FCC Commissioners Laud Upcoming LPFM Filing Window

Window To Open

With a Low Power FM filing window set to open in three weeks, the three current members of the Federal Communications Commission issued statements welcoming the development.

Acting Chair MIGNON CLYBURN said, "While we have done so much we have so much more to do.  We don’t know today whether a thousand or tens of thousands of applications will be filed in the OCTOBER LPFM window but we must be prepared either way.  I thank the MEDIA BUREAU for its ongoing outreach efforts and its commitment to make this window a success. And I thank them in advance for devoting their best efforts to scaling the mountain of licensing work that looms ahead.  I am sure that the results of this work and this window will richly reward all our efforts.  As I have traveled this country I have been overwhelmed with the stories of low power FM supporters and those who are desperate to find a place on the radio dial.  Farm workers, tribes, niche ethnic and language communities, community service organizations – they all see the LPFM service as a lifeline.  We cannot wait any longer to respond to these needs and I am gratified that we are about to do so."

Commissioner AJIT PAI said, "I asked my colleagues to set OCTOBER 15th, 2013 as the target date for opening the next low-power FM (LPFM) filing window and was pleased when that suggestion was incorporated into the item.  I know at the time there were some who
weren’t sure that the Commission would be able to meet that OCTOBER 15th target date.  But those skeptics underestimated the staff of the MEDIA BUREAU’s Audio Division ... I thank PETER DOYLE and his terrific team in the Audio Division for all of their hard work.  Because of their efforts, I am optimistic that we will have a successful LPFM filing window that will enhance diversity and localism on the FM band.  I encourage community organizations across the country to take  advantage of this opportunity and look forward to hearing the programming they will produce in the years to come."

And Commissioner JESSICA ROSENWORCEL added, "We have readied our processes, managed an earlier influx of translator applications, and balanced the need to protect full power stations while providing opportunities for new low power applicants.  The MEDIA BUREAU deserves tremendous credit for its thoughtful work on low power FM to date.  Now, however, is showtime.  We open the window for new filings for low power FM stations just days from today.  So I hope our applicants show us in force how low power FM can become a more vibrant part of community broadcasting, a source of new content, a driver of new music, a platform for unique local news.  We can add real diversity to the FM dial.  We can make that voice that rises in the air even more local and more interesting.  I, for one, can’t wait."

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