FCC to Open Noncommercial FM Translator Window; Seeks Comments on Proposed Restrictions

The FCC has announced it will open a filing window for new noncommercial educational (NCE) FM translators in the part of the FM band reserved for NCE broadcasting (88.1 to 91.9 MHz). The dates of the window are not yet certain, but the FCC is aiming for late 2026. The FCC says this is the first-ever window devoted specifically to applications for NCE reserved-band translator construction permits. The FCC’s Public Notice can be found here.

The FCC is currently taking public comments on proposed filing limitations, including restricting participation in the filing window to licensees or permittees of an existing noncommercial radio broadcast station, or LPFM station, that a proposed FM translator station will rebroadcast; and enforcing a limit of 10 applications per applicant, except that tribal LPFM applicants will be limited to four applications and other LPFM applicants to two applications.

The FCC says these restrictions are necessary to curb speculative applications and to allow for faster processing. The FCC says it expects to receive a large number of applications.

Comments are due by March 13, 2026, and reply comments are due by March 23, 2026.

For more information about the upcoming NCE FM translator filing window or to file comments in the proceeding, contact Scott Pippin in Lerman Senter’s Media Practice Group.