Downloads: Example Coverage Area and build out expenses View: Studio and Transmitter Pictures Want to apply for an LPFM? Start here

The Filing Window for New LPFM Applications has...not opened yet.

List of the latest FCC LPFM related public notices

Specific LPFM Rules

 

We Want to Apply for a LPFM Radio Station!

GREAT! And we're here to help you do just that. If you already understand the rules and guidelines, just skip below to the Qualifications Summary.

 

What is LPFM (Low Power FM) Radio?

The FCC created two classes in January of 2000, LP10's (1-10 watts) with a service radius of about 3.5 miles (extreme local!), and LP100's (up to 100 watts) with a service radius of about 8-12 miles, and they classify these stations as Class D's. These stations have a call sign just like a traditional FM, but end in LP (such as WBFC-LP).

The LP10's have never received a specific filing window and no LP10's exist at this time.

LPFM licenses will be awarded for frequencies along the entire FM band (88.1 thru 107.9) with tower height up to 30 meters height above average terrain.

 

Qualifications Summary

1. Eligible applicants: non-commercial government, private educational, non-profit entities w/ educational purposes. No existing broadcaster or other media entity can have any ownership interest, or programming or operating agreement with LPFM's.
2. LPFM applications will be filed during a 5 day filing window announced 60 days in advance. Your application must be filed during the 5 day window to be eligible.
3. Competing applications will be resolved by a selection process covering 3 points: 1) 2 years community presence prior to filing 2) pledge a minimum of 12 hours daily broadcasting. 3) pledge to air 8 hours of locally originated programming daily. (Ties between competitors will result in equal sharing of the 8 year license with up to 8 applicants. example: two applicants would receive 4 years each.)
4. An applicant must broadcast a minimum of 36 hours a week.
5. Licensee's will be limited to local entities certifying they physically reside within 10 miles of the new station.

How to START, SETUP, or BEGIN a LPFM Radio Station

1. Contact Sterling with as much information as possible. We need to know where you plan to locate your studio and the transmitter/antenna (if not at the studio location). We need to know the name of your corporation, your EIN, your board members with their positions on the board and addresses. What type of programming are you planning? Do you need us to help you understand what is necessary to meet the educational criteria?
2. Call us and we will do a LPFM frequency search for you for free! If the LPFM frequency search results are positive, you can proceed with filing a LPFM application with the Commission. Sterling's fee must be paid in advance of the application preparation. After reviewing the e-mailed results of our LPFM search we've completed for you, it is time to prepare the application. We are able to do this with client provided GPS coordinates of your transmitter site. We will file your application electronically during the FCC window filing period. This work will be guaranteed "acceptable for filing" by the FCC or your money back. This does not guarantee you will receive a Construction Permit, but it does guarantee all work will be completed accurately and filed timely. You will also receive your public file copy with instructions on the process after applications are filed. We will take care of each step of the application process so that you miss nothing.
3. We are not a "fly-by-night" engineering company. During the previous LPFM windows many engineering companies popped up on the internet (nearly overnight) and filed many poorly prepared LPFM applications. They then disappeared and left the applicants with no or little assistance afterwards. We helped many of those applicants salvage their applications and receive a license. We will not abandon you after the application filing period. We will be available for you during the entire FCC process. With most of our clients our relationship begins with the frequency search and continues as long as our client owns the station. We will help you anytime you need as you make changes, upgrade, expand, or require general ongoing FCC assistance, from upgrade to license renewal.
   

Who is Sterling and Why Should We Hire You?

Check out our About Us page to find out more.

 

Where Do We Buy Equipment and Who Will Help Us Set it Up?

1. We do not deal in equipment – that would simply spread us to thin. We're an engineering company, and need to keep our expertise within that realm.
2. One of our staff, Tim Kochis does own another company that deals in exactly the equipment you need…but you don't have to buy from him to use our services. And, you don't have to buy from him to have him install your equipment, set up your station, and have him train you on how to operate your station.
3. There are many, many sources of other great equipment vendors. Give us a call and we'll recommend some reliable third parties our clients have used and been pleased with in the past.
4. For an example of an existing, successful LPFM client station of ours, download an equipment list and coverage maps, or view pictures of the studio and transmitter site.