Forum

Contents

Introduction

The Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service was created by the Commission in January 2000.  LPFM stations are authorized for noncommercial educational broadcasting only (no commercial operation) and operate with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 watts (0.1 kilowatts) or less, with maximum facilities of 100 watts ERP at 30 meters (100 feet) antenna height above average terrain (HAAT).  The approximate service range of a 100 watt LPFM station is 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles radius).  LPFM stations are not protected from interference that may be received from other classes of FM stations.  A construction permit is required before an LPFM station can be constructed or operated.  The mere filing of an LPFM application does not authorize any construction or operation.

LPFM stations are available to noncommercial educational entities and public safety and transportation organizations, but are not available to individuals or for commercial operations.  Current broadcast licensees with interests in other media (broadcast or newspapers) are not eligible to obtain LPFM stations. 

Potential applicants are advised that there is almost always competition for any type of radio broadcast station -- including LPFM stations -- and there is no guarantee that filing an acceptable application will result in the grant of a construction permit.  Applications for LPFM stations may only be filed during specified filing "window" periods announced by the FCC, and must be filed electronically on FCC Form 318 (no paper applications will be accepted).  Many applicants retain legal and engineering counsel to help them prepare an acceptable application.  (The FCC does not maintain a list of legal and engineering firms, and cannot recommend any individual or firm.)

LPFM stations must protect authorized radio broadcast stations on the same channel or frequency (cochannel), as well as broadcast stations on first or second-adjacent channels above or below the LPFM station's frequency.  This protection is accomplished through the use of minimum distance separation requirements, which are set forth in 47 CFR 73.807.

LPFM Filing Window Period Dates

Media Bureau Announces LPFM New Station Application Filing Window; Window Open from November 1, 2023 to November 8, 2023.   See the June 22, 2023 Public Notice.  Additional information on filing procedures and requirements will be forthcoming.