Ready for the November NCE Radio Filing Window?

Last month, the FCC announced the procedures for the November 2-9, 2021 filing window for new NCE radio stations, and made the new form for the window available in LMS on August 2, 2021.  Applicants interested in filing applications during the window (there is a limit of 10) should have already begun working on applications rather than wait to do so during the short seven-day filing window.  The applications are complex and require specific information and supporting documentation for applicants, all of whom must complete the sections claiming points and computing possible tiebreakers.

New reasonable assurance information for transmitter sites/towers must be supported with contact information (certification is no longer the standard).  Applicants should be sure that the specified community of license actually meets the FCC’s community of license criteria.  During the last filing window 15 years ago, several applicants that won on points later lost the permit when applications were challenged because communities specified did not meet the minimum criteria.

With only about two months remaining until the filing window opens, time is getting short.  Plan ahead so that you have time to accurately complete forms and include all required support.  Rushing is a recipe for mistakes.