What is the procedure if an LPFM station is undergoing an assignment process when its renewal is due?

When an LPFM station is undergoing an assignment process at the time of its renewal deadline, the following steps outline the process:

1. Renewal Application Submission: Submit the station’s renewal application using the appropriate FCC Form (typically Form 303-S). This form should be filled out as usual, providing accurate and up-to-date information about the station’s operations and status.
2. Section III, Item #6: In Section III of the renewal application, specifically item #6, indicate whether the station is involved in an assignment process by selecting the appropriate option (“yes” or “no”). This section addresses whether any application is pending to assign or transfer control of the station’s license or construction permit.
3. Pending Status: If the LPFM station is in the process of an assignment at the time of renewal, the application will be considered as “pending” rather than dismissed. The FCC will hold the application in a pending status until the assignment process is finalized.
4. Resumption of Operation: If the station goes silent during the assignment process, you’ll need to follow the appropriate procedures for notifying the FCC of the resumption of operation once the assignment is complete.
5. Amending Renewal Application: Once the assignment process is successfully completed and the station is under new ownership or control, file an amendment to the renewal application. In this amendment, update the information in Section III, Item #6 to accurately reflect the station’s status. Change the selection from “no” to “yes” to indicate that the assignment process has been completed.
6. Continuation of Renewal Process: Once the amendment is filed and the renewal application is updated, the FCC will continue processing the renewal application. The amendment ensures that the renewal process reflects the station’s updated ownership or control status.

If the assignment application hasn’t been approved yet:

How should the LPFM station proceed if the assignment application is still pending when the renewal is due?

The assignor (current party) should submit the renewal application in a timely manner. This application should be digitally signed by an authorized representative of the assignor’s organization. Note that the assignment application won’t be granted until after the renewal application is approved, which usually happens in the month before the license expiration. Once the assignment application is granted, you can file the consummation notice to finalize the process.

If the assignment application has been granted but not consummated:

What steps should be taken if the assignment application has been approved but the consummation hasn’t taken place yet?

File the consummation notice. After filing, get in touch with the FCC Audio Division to link the new FRN (FCC Registration Number) with the station in LMS (License Management System). Once this is done, the assignee organization can proceed to file the renewal application.

If the assignment application has been granted and consummated, but LMS still shows the old FM:

What should be done if the assignment application has been granted and completed, but the LMS platform still displays the previous FM information?

Contact the FCC Audio Division to ensure that the new FRN is associated with the station in LMS. This will ensure that the updated information is accurately reflected for the station.

It’s important to keep accurate records of the assignment process and ensure timely communications with the FCC throughout the assignment and renewal procedures. Consulting with legal experts or professionals familiar with FCC regulations can also provide guidance during this process to ensure compliance and a smooth transition.