Cross-Service FM Translator Filing Window July 26 – August 2

The FCC has announced an 8-day auction filing window for Class C and D AM stations to file for new FM translator permits.  The filing window will open on July 26, 2017 at 12:01 a.m. EDT, and will close at 6:00 p.m. EDT on August 2, 2017.  This filing window has been designated as Auction 99.

To be eligible to participate in this filing window, an AM station licensee must hold a Class C or D AM license, and have not filed an application in either of the 2016 AM station FM translator filing windows.  If a Class C or D AM station does not participate in this window, it may also participate in another short filing window that is likely to be scheduled much later this fall where Class A and B stations will also be eligible to participate.  Permits granted in this filing window will have a 3-year construction period, and will forever be linked to the AM station that is listed as the primary station.  If an AM station is already using one or more FM translators acquired outside of the 2016 filing windows, that station remains eligible to file for an additional translator in this filing window.

The FCC’s instructions for participating in this filing window are set forth in this public notice.  Two different forms, in two different filing systems, must be submitted in order to qualify and have valid auction participation.  First, certain portions of FCC Form 349 have to be completed and the form filed in the FCC’s Consolidated Data Base System (CDBS).  Applicants are able to begin working in CDBS on the Form 349 applications now so that they are ready for filing when the window arrives.  A consulting engineer is highly recommended to provide applicants with channel analysis and technical information.  Second, FCC Form 175 must be submitted in the FCC’s Integrated Spectrum Auction System (ISAS).  This form provides certain information about the bidder and those individuals or entities that have attributable, and therefore disclosable, interests in the AM station licensee.  This form can’t be accessed in ISAS until the window opens. Both forms have to be filed no later than August 2, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. EDT.