PUBLIC NOTICE
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th St., S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
DA 08-955
April 24, 2008
MEDIA BUREAU MAKES AVAILABLE FM ALLOTMENT FINDER TOOL
The Commission recently directed the Media Bureau to develop a computer program to assist 
potential radio applicants in identifying suitable available commercial FM spectrum.1 This tool is now 
available to the public on the Audio Division’s web page at:
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/allotmentfinder.html
The Allotment Channel Finder is designed to determine whether a Class A2 FM channel is 
available at a proposed transmitter site3 and whether a Class A station operating from this site would 
place a minimum field strength of 70 dBµ over the entire principal community to be served.4 As 
explained in more detail on the web page, a successful search does not guarantee the availability of a 
channel at a specific location.  Radio spectrum rights are established on a “first-come, first-served” basis.  
Thus, an application could be filed at any time to preclude a new allotment proposal.  The tool also does 
not take into account many other factors that can limit radio station transmitter site location options.  
These include environmental restrictions, land use regulations, and Federal Aviation Administration air 
hazard issues.
For additional information, contact Dale Bickel of the Audio Division at (202) 418-2700.
By:  Chief, Media Bureau
-FCC-
  
1 See Broadcast Localism, Report on Broadcast Localism and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 07-218 (rel. 
Jan. 24, 2008) (¶ 140).
2 “Class A” is the most technically restricted FM station class designation.  Thus, a search for a Class A allotment 
would have the highest chance of success.  A Class A station may operate with a maximum of 6,000 watts effective 
radiated power and a maximum antenna height of 100 meters above average terrain.  See 47 C.F.R. § 73.211
3 See 47 C.F.R § 73.207.
4 See 47 C.F.R. § 73.315.