REC Substack

FCC upholds the 10-cap for full service and the 2-cap for most LPFMs. Enacts primary station requirement and invokes the REC's proposed retention period to sway gamesmanship and speculation.

Auction 114 will make available 132 pre-determined vacant FM allotments for new full-service FM broadcast stations.

LPFM being a hyperlocal service is intended to serve only a small area. The rules regarding commonly-owned FM translators are consistent with those intentions.

REC LPFM Advisory Letter #26 - UPDATED March 20, 2026

REC supports caps and eligibility but is advocating for a safety catch to be put in place to prevent exploitation of the window by "surrogate stations".

FCC addresses various issues that came up in the 2021 NCE FM and 2023 LPFM filing windows as well as other changes to streamline processes and change obsolete terminology in the FCC Rules.

Agency to set "ground rules" in filing window to prevent a repeat of 2003. REC provides a "first look" tool to help applicants narrow down potentially available channels.

Avoid potential forfeitures or other actions by assuring that the information on file with the FCC and the state are current, including required state annual report filings.

FCC was not impacted during the Government Shutdown.

Remaining funding from the previous appropriation means the agency will remain operational until further notice.