The FCC itself does not keep a public database of its rule sections. That task is performed by the Government Printing Office for most agencies. These rules and regulations are compiled in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). After October 1 of each year, the GPO compiles all the changes to, additions to, and deletions to the rules and republishes the Code of Federal Regulations with the updates. This page links to the 2008 edition of the CFR. When the 2009 edition is available electronically in spring 2010, this page will be updated.

Telecommunications falls under Title 47 of the CFR. AM, FM, and TV broadcast stations fall under Part 73 of Title 47. Additional rule sections pertaining to radio broadcasting are contained in Parts 0 and 1 of Title 47. We have listed the individual rule sections in Part 73 that pertain to radio and television broadcasting. Click on the TEXT or PDF icon preceding the rule section to retrieve it. Related items on the FCC Web site may be listed in brackets [ ] to the right of the rule title.

Part 74 FM translator and FM booster rules are not included here but are contained on a separate FM translator and booster rule page.

AM, FM, and TV Rules including LPFM, Class A TV

Subpart A -- AM Broadcast Stations
		73.1	Scope.
		73.14	AM broadcast definitions.
		73.21	Classes of AM broadcast channels and stations.	[ AM Classes ]
		73.23	AM broadcast station applications affected by international agreements.
		73.24	Broadcast facilities; showing required.
		73.25	Clear channels; Class A, Class B and Class D stations.	[ AM Classes ]
		73.26	Regional channels; Class B and Class D stations.	[ AM Classes ]
		73.27	Local channels; Class C stations.	[ AM Classes ]
		73.28	Assignment of stations to channels.
		73.29	Class C stations on regional channels.	[ AM Classes ]
		73.30	Petition for authorization of an allotment in the 1605-1705 kHz band.
		73.31	Rounding of nominal power specified on applications.
		73.33	Antenna systems; showing required.
		73.35	Calculation of improvement factors.
		73.37	Applications for broadcast facilities, showing required.
		73.44	AM transmission system emission limitations.
		73.45	AM antenna systems.
		73.49	AM transmission system fencing requirements.
		73.51	Determining operating power.
		73.53	Requirements for authorization of antenna monitors.
		73.54	Antenna resistance and reactance measurements.
		73.57	Remote reading antenna and common point ammeters.
		73.58	Indicating instruments.
		73.61	AM directional antenna field strength measurements.
		73.62	Directional antenna system tolerances.
		73.68	Sampling systems for antenna monitors.	[ Sampling Systems (1976) ] and [ Public Notice, 12/09/1985 ]
		73.69	Antenna monitors.
		73.72	Operating during the experimental period.
		73.88	Blanketing interference.
		73.99	Presunrise service authorization (PSRA) and postsunset service authorization (PSSA).
		73.127	Use of multiplex transmission.
		73.128	AM stereophonic broadcasting.
		73.132	Territorial exclusivity.
		73.150	Directional antenna systems.
		73.151	Field strength measurements to establish performance of directional antennas.
		73.152	Modification of directional antenna data.
		73.153	Field strength measurements in support of applications or evidence at hearings.
		73.154	AM directional antenna partial proof of performance measurements.
		73.157	Antenna testing during daytime.
		73.158	Directional antenna monitoring points.
		73.160	Vertical plane radiation characteristics, f(θ).
		73.182	Engineering standards of allocation.
		73.183	Groundwave signals.
		73.184	Groundwave field strength graphs.	[ Groundwave Field Strength Graphs ]
		73.185	Computation of interfering signal.
		73.186	Establishment of effective field at one kilometer.
		73.187	Limitation on daytime radiation.
		73.189	Minimum antenna heights or field strength requirements.
		73.190	Engineering charts and related formulas.
Subpart B -- FM Broadcast Stations
		73.201	Numerical designation of FM broadcast channels.	[ Frequency/Channel Conversions ]
		73.202	Table of Allotments.
		73.203	Availability of channels.
		73.204	International agreements and other restrictions on use of channels.
		73.205	Zones.
		73.207	Minimum distance separation between stations.	[  Spacing tables ]
		73.208	Reference points and distance computations.
		73.209	Protection from interference.
		73.210	Station classes.	[ FM Classes ]
