October 17, 2023
Media Bureau Announces Revised Dates for LPFM New Station Application Filing Window
Window Open from December 6, 2023 to December 13, 2023
Existing LPFM and FM Translator Minor Modification Filing Freeze Extended to December 13, 2023
On July 31, 2023, the Media Bureau (Bureau) announced a filing window for applications for low power
FM (LPFM) new station construction permits.1 The filing window is scheduled to open on Wednesday,
November 1, 2023, and close on November 8, 2023. In conjunction with the filing window, the Bureau
implemented a filing freeze on LPFM and FM translator station minor modification applications from
September 1, 2023, through the close of the LPFM filing window.
On October 12, 2023, a group of low power FM advocates requested a delay in the dates for the LPFM
filing window in order to facilitate greater participation and accommodate other regulatory deadlines.2
Although it is the Commission’s general policy that extensions of time shall not be routinely granted, we
find that it would serve the public interest to delay the LPFM filing window by several weeks to afford
interested parties sufficient time to prepare applications for new construction permits for this important
service.
Based on the forgoing, the Bureau grants the request to delay the LPFM filing window. The window will
now open at 12:01 am EST on December 6, 2023, and close at 6:00 pm EST on December 13, 2023.
Applications must be filed between December 6, 2023, and December 13, 2023. The filing deadline will
be strictly enforced. Applications submitted before December 6, 2023, or after the 6:00 pm EST
December 13, 2023, application deadline will be dismissed by public notice without further consideration.
1 Media Bureau Announces Filing Procedures and Requirements for November 1 – November 8, 2023, Low Power
FM Filing Window, Public Notice, DA 23-642 (MB July 31, 2023) (July Public Notice).
2 See Letter from Alan Korn to Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary, FCC (Oct. 12, 2023). The request was submitted on
behalf of: Alliance for Community Media; American Association of Independent Music (A2IM); Association of
Affiliates (AOA); Austin Airwaves; Common Frequency, Inc.; Community Media Assistance Project; Future of
Music Coalition; Indigenous Idaho Alliance, Boise, ID; National Federation of Community Broadcasters; Media
Alliance; Native Public Media; Pacifica Foundation; Prometheus Radio Project; REC Networks; Sharon Scott;
United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry. Federal Communications Commission DA 23-9842
In addition, the existing freeze on LPFM and FM translator minor modification applications is extended
until the close of the window on December 13, 2023.3
The Bureau also notes the “snap shot” date for establishing points and comparing applications will match
the revised LPFM window filing deadline of December 13, 2023. All of the remaining instructions and
procedures included in the July Public Notice remain applicable to the LPFM filing window.