FCC Postpones the Filing Window for New LPFM Stations

The FCC announced today via Public Notice that it has revised the filing window period to apply for new LPFM stations, on which we reported in a previous blog post. The filing window was slated to open on November 1, 2023, and close November 8, 2023, but it will now open on December 6, 2023 and close on December 13, 2023 at 6:00 PM EST. This change comes a week after a group of 16 interested parties filed a request to delay the filing period citing the need to facilitate greater participation and the impact of other regulatory deadlines. The last LPFM window filing period was 10 years ago.

As a result of this new window filing period, the existing freeze on filing minor modification applications for FM translators and LPFM stations will also be extended until December 13, 2023. The FCC does not expect to permit any additional extensions due to the impact on the existing FM translators and LPFM which may need to file such applications.

If you have any questions regarding the LPFM filing window, the new filing deadline, or the application process, please contact your FHH attorney.