TV channel 6, known as TV6, low-power television stations have, since the 1980s, offered local radio content that could be accessed at the lower end of the FM dial, specifically on 87.7 MHz. Because the TV6 band is immediately next to the FM band, it can be accessed using standard FM receivers.
Listeners have relied on existing FM6 LPTV stations for a variety of programming, including foreign language, religious and sports content, emergency and public information, and support for minority populations like Spanish speakers. However, after the digital transition of LPTV in July 2021, these digital TV6 LPTV stations were unable to reach their analog radio audience through their new digital TV transmission.
The Federal Communications Commission has issued a decision allowing a select group of LPTV stations operating on FM6 to retain their existing analog FM radio services. This measure applies specifically to FM6 operations and comes with certain operational guidelines and mandates. It aims to enable communities to maintain access to relied-upon programming.
The FCC’s Report and Order acknowledges the public interest in allowing 14 TV6 LPTV stations to continue providing the analog audio service that listeners have come to depend on, as long as it can be operated without causing interference. This decision aligns with the Commission’s core principles guiding the digital transition, namely minimizing service disruptions. The order also establishes technical regulations and requirements for how FM6 LPTV stations will be allowed to continue to operate. These guidelines aim to prevent interference with their own digital TV operations and neighboring channel FM radio stations, maintain their free over-the-air TV service, and ensure their FM6 operations continue to serve the public interest.
However, the Order does not agree to repurpose TV6 spectrum (82-88 MHz) for FM services in areas where it is not currently used for television service, and it also declines to revise the current TV6 interference rules at this time.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel praised the decision, saying the FM6 stations matter to their communities: “Right here in Washington, for instance, WDCN—La Nueva is one of these stations. Broadcasting out of Fairfax, Virginia, it is targeted to those with ties to Central America, featuring public service programming, music, and content from El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala. This is a small station that is a big deal to its listeners. We make it possible today for them to continue to broadcast to their radio listeners, because we know in a world where content feels like it is everywhere, there is still something special about local radio and a signal in the air.”
If it’s good for the goose its good for the gander… If it is good for 14 demographics, it will be good for the rest of the U.S.
One of the objections for newcomers to also participate is that their signal may interfere with itself, and others. These 14 “Grandfathered” channels have proven that it is not the case. There clearly is a pathway to not interfere, now proven, both in the real-life application as well as if studies.
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