Noncom Groups Request Extension of FCC FM Translator Window

Consultants cite a 25-year backlog in one short period The post Noncom Groups Request Extension of FCC FM Translator Window appeared first on Radio World.

The Federal Communications Commission opened the reserved-band FM translator filing window Wednesday. But eight organizations that assist stations with filing applications are already requesting at least a one-week extension due to unprecedented demand. Also, applicants reported that filings submitted Wednesday were appearing publicly in the FCC’s Licensing and Management System in an apparent glitch. As of the publishing of this article, however, it appears the issue has been corrected. As we reported when the FCC announced the window and as historically has been the case, filed applications are not to be made available to the public until after the window closes. Radio World reached out to the Office of Media Relations for more information. Twenty-five year backlog The noncommercial educational FM translator window is currently scheduled to close Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. But in a joint letter sent to the FCC, the eight entities warned that an inordinate number of stations want to apply, but the group lack sufficient consulting capacity to assist them in time. “There is an over 25-year backlog of demand to be served within one short window,” the groups wrote. Without more time, the parties worry that many organizations will be left unable to file. While the groups feel that postponing the window entirely would have been ideal, they recognized the FCC’s reluctance to reschedule. They pointed to precedent, including the 2023 LPFM window, which was delayed and extended under similar circumstances. Instead, the groups are requesting a one-week extension through Nov. 25, preceding the Thanksgiving holiday. “This extra week would give technical consultants extra time to accommodate some of the applicants currently on waiting lists for service,” the groups wrote. The capacity crunch was first brought to the attention of the FCC Audio Division by the advocate Common Frequency on Oct. 12. The group reported receiving 130 sign-ups within less than a week for a filing window webinar, leading to approximately 100 stations seeking technical preparation guidance. “We are doing our best to accommodate this demand, but broadcast consultants are strained,” the groups explained. The joint letter also cited delayed or unanswered inquiries via email to the FCC, which has added to applicant tension under the tight timeline. Unlike previous commercial windows, such as the AM revitalization translator filings, the FCC did not provide a public channel-search web tool for prospective applicants, according to the groups. That’s forced consultants to build and host their own tools to identify viable channels. The groups warned that hurried applicants working without professional help could file defective applications, consuming FCC staff resources with dismissals and subsequent petitions for reconsideration. The filing was brought to Radio World’s attention by John Broomall. The letter was submitted by: Christian Community Broadcasters: John Broomall Common Frequency, Inc.: Todd Urick, President Community Media Assistance Project: Betty McArdle, Executive Director Media Alliance: Tracy Rosenberg, Executive Director Native Public Media: Loris Taylor, President and CEO Pacifica Foundation: Stephanie Wells, Executive Director Pacifica Network: Ursula Ruedenberg, Affiliates Director Prometheus Radio Project: Paul Bame REC Networks: Michelle Bradley, CBT, Founder Radio World welcomes letters to the editor on this or any story. Email radioworld@futurenet.com . The post Noncom Groups Request Extension of FCC FM Translator Window appeared first on Radio World .