No, LPFM (Low Power FM) stations are not specifically required to broadcast a minimum amount of local programming according to the FCC regulations. However, some LPFM stations might choose to prioritize local content as part of their mission to serve their community. The regulations for LPFM stations are generally more flexible compared to full-power stations, allowing them to decide on their programming approach based on their community’s needs and their station’s goals.
No, LPFM (Low Power FM) stations are not specifically required to broadcast a minimum amount of local programming according to the FCC regulations. However, some LPFM stations might choose to prioritize local content as part of their mission to serve their community. The regulations for LPFM stations are generally more flexible compared to full-power stations, allowing them to decide on their programming approach based on their community’s needs and their station’s goals.
The obligation to carry local programming is applicable only to stations that fulfill the following criteria:
- The station applicant committed to broadcasting a minimum of 8 hours of local programming daily.
- The application was mutually exclusive, meaning it was in competition with another LPFM application.
- The FCC’s approval of the applicant’s construction permit was based on their individual points, not influenced by the outcomes of other applications (such as channel changes or dismissals for unrelated reasons). Points become relevant in the following scenarios:
- The applicant reached a voluntary time-share agreement with a fellow applicant within the same mutually exclusive group, combining points to secure the channel.
- The applicant had the highest score in a mutually exclusive group and became the sole tentative selectee for the channel. (Example: Out of 3 applicants in the group, one has 5 points while the other two have 4 points each.)
- The Commission declared a tie within the group, subsequently mandating involuntary time-sharing. The original pledge remains in effect even if a universal settlement is reached after the tie declaration.
Stations that were initially non-competitive (no competing applications), became non-competitive due to channel or location changes before the original construction permit was granted (except after a tie declaration), or became non-competitive due to the actions of other stations (other stations moved or were dismissed while the applicant remained unchanged) are not bound by point-related pledges.