The FCC yesterday released a Public Notice extending for two days the now-open window for the filing of applications for new LPFM stations – applicants now have until 12:00 PM Eastern Time on December 15, 2023 to file their applications. See our articles here, here, and here for more information on the LPFM filing window. The very short extension was granted due to perceived issues with the FCC’s LMS filing system which delayed the submission of some applications. The FCC also extended the current freeze on the filing of any applications for minor changes in any FM translator until 12:01 AM Eastern Time on December 18, 2023 (to preserve stability in the FCC database for the filing of the LPFM applications). Nonprofit companies seeking to provide a noncommercial radio service local to the community they serve now have a few extra days in which to submit an application – but they should not delay given the issues that can arise in the filing of any FCC application.
Courtesy Broadcast Law Blog