WASHINGTON, D.C. — By request from an alliance comprised of such groups as REC Networks, Pacifica Foundation, Prometheus Radio Project and the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), the FCC’s Media Bureau has agreed to move back by one month its filing window for applications for low power FM new station construction permits.
The filing window was until now scheduled to open on Wednesday, November 1, and close on November 8. This action put a filing freeze on LPFM and FM translator station minor modification applications from September 1, 2023, through the close of the LPFM filing window.
On October 12, the group of low power FM advocates requested a delay. Why? They say it is needed to “facilitate greater participation and accommodate other regulatory deadlines.”
How did Holly Saurer and her team at the Media Bureau respond? Perhaps understanding the Rosenworcel Commission, and the desire to ensure disenfranchised audiences get their full opportunity with the FCC, she determined that it would serve the public interest to delay the LPFM filing window by several weeks.
This, Saurer determined, would afford interested parties sufficient time to prepare applications for new construction permits “for this important service.”
While some markets are devoid of LPFMs due to tight space on the FM dial, locales such as Portland, Ore., and Nashville have seen considerable growth in the low-power FM environment. In Washington, D.C., low-power FMs such as WERA-FM 96.7 have attracted audiences on the southern bank of the Potomac River in Arlington, Crystal City and Rosslyn.
Based on the group’s request, the window will now open at 12:01am Eastern on December 6, 2023, and close at 6pm Eastern on December 13, 2023.
Applications must be filed between these dates, and the filing deadline will be strictly enforced.
Applications submitted before December 6 or after the 6pm Eastern December 13, 2023, application deadline will be dismissed by public notice without further consideration.
In addition, the existing freeze on LPFM and FM translator minor modification applications is extended until the close of the window on December 13.
The Bureau also notes the “snap shot” date for establishing points and comparing applications will match the revised LPFM window filing deadline of December 13. All of the remaining instructions and procedures included in the July Public Notice remain applicable to the LPFM filing window.
