NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
July 12, 2011 Janice Wise (202) 418-8165 
Email:  janice.wise@fcc.gov
FCC TAKES STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY RADIO ACT
TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY RADIO AND 
RESUME FM TRANSLATOR APPLICATION PROCESSING
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today took initial steps to 
implement the Local Community Radio Act (LCRA) to promote community radio through the licensing 
of low power FM (LPFM) and FM translator stations.  In its Third Further Notice of Proposed Rule 
Making (Third Further Notice), the Commission is seeking comment on a proposed processing policy for 
pending Auction No. 83 FM translator applications based on the spectrum available for LPFM in specific 
markets.  This approach would permit the Commission to immediately lift the freeze on the processing of 
translator applications and resume the licensing of FM translator stations in most smaller markets and 
rural communities, while requiring the dismissal of pending translator applications in markets where little 
spectrum remains for new LPFM stations.  The Commission also seeks comment on the goal of opening 
an LPFM window no later than summer 2012.
In 2007, the FCC concluded that processing the 6,500 pending FM translator applications filed in Auction 
No. 83 would frustrate the development of the LPFM radio service.  Accordingly, it established a going-
forward limit of ten pending applications per applicant, but then imposed a freeze to permit consideration 
of petitions for reconsideration of that limit.  Congress subsequently passed the LCRA, which includes 
licensing directives to balance the competing demands of LPFM and FM translator station applicants for 
limited FM spectrum.  In particular, Section 5 of the LCRA requires the FCC to ensure that licenses are 
available for LPFM and FM translator stations; licensing decisions are based on community needs; and 
translator and LPFM stations remain equal in status.  The Third Further Notice seeks comment on each of 
these standards, concludes that the existing ten-application cap is inconsistent with those standards, and 
proposes adopting instead a translator application processing policy based on the availability of spectrum 
for LPFM stations in specific markets.  
The Third Further Notice also asks whether the Commission should take additional steps to prevent 
trafficking in FM translator construction permits and whether to permit FM translator applications 
pending as of May 1, 2009, to rebroadcast AM stations in the same manner as FM translator stations 
authorized prior to that date.  All other LCRA implementation issues will be considered in a subsequent 
Notice of Proposed Rule Making.  
Action by the Commission July 12, 2011, by Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 11-105).  
Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Copps, McDowell, and Clyburn.  Separate statements issued by 
Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Copps, McDowell, and Clyburn.
For further information, contact Peter Doyle (202-418-2789; peter.doyle@fcc.gov).  Press contact:  Janice 
Wise (202-418-8165; janice.wise@fcc.gov).
-FCC-
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