FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
                                   WASHINGTON 

        
OFFICE OF THE 
  CHAIRWOMAN                                April 16, 2024 
                            
   
  The Honorable Steven Horsford  
  U.S. House of Representatives   
  406 Cannon House Office Building   
  Washington, DC  20515   
     
  Dear Representative Horsford:   
    
        Thank you for your letter regarding the proceeding at the Federal Communications 
  Commission involving the ability of FM radio broadcasters to geotarget their listeners with 
  critical public safety, commercial advertising, and local content.  On March 27, 2024, the 
  Commission adopted an order that allows FM booster stations to originate programming, 
  including geotargeted advertising, subject to future adoption of processing, licensing, and service 
  rules that were proposed in a further rulemaking that was adopted at the same time.      
          
        In the order, the Commission concluded that authorizing program originating boosters 
  would advance the public interest by providing broadcasters and listeners options for more 
  targeted and potentially more varied advertising and content.  At the same time, the Commission 
  imposed specific safeguards to address concerns expressed in the record regarding potential 
  interference and the economic impact of this technology.  These safeguards include a limitation 
  on program origination to five percent of each hour; a notification requirement for program 
  originating boosters; a requirement for program originating boosters to receive and broadcast all 
  emergency alerts in the same manner as their primary station; and a limit on the number of 
  boosters a station can operate.   
    
        I believe the Commission decision to allow broadcasters the ability to use this technology 
  on a voluntary basis is consistent with our ongoing efforts to support the continued viability of 
  the radio industry for the benefit of the listening public.  It will also help to ensure that radio has 
  the opportunity to stay competitive with other new technologies and services.  I appreciate your 
  interest in this matter.  Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.    

                                      Sincerely, 

                                                                      
                                      Jessica Rosenworcel 

                       FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 
                                   WASHINGTON 

        
OFFICE OF THE 
  CHAIRWOMAN                                April 16, 2024 
                            
   
  The Honorable Bennie G. Thompson 
  U.S. House of Representatives   
  2466 Rayburn House Office Building   
  Washington, DC  20515   
     
  Dear Representative Thompson: 
    
        Thank you for your letter regarding the proceeding at the Federal Communications 
  Commission involving the ability of FM radio broadcasters to geotarget their listeners with 
  critical public safety, commercial advertising, and local content.  On March 27, 2024, the 
  Commission adopted an order that allows FM booster stations to originate programming, 
  including geotargeted advertising, subject to future adoption of processing, licensing, and service 
  rules that were proposed in a further rulemaking that was adopted at the same time.      
          
        In the order, the Commission concluded that authorizing program originating boosters 
  would advance the public interest by providing broadcasters and listeners options for more 
  targeted and potentially more varied advertising and content.  At the same time, the Commission 
  imposed specific safeguards to address concerns expressed in the record regarding potential 
  interference and the economic impact of this technology.  These safeguards include a limitation 
  on program origination to five percent of each hour; a notification requirement for program 
  originating boosters; a requirement for program originating boosters to receive and broadcast all 
  emergency alerts in the same manner as their primary station; and a limit on the number of 
  boosters a station can operate.   
    
        I believe the Commission decision to allow broadcasters the ability to use this technology 
  on a voluntary basis is consistent with our ongoing efforts to support the continued viability of 
  the radio industry for the benefit of the listening public.  It will also help to ensure that radio has 
  the opportunity to stay competitive with other new technologies and services.  I appreciate your 
  interest in this matter.  Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.    

                                      Sincerely, 

                                                                      
                                      Jessica Rosenworcel