FCC Sets Dates and Bidding Procedures for Auction of 130 FM Broadcast Construction Permits

As we previously wrote about here, in April 2020 the FCC will auction 130 construction permits for FM allotments. A list of the signals that will be offered in Auction 106 can be found here. Some of the larger available markets include Sacramento, California; Pembroke, Georgia; Battlement Mesa, Colorado; and Sanger, Texas. The FCC has now issued a public notice that explains the procedures and minimum opening bid amounts for the auction.

The filing window for short-form applications (FCC Form 175) will open on January 29, 2020 and close on February 11, 2020. Upfront payments will be due by March 20, 2020. A mock auction will be held on April 24, and actual bidding will begin on April 28, 2020. As with other FCC auctions, participants will be prohibited from communicating with other participants about bids or bid strategies.

In preparation for the auction, the FCC also announced a filing freeze for FM minor change applications during the Form 175 filing window which runs from January 29 – February 11, 2020.

If you have questions about Auction 106 or wish to participate, please contact any attorney in our office.