The window for filing applications for new LPFM stations has been pushed back.
It had been set to start Nov. 1 but the FCC Media Bureau has announced it will run instead from Dec. 6 to Dec. 13.
A group of low-power FM advocates had requested a delay in the dates “to facilitate greater participation and accommodate other regulatory deadlines.”
The request was made by the Alliance for Community Media; American Association of Independent Music (A2IM); Association of Affiliates (AOA); Austin Airwaves; Common Frequency Inc.; Community Media Assistance Project; Future of Music Coalition; Indigenous Idaho Alliance of Boise, Idaho; National Federation of Community Broadcasters; Media Alliance; Native Public Media; Pacifica Foundation; Prometheus Radio Project; REC Networks; Sharon Scott; and the United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry.
“Although it is the commission’s general policy that extensions of time shall not be routinely granted, we find that it would serve the public interest to delay the LPFM filing window by several weeks to afford interested parties sufficient time to prepare applications for new construction permits for this important service,” the commission wrote in its announcement.
It added that any applications submitted before Dec. 6 will be dismissed without consideration.
Also, the existing freeze on LPFM and FM translator minor modification applications is extended until the close of the window on Dec. 13, 2023.
“The bureau also notes the ‘snapshot’ date for establishing points and comparing applications will match the revised LPFM window filing deadline of Dec. 13, 2023.”
The remaining instructions and procedures remain in place.
[Read Sharon Scott’s articles for Radio World about how to participate in the window.]