		73.211	Power and antenna height requirements.	[ FMpower ]
		73.212	Administrative changes in authorizations.
		73.213	Grandfathered short-spaced stations.
		73.215	Contour protection for short-spaced assignments.
		73.220	Restrictions on use of channels.
		73.232	Territorial exclusivity.
		73.239	Use of common antenna site.
		73.258	Indicating instruments.
		73.267	Determining operating power.
		73.277	Permissible transmissions.
		73.293	Use of FM multiplex subcarriers.
		73.295	FM subsidiary communications services.	[ Subcarriers / SCA ]
		73.297	FM stereophonic sound broadcasting.
		73.310	FM technical definitions.
		73.311	Field strength contours.
		73.312	Topographic data.
		73.313	Prediction of coverage.
		73.314	Field strength measurements.
		73.315	FM transmitter location.
		73.316	FM antenna systems.
		73.317	FM transmission system requirements.
		73.318	FM blanketing interference.
		73.319	FM multiplex subcarrier technical standards.
		73.322	FM stereophonic sound transmission standards.
		73.333	Engineering charts.	[ Propagation Curves ]
Subpart C -- Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Stations
		73.501	Channels available for assignment.
		73.503	Licensing requirements and service.
		73.504	Channel assignments in the Mexican border area.
		73.505	Zones.	[ FM Classes ]
		73.506	Classes of noncommercial educational FM stations and channels.
		73.507	Minimum distance separations between stations.
		73.508	Standards of good engineering practice.
		73.509	Prohibited overlap.
		73.510	Antenna systems.
		73.511	Power and antenna height requirements.
		73.512	Special procedures applicable to Class D noncommercial educational stations.
		73.513	Noncommercial educational FM stations operating on unreserved channels.
		73.514	Protection from interference.
		73.515	NCE FM transmitter location.
		73.525	TV Channel 6 protection.
		73.558	Indicating instruments.
		73.561	Operating schedule; time sharing.
		73.567	Determining operating power.
		73.593	Subsidiary communications services.
		73.597	FM stereophonic sound broadcasting.
		73.599	NCE-FM engineering charts.	[ Section 73.599 graphs ]
Subpart E -- Television Broadcast Stations
		73.601	Scope of subpart.
		73.602	Cross reference to rules in other parts.
		73.603	Numerical designation of television channels.
		73.606	Table of allotments.
		73.607	Availability of channels.
		73.609	Zones.
		73.610	Minimum distance separations between stations.
		73.611	Reference points and distance computations.
		73.612	Protection from interference.
		73.613	Protection of Class A TV stations.
		73.614	Power and antenna height requirements.
		73.615	Administrative changes in authorizations.
		73.616	Post-transition DTV station interference protection.
		73.621	Noncommercial educational TV stations.
		73.622	Digital television table of allotments.
		73.623	DTV applications and changes to DTV allotments.
		73.624	Digital television broadcast stations.
		73.625	DTV coverage of principal community and antenna system.
		73.635	Use of common antenna site.
		73.641	Subscription TV definitions.
		73.642	Subscription TV service.
		73.643	Subscription TV operating requirements.
		73.644	Subscription TV transmission systems.
		73.646	Telecommunications Service on the Vertical Blanking Interval and in the Visual Signal.
		73.653	Operation of TV aural and visual transmitters.
		73.658	Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network program arrangements.
		73.664	Determining operating power.
		73.665	Use of TV aural baseband subcarriers.
		73.667	TV subsidiary communications services.
		73.669	TV stereophonic aural and multiplex subcarrier operation.
		73.670	Commercial limits in children's programs.
		73.671	Educational and informational programming for children.
		73.673	Public information initiatives regarding educational and informational programming for children.
		73.674	Digital Television Transition Notices by broadcasters.
		73.681	Definitions.
		73.682	TV transmission standards.
		73.683	Field strength contours and presumptive determination of field strength at individual locations.
		73.684	Prediction of coverage.
		73.685	Transmitter location and antenna system.
		73.686	Field strength measurements.
		73.687	Transmission system requirements.
		73.688	Indicating instruments.
		73.691	Visual modulation monitoring.
		73.698	Tables.
		73.699	TV engineering charts.	[ Propagation Curves ]
Subpart G -- Low Power FM Broadcast Stations (LPFM)
