Regulatory
Welcome to THE REGS
Welcome to the Regulatory sub-wiki. The goal of this sub-wiki is to provide a comprehensive reference to the FCC regulations as well as the various laws that may impact the Low Power FM (LPFM) broadcast service in the United States. If you have something constructive to contribute, please consider becoming an Editor.
FCC Regulations
The regulations for the Federal Communications Commission can be found in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Broadcasting can be found in Part 73.
The rules specific to LPFM can be found in Part 73, Subpart G.
Not all rules that impact LPFM are in Part 73, you can also find some regulations in these other Parts:
- Part 1 will include information on FCC policies and procedures as well as the placement of antenna structures near AM broadcast towers.
- Part 2 will include information on the equipment certification process used for transmitters used in the LPFM service.
- Part 11 relates to the Emergency Alert System
- Part 17 relates to antenna structures including the Antenna Structure Registration process.
- Part 74 relates to FM translator stations, FM booster stations, wireless microphones, studio to transmitter links and remote pickup units.
Laws governing the FCC and LPFM broadcasting
The FCC is an independent federal agency authorized by The Communications Act of 1934, as amended.
Certain regulations related to the LPFM service were mandated by Congress through the Local Community Radio Act of 2010 which replaced a previous law, the Radio Broadcast Preservation Act of 2001.
Regulatory history of the LPFM Radio Service
Petitions for Rulemaking
| Rulemaking Number | Petitioner | Public Notice Date | Nature of proposal |
|---|---|---|---|
| RM-9208 | Nickolaus Leggett & Don Schellhardt | Feb. 5, 1998 | Create a microradio service with one watt AM and FM facilities on channel set aside for such use. |
| RM-9242 | Rodger Skinner | Mar. 10, 1998 | Create a Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service with three tiers including a 50 watt secondary service, a 3 kW primary service and a 20 watt special event temporary service. |
| RM-9246 | Web SportsNet, Inc. | Mar. 18, 1998 | Allow for the use of low power FM transmitters for te |
Notices of Proposed Rulemaking
| Docket | Proceeding | Date Adopted | Comment Deadline | Reply Comment Deadline | Nature of proposals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Reports and Orders
| Docket | Proceeding | Addressing NPRM(s) | Date Adopted | Date(s) Rules were Enacted | Nature of the outcome of the Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|