Interested in Applying for an LPFM Radio Station?
If you’re considering applying for an LPFM radio station, you’ve come to the right place. For those already familiar with the regulations, you can skip ahead to the Qualifications Summary section. The next LPFM radio application filing window is scheduled for December 6 through the 13th, 2023. The deadline for new applicants is November 15th. We may be able to work with you a few days beyond this date, but it might not be possible.
What Is LPFM (Low Power FM) Radio?
In January 2000, the FCC established two classes for LPFM: LP10’s (1-10 watts) with a service radius of approximately 3.5 miles, and LP100’s (up to 100 watts) with a service radius of about 8-12 miles, classified as Class D. These stations receive call signs similar to traditional FM stations but end with “LP” (e.g., WABC-LP).
LPFM radio licenses encompass frequencies across the entire FM band, ranging from 88.1 to 107.9, with tower heights of up to 30 meters above average terrain.
Qualifications Summary
Eligible LPFM radio applicants include non-commercial government, private educational, and non-profit entities with educational purposes. It’s important to note that no existing broadcaster or media entity can have any ownership interest, programming, or operating agreement with LPFM radio stations, except for those with limited ownership of 1-2 translator CP’s or licenses. Tribal Nations now have the opportunity to own up to 2 LPFM radio stations.
LPFM applications are typically accepted during an upcoming LPFM radio filing window, usually announced 60 days in advance. To be eligible, your application must be submitted during this window.
Applicants are required to broadcast a minimum of 36 hours per week.
Licensees are restricted to local entities (and board members) residing within 10 miles of the city of the license/transmitter site for top 50 markets and within 20 miles for markets ranked 51 and above.
Competing applications, known as “MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE,” will be resolved through a selection process that considers established community presence, minimum daily broadcast time, locally originated programming, and commitments to build and maintain a staff/main studio.
How to SETUP, ESTABLISH, or START an LPFM Radio Station
For those interested in launching an LPFM radio station, reach out to Nexus Broadcast with comprehensive details about your plans, including information about the studio and transmitter/antenna locations, corporation name, EIN, board members, and their positions. Describe your programming goals and your need for assistance in meeting educational criteria.
We offer a free LPFM frequency search. If the results are favorable, you can proceed with filing an LPFM radio application with the Commission, with advance payment of Nexus Broadcast’s fee. We will electronically prepare and file your application during the FCC’s LPFM radio filing window. While this doesn’t guarantee a Construction Permit, it ensures accurate and timely submission. After filing, you will receive instructions for your public file copy, and our commitment to assisting you continues throughout the process.
Why Choose LPFM.PRO for Your LPFM Radio Needs?
To learn more about our services, visit our About Us page.
For equipment purchase and setup assistance, we recommend sources other than Nexus Broadcast. Our expertise lies in engineering, and we offer a range of trusted third-party equipment vendors. You are free to choose from other reliable equipment vendors that have received positive reviews from our clients.
To see a successful LPFM client radio station we’ve worked with, check out WNOZ-LP in New Orleans, LA. For a detailed list of common questions and answers, visit our LPFM Radio FAQ knowledge base.