		73.801	Broadcast regulations applicable to LPFM stations.
		73.805	Availability of channels.
		73.807	Minimum distance separation between stations.	[ LPFM Channel Finder ]
		73.808	Distance computations.
		73.809	Interference protection to full service FM stations.
		73.810	Third adjacent channel complaint and license modification procedure.
		73.811	LPFM power and antenna height requirements.
		73.812	Rounding of power and antenna heights.
		73.813	Determination of antenna height above average terrain (HAAT).
		73.816	Antennas.
		73.825	Protection to reception of TV channel 6.
		73.827	Interference to the input signals of FM translator or FM booster stations.
		73.840	Operating power and mode tolerances.
		73.845	Transmission system operation.
		73.850	Operating schedule.
		73.853	Licensing requirements and service.
		73.854	Unlicensed operations.
		73.855	Ownership limits.
		73.858	Attribution of LPFM station interests.
		73.860	Cross-ownership.
		73.865	Assignment and transfer of LPFM authorizations.
		73.870	Processing of LPFM broadcast station applications.
		73.871	Amendment of LPFM broadcast station applications.
		73.872	Selection procedure for mutually exclusive LPFM applications.
		73.873	LPFM license period.
		73.875	Modification of transmission systems.
		73.877	Station logs for LPFM stations.
		73.878	Station inspections by FCC; availability to FCC of station logs and records.	[ Inspection Fact Sheet ]
		73.879	Signal retransmission.
		73.881	Equal employment opportunities.
Subpart H -- Rules Applicable to All Broadcast Stations
		73.1001	Scope.
		73.1010	Cross reference to rules in other parts.
		73.1015	Truthful written statements and responses to Commission inquiries and correspondence.
		73.1020	Station license period.
		73.1030	Notifications concerning interference to radio astronomy, research and receiving installations.
		73.1120	Station location.
		73.1125	Station main studio location.
		73.1150	Transferring a station.
		73.1201	Station identification.
		73.1202	Retention of letters received from the public.
		73.1206	Broadcast of telephone conversations.
		73.1207	Rebroadcasts.
		73.1208	Broadcast of taped, filmed, or recorded material.
		73.1209	References to time.
		73.1210	TV/FM dual-language broadcasting in Puerto Rico.
		73.1211	Broadcast of lottery information.
		73.1212	Sponsorship identification; list retention; related requirements.
		73.1213	Antenna structure, marking and lighting.
		73.1215	Specifications for indicating instruments.
		73.1216	Licensee-conducted contests.
		73.1217	Broadcast hoaxes.
		73.1225	Station inspections by FCC.	[ Inspection Fact Sheet ]
		73.1226	Availability to FCC of station logs and records.
		73.1230	Posting of station license.
		73.1250	Broadcasting emergency information.
		73.1300	Unattended station operation.	[ Unattended Operation ]
		73.1350	Transmission system operation.
		73.1400	Transmission system monitoring and control.	[ Unattended Operation ]
		73.1510	Experimental authorizations.
		73.1515	Special field test authorizations.
		73.1520	Operation for tests and maintenance.
		73.1530	Portable test stations [Definition].
		73.1540	Carrier frequency measurements.
		73.1545	Carrier frequency departure tolerances.
		73.1560	Operating power and mode tolerances.
		73.1570	Modulation levels: AM, FM, TV and Class A TV aural.
		73.1580	Transmission system inspections.
		73.1590	Equipment performance measurements.
		73.1610	Equipment tests.
		73.1615	Operation during modification of facilities.
		73.1620	Program tests.
		73.1635	Special temporary authorizations (STA).
		73.1650	International agreements.
		73.1660	Acceptability of broadcast transmitters.
		73.1665	Main transmitters.
		73.1670	Auxiliary transmitters.
		73.1675	Auxiliary antennas.
		73.1680	Emergency antennas.
		73.1690	Modification of transmission systems.
		73.1692	Broadcast station construction near or installation on an AM broadcast tower.
		73.1695	Changes in transmission standards.
		73.1700	Broadcast day.
		73.1705	Time of operation.
		73.1710	Unlimited time.
		73.1715	Share time.
		73.1720	Daytime.
		73.1725	Limited time.
		73.1730	Specified hours.
		73.1735	AM station operation pre-sunrise and post-sunset.
		73.1740	Minimum operating schedule.
		73.1745	Unauthorized operation.
		73.1750	Discontinuance of operation.
		73.1800	General requirements related to the station log.
		73.1820	Station log.
		73.1835	Special technical records.
		73.1840	Retention of logs.
		73.1870	Chief operators.
		73.1910	Fairness Doctrine.
		73.1940	Legally qualified candidates for public office.
		73.1941	Equal opportunities.
		73.1942	Candidate rates.
		73.1943	Political file.
		73.1944	Reasonable access.
		73.2080	Equal employment opportunities (EEO).	[ Media Bureau's EEO Page ]
		73.3500	Application and report forms.
		73.3511	Applications required.
		73.3512	Where to file; number of copies.
		73.3513	Signing of applications.
		73.3514	Content of applications.
		73.3516	Specification of facilities.
		73.3517	Contingent applications.
		73.3518	Inconsistent or conflicting applications.
		73.3519	Repetitious applications.
		73.3520	Multiple applications.
		73.3521	Mutually exclusive applications for low power television, television translators and television booster stations.
		73.3522	Amendment of applications.
		73.3523	Dismissal of applications in renewal proceedings.
		73.3525	Agreements for removing application conflicts.
		73.3526	Local public inspection file of commercial stations.
		73.3527	Local public inspection file of noncommercial educational stations.
		73.3533	Application for construction permit or modification of construction permit.
		73.3536	Application for license to cover construction permit.
		73.3537	Application for license to use former main antenna as an auxiliary.
		73.3538	Application to make changes in an existing station.
		73.3539	Application for renewal of license.
		73.3540	Application for voluntary assignment or transfer of control.
		73.3541	Application for involuntary assignment of license or transfer of control.
		73.3542	Application for emergency authorization.
		73.3543	Application for renewal or modification of special service authorization.
		73.3544	Application to obtain a modified station license.
		73.3545	Application for permit to deliver programs to foreign stations.
		73.3549	Requests for extension of time to operate without required monitors, indicating instruments, and EAS encoders and decoders.
