On June 17, 2026, the FCC’s Media Bureau (“Bureau”) released a Public Notice announcing a new filing window for Noncommercial Educational (“NCE”) FM Translator Construction Permit Applications. The filing window is for FM Channels 201-220 and will open at 12:01 AM ET on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and close at 6:00 PM ET on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. All applications must be filed using FCC Form 2100, Schedule 349, in the FCC’s Licensing Management System. Instructions for completing Schedule 349 can be found on the Commission’s website.
Additionally, beginning at 11:59 PM ET on July 10, 2026, the Commission will not accept minor modification applications for reserved band or non-reserved band LPFM stations, FM translator stations, or FM booster stations. The freeze will remain in effect until the filing window closes on August 25, 2026.
The Bureau also set forth eligibility requirements and rules for applicants. Each applicant must:
- Be the licensee or permittee of an existing NCE FM or noncommercial AM radio broadcast station or LPFM station;
- File no more than ten total applications in this window;
- Ensure that the application comports with relevant interference protection requirements found in Sections 74.1204 and 74.1205 of the Commission’s Rules;
- Not file any applications to modify existing NCE FM translator stations; and
- Complete all certifications on FCC Form 2100, Schedule 349.
All applications will be considered comparatively using a point system set forth in the Public Notice wherein applicants can receive a maximum of seven points based on the following criteria: (i) established local applicant; (ii) diversity of ownership; (iii) statewide network; and (iv) technical parameters. Points will be established as of the close of the filing window on August 25, 2026. The Commission will use two “tie-breakers” to settle circumstances where the applicants have the same number of points. The first tie-breaker is the number of radio station authorizations attributable to each applicant, and the second is the number of pending radio station applications attributable to each applicant.
If an application is accepted for filing by the Bureau, the applicant must provide public notice in the local community for 30 days following acceptance, either on the website of the primary station, the applicant, or its parent entity, or by posting notice on a publicly accessible, locally targeted website.
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