6/17/13

It's on! The FCC has announced that the LPFM filing window will happen on October 15th, 2013 and run through October 29th, 2013. If you haven't put your non-profit together yet, DO IT NOW! Make plans to file your application in the Fall of 2013. This may be one of the last chances in many years to get your own LPFM station in your community! The FCC has also announced the release of the brand new version of FCC Form (revised) 318. Be sure to check it out today!

For more information on this, please click on the following link to see the form for yourself! 

http://www.fcc.gov/document/lpfm-window-open-october-2013-revised-form-318-released 

Now that we know when the window is happening, it's time to secure your transmitter site and figure out where you'll be broadcasting from. We strongly suggest that you do not buy any equipment yet (there will be plenty of time for that if you receive a construction permit) but you do need to put your organization together. If you have access to an attorney, he/she is the best person to help you with your organization under your own state's laws. As for engineering, we can help you with advice and filling out the engineering portion of the Form 318. Contact us at 281-923-7100 or email us ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for more information. There are only so many hours in the day, and trust us when we say things will get crazy when the window opens in October. We've already talked to a number of folks that want to apply, and we have limits on the number of people we can help. So don't wait-contact us today for LPFM help now!

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NEW YAHOO GROUPS SITE IS NOW UP AND RUNNING!

Just go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LPFMRADIO and join in!

Low Power FM Radio-LPFM.COM

About Us

Our website is here to help you understand, and potentially apply for, a new LPFM (Low Power FM) facility for your school, non-profit organization, or other non-profit that qualifies for an FCC NCE (Non commercial educational) construction permit and license. We know that there are other websites that have "LPFM" in their makeup. There's a lot of information out there, and we suggest you take advantage of all the resources on the web, then draw your own conclusions as to which site helps you the most. And beware that there's a lot of "junk science" out there as well, so buyer beware.

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.LPFMs that are located at less than the full distance from a full-power station as described in the LPFM rules (even on a 3rd adjacent channel) must provide the same protections that translators give to other stations under FCC Rule 74.1203. LPFM does not have the right to be considered a primary service, and like an FM translator, can be bumped off the air by a full power station under certain conditions. LPFM stations will still have to provide first and second adjacent channel protection to full power stations (the FCC can't delete this rule, but under certain circumstances, can permit waivers on an individual basis).

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.