		73.3550	Requests for new or modified call sign assignments.
		73.3555	Multiple ownership.
		73.3556	Duplication of programming on commonly owned or time brokered stations.
		73.3561	Staff consideration of applications requiring Commission action.
		73.3562	Staff consideration of applications not requiring action by the Commission.
		73.3564	Acceptance of applications.
		73.3566	Defective applications.
		73.3568	Dismissal of applications.
		73.3571	Processing of AM broadcast station applications.
		73.3572	Processing of TV broadcast, Class A TV broadcast, low power TV, TV translators, and TV booster applications.
		73.3573	Processing FM broadcast station applications.
		73.3574	Processing of international broadcast station applications.
		73.3578	Amendments to applications for renewal, assignment or transfer of control.
		73.3580	Local public notice of filing of broadcast applications.
		73.3584	Procedure for filing petitions to deny.
		73.3587	Procedure for filing informal objections.
		73.3588	Dismissal of petitions to deny or withdrawal of informal objections.
		73.3589	Threats to file petitions to deny or informal objections.
		73.3591	Grants without hearing.
		73.3592	Conditional grant.
		73.3593	Designation for hearing.
		73.3594	Local public notice of designation for hearing.
		73.3597	Procedures on transfer and assignment applications.
		73.3598	Period of construction.
		73.3601	Simultaneous modification and renewal of license.
		73.3603	Special waiver procedure relative to applications.
		73.3605	Retention of applications in hearing status after designation for hearing.
		73.3612	Annual employment report.
		73.3613	Filing of contracts.
		73.3615	Ownership reports.
		73.3617	Information available on the Internet.
		73.3999	Enforcement of 18 U.S.C. 1464 (restrictions on the transmission of obscene and indecent material).
		73.4000	Listing of FCC policies.
		73.4005	Advertising--refusal to sell.
		73.4015	Applications for AM and FM construction permits, incomplete or defective.
		73.4017	Application processing: Commercial FM stations.
		73.4045	Barter agreements.
		73.4050	Children's TV programs.
		73.4055	Cigarette advertising.
		73.4060	Citizens agreements.
		73.4075	Commercials, loud.
		73.4082	Comparative broadcast hearings--specialized programming formats.
		73.4091	Direct broadcast satellites.
		73.4094	Dolby encoder.	[ Public Notice, July 10, 1974 ]
		73.4095	Drug lyrics.
		73.4097	EBS (now EAS) attention signals on automated programing systems.	[ EAS ]
		73.4099	Financial qualifications, certification of.
		73.4100	Financial qualifications; new AM and FM stations.
		73.4101	Financial qualifications, TV stations.
		73.4102	FAA communications, broadcast of.
		73.4104	FM assignment policies and procedures.
		73.4107	FM broadcast assignments, increasing availability of.
		73.4108	FM transmitter site map submissions.	[ Public Notice, April 5, 1985 ]
		73.4110	Format changes of stations.	[ Entertainment Formats, Docket 20862 and FCC v. WNCN Listeners Guild, 450 U.S. 582 (1981). ]
		73.4135	Interference to TV reception by FM stations.
		73.4140	Minority ownership; tax certificates and distress sales.
		73.4154	Network/AM, FM station affiliation agreements.
		73.4157	Network signals which adversely affect affiliate broadcast service.
		73.4163	Noncommercial nature of educational broadcast stations.	[ Excerpt from 4/11/1986 Public Notice and related documents ]
