It’s been nearly three years since the FCC first announced that a new low-power FM (LPFM) application window would be forthcoming. Now we know that November 1 – 8, 2023 will be the third-ever opportunity for qualified non-profits to apply for a license. Jennifer, Eric and Paul review all the pertinent details, explaining why there is excitement around LPFM and this next chance for new community and college radio stations to go on the air.

We also take another look at Franken FMs – vestigial low-power TV (LPTV) stations on channel 6 that can be heard at the far left end of the FM radio dial. They were supposed to go off the air a year ago when the last LPTV stations converted to digital broadcasts. But the FCC eventually granted 13 of them “Special Temporary Authority” to continue broadcasting an analog radio signal experimentally even while their video signals went digital. At its July meeting the Commission plans to vote on rules that would allow these Franken FMs to live on, and we discuss what’s at stake.

Show Notes:

Podcast #269 – How To Get an FM Radio License in 2021
New Opportunity for Low-Power FM Community Radio Stations Opens November 1, 2023
Why There Will Be Fewer Opportunities for New LPFMs in the November Application Window
The Greatest Flowering of Community Radio in History Happened in the 2010s
Resources on applying for an LPFM license:
KOMF-LP tour in Denver
San Francisco Community Radio is a LPFM in a time-sharing agreement
FrankenFMs Up for Final Vote at FCC
Chicago’s MeTV FM Takes the Back Door to Radio Ratings Success

Show Credits

This episode was produced by Paul Riismandel
Hosted by Jennifer Waits, Eric Klein and Paul Riismandel
Edited by Eric Klein

The post Podcast #331 – New Low-Power FM Opportunity Coming this November appeared first on Radio Survivor.

Get the future of podcasts.