Low Power FM Radio-LPFM.COM

We exist to answer questions regarding the FCC's Low Power FM Broadcasting service in the US ("LPFM"). Thousands of people, organizations and public service groups have an opportunity to apply for, and operate their own FM broadcasting station, serving their local community. Since the mandate of the LPFM service is that new broadcasters enter the airwaves, there will be many who know little (if anything) about broadcasting in general, and LPFM in particular. Our mission is to make available as much good information as possible, so that you can make an informed decision as to whether to apply for one of these new licenses, and if you get one, how to go about getting it built and how to operate it properly and follow the law.

A Brief Overview of LPFM

1. The service is non-commercial.

2. There are two classes of stations-LP 100 (100 watts, 100 feet HAAT) and LP 10 (10 watts, 100 feet HAAT). So far the FCC has not opened up an LP-10 window.

3. 3rd adjacent channel protection is required as well as co-channel, 1st and 2nd adjacent channel protections.

4. Eligible licensees can be non-commercial government or private educational organizations, associations or entities; non-profit entities with educational purposes; or government or non-profit entities providing local public safety or transportation services.

5. LPFM stations are required to broadcast a minimum of 36 hours per week and participate in the EAS system.

6. The license term will be for eight years, and cannot be sold to another party.

You will have to certify that your organization does indeed operate in the city in which you wish to broadcast, and that a majority of your board (or other persons) live within ten miles of the proposed station. For the time being,  there is a national ownership limit of just five LPFM stations, so as to enable more parties to participate in the process.

You should take a long look at what the FCC's asking from potential LPFM applicants. If you have specific questions, please contact your legal council or other professional representative.

A Word of Warning! Until you have a construction permit, you do not have the right to purchase equipment and start broadcasting. When you have your construction permit and have built your facility according to what you told the FCC you would do, then, and only then can you go on the air. Under no circumstances should you even think about broadcasting until then. Unlicensed operation is against the law, and can haunt you for a long time.