Creation of a Low Power Radio Service; Amendment of Service and Eligibility Rules for FM Broadcast Translator Stations

Résumé

In this document, the Commission adopts LPFM and translator licensing policies that conform to the Local Community Radio Act ("LCRA"). The LCRA requires the FCC to balance the competing demands of LPFM and translator applicants when making licensing decisions. Section 5 of the Act requires the Commission to ensure that: licenses are available for both LPFM and translator stations; licensing decisions are based on community needs; and translator and LPFM stations remain equal in status. The item finds that a previously adopted cap on translator applications pending from Auction No. 83 is inconsistent with the LCRA's directives, and adopts a market-specific processing policy. The item finds that this approach most faithfully implements Section 5's directives, and will allow the Commission to resume the processing of approximately 6,500 translator applications that have been pending since 2003, while also ensuring that the upcoming LPFM window will provide a real opportunity for significant community radio licensing in major metropolitan areas. The item also adopts national and market caps to prevent the trafficking of translator construction permits. Finally, the item relaxes the May