The Federal Communications Commission will accept applications for new full power non-commercial educational (NCE) FM radio station licenses sometime this year, perhaps in late spring. Typically, the FCC gives between one and three months notice before opening the filing window, which will likely last only five days.

These full power NCE stations will lie between 88.1 FM and 91.9 FM, and range from 100 to 100,000 watts, depending on location. Full power stations are superior to low power stations because they are protected from interference and cannot be bumped off the air as new stations emerge.

This year's filing window, disclosed by the agency last August, will end the FCC's six-year freeze on new full power applications. In 2000, disagreements about how to resolve disputes between multiple parties vying for the same frequency caused a backup on the acceptance of applications.

This window is a rare opportunity for non-profits and educational institutions, but interested parties must devote energy and money to submit an acceptable application. Further, the FCC can only accept applications for frequencies that do not conflict with existing stations, which, for the most part, no longer exist within 30 miles of the largest 100 cities in the U.S.

To complete a valid application, applicants need an engineer to perform a frequency search, which normally costs over $2000. Also, the likelihood of running into competition over a given frequency is high, so most applicants rely on the services of an FCC attorney. If awarded a license, radio station start-up costs run between $50,000 and $250,000.

To increase the chances of receiving a license, one entity may file several applications. Christian organizations have relied on this technique in the past. For example, in a 2003 filing window for FM translators, several Christian organizations filed thousands of applications to rebroadcast radio ministries.

As they have in the past, many Christian groups are publicizing the upcoming NCE filing window. The first link on the Christian Community Broadcasters Web site addresses the filing window. Similarly, ChristianRadio.com heavily advertises Sterling Communication, Inc., an engineering group that offers services to people interested in starting a Christian radio station.

"For us to use the mass media in our ministries is not an option," the Sterling Communications Web site says. "It is a mandate from the Lord. How else will we reach our generation?"

Many media reform organization are also working to raise awareness about the filing opportunity. These include Native Public Media, Prometheus Radio Project, Public Radio Capital, Common Frequency, the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, and Radio for People Coalition.

The FCC has not yet set a date for the filing window, but LLFCC will follow-up as more information becomes available.

Sources/links:

• Brown Broadcasting [1]
• Common Frequency [2]
• Christian Community Broadcasters [3]
• ChristianRadio.com [4]
• The National Federation of Community Broadcasters [5]
• Native Public Media [6]
• Prometheus Radio Project [7]
• Public Radio Capital [8]
• Radio for People Coalition [9]
• Sterling Communications, Inc. [10]

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