FCC Delays Noncommercial FM Translator Filing Window

The FCC has delayed the previously announced Noncommercial FM translator filing window previously scheduled for August 11-25, 2026.  The window will now open November 4, 2026 at 12:01 am ET and close on November 17, 2026 at 6pm ET.

Applications filed during the window must be electronically submitted in LMS using the Form 2100, Schedule 349 FM translator construction permit application, which will now first become available on August 3, 2026.  The Notice and application instructions will govern application completion requirements.

The FCC’s earlier notice announcing filing procedures remains in place, but the Bureau staff has received questions regarding point system criteria and may issue a new public notice to provide additional guidance and clarification.

To qualify for filing window participation, applicants must already be licensee of the proposed FM translator’s primary station and may only have attributable interests in 10 applications filed in the window.  Applications filed during the window will not be visible to other applicants until the end of the filing window, which will avoid predatory filings. Because the authorizations are noncommercial, there is no application filing fee.

FM translator applications proposing a 1 mV/m coverage contour entirely within the protected contour of its NCE primary station will be prioritized and granted over any other conflicting application that extends beyond the protected contour of its primary station.  For all other applications that conflict with/are mutually exclusive with other applications proposing the same service (i.e., ‘fill-in’ or ‘non-fill-in’) the FCC will use a points system and tiebreakers to determine who will be awarded the permit.

The point system is the same one used for full power NCE FM radio stations.  A total of 7 points may be awarded – 3 points for an established local applicant, 2 points for diversity of ownership or state-wide network, and up to two points for technical superiority.  Tie-breakers are applied sequentially using existing radio station authorizations, then number of pending radio station applications, and then first-filed application.  All claimed points must be supported by documentation submitted with the application or the claimed points will not be awarded. As mentioned above, the FCC may issue clarifying guidance on points system questions.

Any permits granted in the window will be subject to a 4-year holding period prohibiting a change in primary station or a sale of the translator without the primary station.

The FCC is implementing a limited filing freeze beginning October 2, 2026 on all LPFM, FM translator and FM booster station minor mod applications, which will continue through the close of the filing window.  So, for those thinking of filing to modify an existing LPFM, FM translator or FM booster station, the clock is ticking and you have about 60 days to get those prepared and filed before the freeze begins.