FM Expansion Group

Free LPFM Frequency Study

admin — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:51:31 +0000

The initial step in determining the feasibility of establishing an LPFM (Low-Power FM) station is to determine whether a suitable frequency is accessible in your desired service area. While most broadcast consulting firms typically charge $300 for conducting a frequency search, we are offering this service free of charge for a limited time.

Until October 20, 2023, churches, ministries, and other non-profit organizations may take advantage of this opportunity, simply by sending an email to freestudy@fmexpansion.com, including your name, your organization’s name, and the street address where you wish the study to be centered.

We will prepare and deliver your frequency search results within two business days.

In the event that a suitable frequency is available in your target area, your study will also encompass a comprehensive coverage map. This map will empower you to make an informed decision regarding the suitability of this opportunity for your organization.

Click here to download a sample LPFM Frequency Search and Propagation Map.

The FCC restricts the ownership of LPFM stations in the following ways:

Only nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply and own the station.
The station’s transmitter must be located within 25 miles of the organization’s headquarters. Alternatively, the transmitter location must be within 25 miles of the home addresses of 75% of the organization’s board of directors.
An organization may only own one LPFM station and may not own any other radio or TV station.

To request your complimentary frequency search, please contact us at freestudy@fmexpansion.com.

Media Bureau Announces Requirements and Procedures for the LPFM Window

admin — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 05:22:25 +0000

The FCC release a Public Notice (Notice) providing an overview of the procedures, filing requirements, and comparative selection process that will apply to the upcoming filing window for applications for Low Power FM (LPFM) new station construction permits (LPFM Applications).

The Bureau will accept LPFM Applications for the entire FM band (channels 201-300) during the window. The window will open at 12:01 am EDT on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and close at 6:00 pm EST on November 8, 2023.

In conjunction with this filing window, the Commission will not accept LPFM and FM translator minor modification applications after 11:59 p.m. EDT, August 31, 2023.

The freeze will continue in effect until the close of the window.

The Commission established the LPFM service in 2000, and has licensed 1,989 LPFM stations from the initial 2000-2001 windows and subsequent 2013 window.

This will be the first LPFM filing window since 2013, and we encourage potential applicants to carefully review these filing procedures and requirements.2

Media Bureau Announces LPFM New Station Application Filing Window

admin — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 08:16:49 +0000

On June 22, 2023, the Media Bureau announced a filing window for applications for low power FM (LPFM) new station construction permits.

The filing window will open at 12:01 am EDT on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, and close at 6:00 pm EST on November 8, 2023.

The window is available for LPFM proposals in the entire FM band (channels 201-300). This will be the first LPFM filing window since 2013.

New applications must be filed electronically on FCC Form 2100, Schedule 318 in the Bureau’s Licensing Management System (LMS). Schedule 318 is currently being updated, and the new version will be released in the near future, well in advance of the opening of the filing window.

In 2019, the Commission amended its rules and procedures for filing LPFM applications and selecting and licensing competing LPFM applications.

The Bureau will provide detailed information about filing procedures and requirements by public notice in advance of the filing window.

Commercial AM and FM Auction Ends

admin — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 16:21:58 +0000

Auction 109 has ended.

Auction 109 included 139 new stations. However, only 97 of the channels were sold.

The two channels with the highest bids are a channel near Sacramento and a channel near Dallas.

More information is available from the FCC here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-983A1.pdf

Applications for New Noncommercial FM Stations coming in November

admin — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 10:45:15 +0000

The FCC has announced the dates for the forthcoming window to apply for new noncommercial FM stations.

The window will open at 12:01 AM EDT on November 2, 2021, and close on November 9, 2021 at 6 PM EST.

The FCC also announced that no party can have an attributable interest in more than 10 applications.

More information here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-21-43A1.pdf

And here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-463A1.pdf

Is Zonecasting Coming to FM Boosters?

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 16:23:56 +0000

Today the FCC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that may permit zonecasting by FM booster stations was published in the Federal Register.

Comments are due by February 10, 2021. Reply comments are due on or before March 12, 2021.

More information is available here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/11/2020-28784/fm-broadcast-booster-stations-modernization-of-media-initiative

Radio Program Nonduplication Rules End Today

admin — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 18:18:45 +0000

The FCC order repealing the nonduplication rule was published in the Federal Register today.

That rule prohibited same-service radio stations serving the same area from substantially duplicating their programming.

The FCC voted in August to abolish that rule.

This item appears in the Federal Register here:

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/10/22/2020-21319/amendment-of-the-commissions-rules-regarding-duplication-of-programming-on-commonly-owned-radio

Rule Changes for New Noncommercial FM and LPFM Stations

admin — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 10:43:55 +0000

The FCC has modified the rules that control how it picks winners in future windows for full-power noncommercial stations.

The new rules are applicable to future window for full power FM stations and LPFM (low power) stations.

The FCC Order is here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-19-127A1.pdf

FCC Extends Low Power FM Filing Window

admin — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:39:36 +0000

On Friday, October 18th, the Media Bureau announced that the deadline for filing Form 318 applications for new low power FM (LPFM) stations will be extended from October 29, 2013 until November 14, 2013, 6:00 p.m. EST.

The LPFM window is currently open and completed Form 318 applications may now be submitted. The Bureau recognized that potential applicants had no ability to access Commission information and tools or to discuss filing issues with staff during the recent government shutdown.

The expanded window period is designed to ensure that all applicants have sufficient time to complete and timely file applications.

The extended windows mean the FM Expansion Group is able to accept additional clients for this window.

The Public Notice announcing the extension is available here: http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2013/db1018/DA-13-2029A1.pdf

New Enid OK CP Granted

admin — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 14:45:06 +0000

On July 24, 2013, FMEG assisted Screen Door Broadcasting file an application for a new commercial station near Enid, OK.

The construction permit was issued on September 27, 2013.

Details: http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/pubacc/prod/app_det.pl?Application_id=1576633
Application: https://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101576633&formid=301&fac_num=191538