Part 73, Subpart G, Section 73.879 is a regulation in the Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service related to signal retransmission.
This rule is intended to prevent LPFM stations from being used as FM Translators by placing a general prohibition against the rebroadcast of a full-service radio broadcast station (AM or FM) over an LPFM station.
This does not prevent an LPFM station from rebroadcasting another LPFM station and in those cases, care needs to be taken to assure that any LPFM rebroadcast of another LPFM station is not being done as part of an operating agreement which may suggest that the LPFM stations are trying to circumvent the multiple ownership rules.
There is no rule preventing an LPFM station from being rebroadcast over a full-service broadcast station, including an HD subchannel as long as there is no presence of a formal operating agreement.
Regulatory history
This rule was enacted in the original 2000 LPFM Report and Order. It has not been amended since.
Text of regulation 47 CFR §73.879
§73.879 Signal retransmission.
An LPFM licensee may not retransmit, either terrestrially or via satellite, the signal of a full-power radio broadcast station.