Federal Communications Commission	[[DA 23-XXX]]


DA 23-1150
December 11, 2023

Media Bureau Announces Extension of LPFM New Station Application Filing Window

Window Will Close at Noon on December 15, 2023

Existing LPFM and FM Translator Minor Modification Filing Freeze Extended to December 18, 2023


On July 31, 2023, the Media Bureau (Bureau) announced a filing window for applications for low power FM (LPFM) new station construction permits. Media Bureau Announces Filing Procedures and Requirements for November 1 – November 8, 2023, Low Power FM Filing Window, Public Notice, DA 23-642 (MB July 31, 2023) (July Public Notice).  Based on an earlier request from certain outside parties, the Bureau subsequently delayed the window until December 6, 2023.  Media Bureau Announces Revised Dates for LPFM New Station Application Filing Window, Public Notice, DA 23-984 (MB Oct. 17, 2023).
  The filing window opened on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, and is scheduled to close on December 13, 2023.  In conjunction with the filing window, the Bureau implemented a filing freeze on LPFM and FM translator station minor modification applications from September 1, 2023, through the close of the LPFM filing window.
On December 8, 2023, a group of low power FM advocates requested a further five day extension of the LPFM filing window in order to address issues they had encountered with the Commission’s Licensing and Management System (LMS). See Letter from Alan Korn to FCC Commissioners and Staff (Dec. 8, 2023).  The request was submitted on behalf of:  Austin Airwaves; Common Frequency, Inc.; Community Media Assistance Project; CTone Media; Media Alliance; National Federation of Community Broadcasters; Pacifica Foundation; Prometheus Radio Project; and REC Networks.
  Although it is the Commission’s general policy that extensions of time shall not be routinely granted, we find that it would serve the public interest to grant a brief extension of the LPFM filing window.  
Based on the forgoing, the Bureau grants the request to extend the LPFM filing window.  The window will now close at 12:00 pm EST on December 15, 2023.  Applications must be filed by this time on December 15, 2023.  The filing deadline will be strictly enforced.  Applications submitted after the 12:00 pm EST December 15, 2023, application deadline will be dismissed by public notice without further consideration.  In addition, the existing freeze on LPFM and FM translator minor modification applications is extended until 12:01 am on December 18, 2023.  

The Bureau also notes the “snap shot” date for establishing points and comparing applications will match the revised LPFM window filing deadline of December 15, 2023.  All of the remaining instructions and procedures included in the July Public Notice remain applicable to the LPFM filing window.

For additional information on the filing window, contact James Bradshaw, James.Bradshaw@fcc.gov; Alexander Sanjenis, Alexander.Sanjenis@fcc.gov; Lisa Scanlan, Lisa.Scanlan@fcc.gov; or Amy Van de Kerckhove, Amy.Vandekerckhove@fcc.gov; of the Media Bureau, Audio Division, (202) 418-2700.  Direct press inquiries to Janice Wise, Janice.Wise@fcc.gov, (202) 418-8165.  
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