The Low Power FM (LPFM) Channel Finder search tool provides potential applicants with a simple means to tentatively identify FM broadcast channels available in their communities.  The search tool incorporates changes required by the Local Community Radio Act of 2010, Pub. Law 111-371, particularly the elimination of third-adjacent channel LPFM spacing requirements (except to protect Canadian or Mexican stations or FM broadcast stations known to host a radio reading service).  Users should keep in mind that this search does not account for all factors that may affect broadcasting in the FM band, such as terrain effects or interference from distant but fully spaced stations operating on the same or adjacent channels.  The LPFM Channel Finder does not address the required protection for FM translator and FM Booster input signals (see the Sixth Order on Reconsideration in Dockets 99-25 and 07-172 and the related October 18, 2013 Public Notice.  Licensing actions prior to or during an LPFM application filing window also may affect potential LPFM channels.  Finally, the tool does not take into account factors outside the FCC's jurisdiction that may affect site suitability and availability, including local zoning or building codes, environmental considerations, and power access.  Applicants should consider all relevant factors before selecting channels and sites.

Tool Options.  Applications for new LPFM stations must currently meet certain distance separation requirements to stations operating on and applications proposing operations on second-adjacent channels and intermediate frequency (I.F.) channels (+/- 53 and 54 channels).  The Commission is currently considering standards for waiving second-adjacent channel spacing requirements and a proposal to exempt LPFM stations operating at less than 100 watts from I.F. spacing requirements.  See the Fifth Report and Order, Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Fourth Notice on Reconsideration in MM Docket 99-25, FCC 12-28, released March 19, 2012  [ PDF | Word ].  Commission action on these proposals could affect LPFM channel availability at many locations.  Searches can include or exclude either or both of these spacing requirements to help LPFM applicants take into account these potential rule changes. 

Determining Latitude and Longitude Coordinates.  Applicants are responsible for accurately determining the NAD 27 coordinates of potential transmitter sites.  Many applicants retain surveyors to help determine the proposed station coordinates.  Owners of existing tower structures should also have this information.  Commission staff cannot assist users in this process.  Coordinates must be determined to the nearest 1 second (degrees/minutes/seconds = DDD/MM/SS).  Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers provide an alternative method for determining coordinates.  However, WGS84/NAD83 coordinates obtained from a GPS receiver must be converted to the NAD27 coordinate system before entering data.  Similarly, decimal coordinates must be converted to degrees, minutes, and seconds, to the nearest second.  Applicants are cautioned that the inaccurate specification of coordinates may result in application dismissal.  Applicants unable to identify an available channel at desired site locations may wish to engage the services of a consulting communications engineer. 

Additional Information

More information about the LPFM service can be found at Low Power FM Broadcast Radio Stations (LPFM).


For more information on AM and FM radio broadcasting, please visit the Audio Division website, and the Broadcast Radio Links page.


FCC > Media Bureau > Audio Division, (202) 418-2700.