The Low Power FM (LPFM) Channel Finder search tool provides potential applicants with a simple means to identify FM broadcast channels that might be available for LPFM stations in their communities. The search tool incorporates changes required by the Local Community Radio Act of 2010, Pub. Law 111-371, particularly the elimination of third-adjacent channel LPFM spacing requirements (except to protect Canadian or Mexican stations or FM broadcast stations known to host a radio reading service). Users should keep in mind that this search does not account for all factors that may affect broadcasting in the FM band, such as terrain effects or interference from distant but fully spaced stations operating on the same or adjacent channels. The LPFM Channel Finder does not address the required protection for FM translator and FM Booster input signals (see the Sixth Order on Reconsideration in Dockets 99-25 and 07-172 and the related October 18, 2013 Public Notice. Licensing actions prior to or during an LPFM application filing window also may affect potential LPFM channels. Finally, the tool does not take into account factors outside the FCC's jurisdiction that may affect site suitability and availability, including local zoning or building codes, environmental considerations, and power access. Applicants should consider all relevant factors before selecting channels and sites.
Determining Latitude and Longitude Coordinates. Applicants are responsible for accurately determining the NAD 83 coordinates of potential transmitter sites. Many applicants retain surveyors to help determine the proposed station coordinates. Owners of existing tower structures should also have this information. Commission staff cannot assist users in this process. Coordinates must be determined to the nearest 1 second (degrees/minutes/seconds = DDD/MM/SS). Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers provide an alternative method for determining WGS84 / NAD83 coordinates. Applicants are cautioned that the inaccurate specification of coordinates may result in application dismissal. Applicants unable to identify an available channel at desired site locations may wish to engage the services of a consulting communications engineer.
|
NOTICE: The LPFM Channel Finder search tool is intended solely to assist LPFM applicants in tentatively identifying available FM channels. There is no guarantee that channels represented as "available" will be technically acceptable at the time an application is filed. Users must be aware that neither the FCC nor the United States Government shall be responsible or liable for any loss, expense, or damage arising from or incident to the use of this program or the underlying data. This program cannot be used to file an application for an LPFM station or to amend a pending application. Use of the search tool does not confer any authority to operate a radio broadcast station. |
Additional Information
Comments or questions about the LPFM Channel Finder program may be sent to John Gabrysch, john.gabrysch@fcc.gov .More information about the LPFM service can be found at Low Power FM Broadcast Radio Stations (LPFM).
For more information on AM and FM radio broadcasting, please visit the Audio Division website, and the Broadcast Radio Links page.
FCC > Media Bureau > Audio Division, (202) 418-2700.