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Background
In January 2000, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) created a special class of radio licenses
called Low Power FM Radio (LPFM). The LPFM service is designed
to create opportunities for new voices to be heard on the radio.
The service consists of two types of radio stations: 100-watt
stations, which reach an area with a radius of approximately
three and one-half miles, and 10-watt stations, which generally
reach an area with a radius of between one and two miles.
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Who is Eligible for LPFM Licenses?
To get an LPFM license, you must be:
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A government or non-profit educational institution, like
a public or private school or state or private university; or
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A non-profit organization, association or entity with an
educational purpose, like a community group, public service or public health
organization, disability service provider or faith-based organization; or
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A government or non-profit entity providing local public
safety or transportation service, like a volunteer fire department, local
government or state transportation authority.
In addition, applicants for LPFM licenses must be based in
the community in which they intend to broadcast. An organization is considered
community-based if:
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It is physically headquartered or has a campus within 10
miles of the proposed transmitting antenna; or
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Seventy-five percent of its governing board resides
within 10 miles of the proposed transmitting antenna; or
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It is a non-profit or governmental public safety
organization that intends to broadcast within the area of its jurisdiction.
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Who is Not Eligible for LPFM Licenses?
LPFM licenses cannot be issued to individual
or commercial entities. Also, existing broadcasters, cable
television system operators, newspaper publishers, and other media
entities are not eligible for LPFM licenses.
How Can I Apply for an LPFM Station?
The FCC has developed a computer software
program (“LPFM Channel Finder”) to help potential LPFM applicants
find an available channel in their area. The FCC will first accept
applications for 100-watt stations, followed by applications for
10-watt stations.
The FCC will give at least 30 days notice,
via a Public Notice and/or the FCC Web site at
www.fcc.gov/lpfm
when a filing window is available in your state. There is no cost
to file an application for a permit to construct an LPFM station
or a license to operate an LPFM station. A construction permit
issued by the FCC is required before an applicant is allowed to
construct an LPFM station and a license issued by the FCC is
required before operation of an LPFM station can begin.
If there are conflicting LPFM applications in
the same area, competing applications will be resolved through a
process that awards one point to each applicant for:
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the organization’s presence in the
community for at least two years;
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an obligation to broadcast at least 12
hours each day; and
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an obligation to broadcast at least eight
hours of locally-originated programming each day.
The applicant with the most points will
receive the construction permit.
If there is a tie after the points are
tallied, the competing applicants will be encouraged to share a
license. Formerly-competing applicants who resubmit their
applications together will be permitted to total their points and
compare their total with any other applicant for a license.
How Much Does it Cost to Construct an LPFM Station?
The construction and operating costs of an
LPFM radio station can vary widely, depending on the type and
quality of studio and broadcasting equipment used, as well as by
whether a tower may be required. More information on the
availability and costs of radio equipment is available from a
variety of sources, such as electronics periodicals.
How Does My Organization Apply?
Applications for new LPFM stations, construction
permits, or for major changes to LPFM permits or licenses may only
be filed during the dates specified for an application filing
window. Such applications may only be filed via the Media Bureau’s
electronic filing system at
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/elecfile.html.
An application will be returned, without consideration, if it is
received at a time outside the filing window.
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Federal Communications Commission
