 2001) -- Information
sheet that is sent with granted LPFM construction permits.
MS Word 97 only.
Low Power FM Filing Window Instructions,
Public Notice, DA 00-1175, released May 26, 2000. [ PDF | Word | Text ].
April 28, 2000
Low Power FM Filing Window - FCC To
Accept Low Power FM
Applications May 30 through June 5, 2000 for Alaska, California, District
of Columbia, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Mariana Islands,
Maryland, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Utah,
Public Notice, DA 00-914, released April 28, 2000. [ PDF | Word | Text ].
Report and Order in MM Docket
99-25, FCC 00-19, released January 27, 2000. [ PDF | Word | Text ].
This document contains an explanation of the LPFM application process
and related considerations. Related items (MS Word 97 documents):