		73.4165	Obscene language.	[ EB Obscenity Page ]
		73.4170	Obscene broadcasts.	[ EB Obscenity Page ]
		73.4180	Payment disclosure: Payola, plugola, kickbacks.
		73.4185	Political broadcasting and telecasting, the law of.
		73.4190	Political candidate authorization notice and sponsorship identification.
		73.4195	Political advertising by UHF translators.
		73.4210	Procedure Manual: 'The Public and Broadcasting'.	[ Revised 'Public and Broadcasting' ]
		73.4215	Program matter: Supplier identification.	[ Public Notice, June 1, 1973 ]
		73.4242	Sponsorship identification rules, applicability of.
		73.4246	Stereophonic pilot subcarrier use during monophonic programming.	[ Report and Order, Docket 19571 ]
		73.4247	STV: Competing applications.
		73.4250	Subliminal perception.
		73.4255	Tax certificates: Issuance of.
		73.4260	Teaser announcements.	[ Public Notice, June 1, 1962 ]
		73.4265	Telephone conversation broadcasts (network and like sources).
		73.4266	Tender offer and proxy statements.
		73.4267	Time brokerage.
		73.4275	Tone clusters; audio attention-getting devices.	[ Public Notice, July 2, 1976 ]
		73.4280	Character evaluation of broadcast applicants.
Subpart I -- Competitive Bidding Procedures
		73.5000	Services subject to competitive bidding.
		73.5002	Application and certification procedures; return of mutually exclusive applications not subject to competitive bidding procedures; prohibition of collusion.
		73.5003	Submission of full payments.
		73.5005	Filing of long-form applications.
		73.5006	Filing of petitions to deny against long-form applications.
		73.5007	Designated entity provisions.
		73.5008	Definitions applicable for designated entity provisions.
		73.5009	Assignment or transfer of control.
Subpart J -- Class A Television
		73.6000	Definitions.
		73.6001	Eligibility and service requirements.
		73.6002	Licensing requirements.
		73.6006	Channel assignments.
		73.6007	Power limitations.
		73.6008	Distance computations.
		73.6010	Class A TV station protected contour.
		73.6011	Protection of TV broadcast stations.
		73.6012	Protection of Class A TV, low power TV and TV translator stations.
		73.6013	Protection of DTV stations.
		73.6014	Protection of digital Class A TV stations.
		73.6016	Digital Class A TV station protection of TV broadcast stations.
		73.6017	Digital Class A TV station protection of Class A TV, low power TV, and TV translator stations.
		73.6018	Digital Class A TV station protection of DTV stations.
		73.6019	Digital Class A TV station protection of digital Class A TV stations.
		73.6020	Protection of stations in the land mobile radio service.
		73.6022	Negotiated interference and relocation agreements.
		73.6024	Transmission standards and system requirements.
		73.6025	Antenna system and station location.
		73.6026	Broadcast regulations applicable to Class A television stations.
		73.6027	Class A TV notifications concerning interference to radio astronomy, research and receiving installations.
Subpart K -- Application and Selection Procedures on Reserved Noncommercial Educational FM Broadcast Channels
		73.7000	Definition of terms (as used in subpart K only).
		73.7001	Services subject to evaluation by point system.
		73.7002	Fair distribution of service on reserved band FM channels.
		73.7003	Point system selection procedures.
		73.7004	Petitions to deny tentative selectee(s).
		73.7005	Holding period.