The FCC’s first FM translator window for noncommercial educational stations is running longer than planned. Filing system problems kept some from submitting, so the Media Bureau has moved the close and a related freeze on minor modification applications back.
In July, the FCC moved the window from August to November after groups including College Broadcasters, Inc. and the National Federation of Community Broadcasters asked for more time, and the agency did not anticipate granting further extensions. However, the Media Bureau said recent technical issues with its Licensing Management System briefly delayed or prevented some potential applicants from filing.
The Bureau extended the deadline for new noncommercial educational reserved band FM translator construction permit applications to 6p ET on Monday, November 23. The window opened November 4 and had been set to close at 6p ET on Tuesday, November 17.
The filing freeze on reserved band and non-reserved band LPFM station, FM translator station, and FM booster station minor modification applications will continue until the window closes. The “snapshot” date for establishing points and comparing applications now matches the November 23 deadline, and all other instructions and procedures in the June and August public notices remain in effect.
