NorthEast Radio Watch 6/26/2023: FCC Opens Window For New LPFMs

In this week’s issue… FCC opens LPFM window – Kim out at PRO-FM – Union bid at iHeart Philly – New lineup at WFAN – Bell seeks CTV News cutbacks – Remembering Erie’s Warvel, Maine’s Knox

By SCOTT FYBUSH

Jump to: ME – NH – VT – MA – RI – CT – NY – NJ – PA – Canada

*For a few years now, rumors have been swirling that the FCC might open a window for new applications for low-power FM stations. After the 2021 window for new full-power noncommercial FMs, those rumors intensified – and now that the Commission has pretty much worked its way through the applications from that window, it’s moving a little faster than most of us expected.

Last week, the FCC announced it will begin accepting applications on November 1, and will close the window on November 8, and if our inbox at Fybush Media is any indication, there’s already plenty of interest out there from would-be broadcasters.

It’s one thing to have interest, of course, but it’s another entirely to have an available frequency and all the other specifics that go along with a successful application. While the FCC has relaxed some of the restrictive spacing rules for LPFMs since the last window was open in 2013, there’s still only so much FM spectrum to go around, and most of it is full, at least in most areas with any population to speak of at all.

What happens next? That’s where we come in at Fybush Media, of course – we’ll have some limited availability to help a few applicants get ready for the window, and we’d advise you to reach out soon if you’re interested. But whether you work with us, our friends at REC Networks or any of the other consultants out there, there are a few things to keep in mind.

If there’s a frequency available – and it is indeed a big “if,” even considering there are a few spots where LPFMs from previous windows have surrendered their licenses – it’s only noncommercial entities with a local presence that are eligible for these licenses. If there’s competition for an available frequency, the FCC’s point system will give preference to noncommercial entities with an already-established presence.

That’s an attempt to prevent some of the shenanigans that have gone on in previous windows, and there’s no doubt we’ll once again see some questionable applications from some questionable applicants. We’ll be watching closely, and we’re here to help legitimate applicants put quality radio on for their communities.