FAQ on starting a low power station

Frequently Asked Questions on Starting a Low Power Community Radio Station

What is low power radio?

Low power FM (LPFM) stations are noncommercial, run by non-profit organizations, schools, community groups, local governments and churches. They are not available to individuals or for commercial operations. LPFMs operate at 100 Watts or less and reach a radius of 3-10 miles.

Thanks to the recent passage of the Local Community Radio Act, there will soon be an opportunity to start LPFM community radio stations for the first time in more than a decade.

When can I apply for a station?

The FCC only takes applications during a licensing “window,” which may only be a week long, and we don't yet know when the window will be. It will probably happen late 2012 to early 2013, so station hopefuls should have their applicaitons ready to submit by then. There are many ways to prepare before the window opens (read on).

How much does it cost to start and run a station?

Startup costs vary widely,  depending on the cost of your equipment, studio space, etc.  A fairly minimal start-up budget includes around $10,000 worth of equipment. Recurring expenses include rent (unless you already have a suitable space for a studio and an antenna), music licensing fees, equipment maintenance, and people power. Stations that already have space and don't have dedicated paid staff can often operate on <$10,000 per year.

How do I find out if an LPFM channel will be available in my area?

You can't know for sure until the FCC completes its rulemaking proceeding on LPFM, which will determine the rules about where stations can be located. Once the rules are final, a radio engineer can do a study to determine whether there's a channel available for a new LPFM station. In general, there are more open channels available in rural areas (where there are fewer existing stations), and fewer available channels in urban areas (where the radio market is already crowded).

What are the eligibility requirements to apply?

Low power FM stations must be licensed to local non-profit organizations, schools, or governments. Non-profit organizations must registered under the rules of their state, but don't need to have 501c(3) status. Your organization must have a board, and your board members must live within 30 miles of your proposed transmitter location. Once on the air, you must broadcast at least five hours each day, broadcast emergency alerts, and keep your equipment running within the technical guidelines set by the FCC.

Are there any costs associated with applying for a license?

The FCC does not charge a fee to apply for an LPFM license. However, you may have to pay an engineer to do a study to determine whether and where there is an available channel. The costs to conduct an engineering study can range anywhere from $100 - $4,000, depending on the complexity of the study. In some places, especially rural areas, a study may not be necessary, because open channels are easier to find with free software.

What can I do to increase my chances of getting a license?

In crowded areas, many applicants will compete for a given open channel. The FCC gives “preference points” to applicants who meet certain criteria. Although the point system may be revised soon, the old point system had three possible points: one for applicants who pledged to broadcast at least 12 hours each day, one for applicants who pledged to broadcast at least eight hours of locally originated programming, and one for applicants whose organization had existed for at least two years. If you haven't been around for two years, you may want to partner with another more established group.

Are there any programming restrictions for an LPFM?

An LPFM license is a “non-commercial-educational” license, which means your station must have an educational mission. But the FCC does not evaluate the merits of this mission. LPFMS air a diversity of programming, including music, news, public affairs,,etc. You cannot air paid advertisements, but you can engage in underwriting, which allows you to accept contributions from businesses and express gratitude for these contributions on the air.

What else can I do to prepare?

The best LPFM stations are participatory and collaborative; you can start reaching out now to others in your community, especially those whose voices aren't represented in your local media. Other community media makers make great collaborating partners, as do community-based non-profits and grassroots groups. Involve others early in setting the mission and vision for your station, so that as you grow towards your goal, your station will have real impact in your community.

How do I know who else is applying for a station in my region?

The best way to find out about other station hopefuls is to do some investigating in your community.  By holding meetings, reaching out to community leaders, and asking around you should be able to find out if any other groups in the area want to apply for an LPFM and/or collaborate with your project. 

Where can I get more information?

We regularly offer webinars (trainings you can call into and watch online) and other information for low power radio hopefuls, but you need to sign up on our list to let us know. You'll automatically be added to our e-newsletter list as well. Also check out our station support section.