LPFM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

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The original LPFM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was a product of the two Petitions for Rulemaking that became known as RM-9208 and RM-9242. it was also the rest of a major grassroots campaign to raise the awareness of media consolidation and the lack of ability for the common citizen to access the airwaves.

Original LPFM NPRM
Document Information
TypeNotice of Proposed Rulemaking
Docket Number(s)MM 99-25
Related RM(s)RM-9208, RM-9242
FCC Number[[1]]
FCC Record14 FCC Rcd 2471
Federal Register Citation(s)64 FR 7577
Relevant Dates
Adoption DateJanuary 28, 1999
Release DateFebruary 3, 1999
Comment DeadlineApril 12, 1999
Extended toAugust 2, 1999
Reply DeadlineMay 12, 1999
Extended toSeptember 1, 1999
Commissioner Statements
ApproveKennard, Tristani, Ness, Powell
DissentFurchtgott-Roth


In the NPRM, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recognized that there was substantial interest in and public support for increased citizen's access to the airwaves and that LPFM stations would provide a low-cost means of serving urban communities and neighborhoods as well as populations living in smaller rural towns and communities.

The FCC's goals in this proceeding were to address unmet needs for community-oriented radio broadcasting, foster opportunities for new radio broadcast ownership and promote additional diversity in radio voices and program services.

Under the proposal, LPFM stations would not be subject to certain technical rules that apply to other classes of radio services. This includes third-adjacent channel protection requirements, and possibly even second-adjacent channel. In adopting any new rules and requirements, the FCC was wary of any provisions that could limit the development of what would eventually become known as HD Radio.

Need for Low Power Radio Service

Spectrum considerations

Technical Overview of LPFM Services

LP-1000

LP-100

LP-10 (Microradio)

Interference protection

Use of distance separation

Third-adjacent channel protection

Second-adjacent channel protection

Emissions and Bandwidth

Ownership and Eligibility

Local and cross-ownership

National ownership

Residency requirements

Qualifications of unlicensed broadcasters

Service characteristics

Local programming

Commercial programming

Public interest programming requirements

Other service rules

Operating hours

Construction, license terms and renewals

Emergency Alert System

Station identification

Filing Applications

Electronic filing

Filing windows & mutual exclusivity

Commissioner statements