Is it possible for one of the two stations currently in a time-share agreement to request a move to another available channel that is properly spaced, citing the elimination of the time-share as a means to reduce interference?

Yes, if two LPFM stations are currently operating under a time-share agreement and another channel becomes available that is properly spaced to either of the stations, one of the stations can request a move to the new channel while claiming that eliminating the time-share arrangement will “reduce interference.” However, the success of such a request will depend on several factors:

1. Technical Feasibility: The new channel must indeed be properly spaced to the station requesting the move, and the technical parameters (such as power, antenna height, and location) should meet the FCC’s requirements for the new channel.
2. Interference Considerations: The FCC will assess whether the proposed move will reduce interference to other existing stations or services. The claim that eliminating the time-share agreement will reduce interference should be supported by technical evidence and analysis.
3. Coordination with Other Stations: If the move impacts other stations or services, the FCC may require coordination with those parties to ensure that the change does not cause undue interference to them.
4. FCC Approval: Ultimately, the FCC will review the request and determine whether it is in the public interest and complies with FCC regulations. They may grant or deny the request based on technical and interference considerations.

It’s important to note that while the claim of reducing interference is a valid reason for requesting a channel change, the FCC will carefully evaluate the technical and regulatory aspects of the request. Stations should provide thorough documentation and technical analysis to support their case. Consulting with an expert in FCC regulations can be beneficial when navigating such requests.