The FCC is sorting through applications for more than 100 new non-commercial FM stations in the Upper Midwest to identify those that are mutually exclusive.
The regulator’s LMS database shows that there are 154 active applications in the region following the Nov. 2-9 filing window (the number has been updated after your reporter realized the earlier tally excluded amendments). REC Networks has created an excellent database that lists all of the applications and lists of potentially mutually-exclusive filings, as well as summaries of all applications filed by each applicant.
The filing window was largely dominated by Christian broadcasters seeking to expand their reach. Some public radio services also filed applications to fill in coverage gaps.
With the FM dial is too crowded for new full-power licenses in most heavily-populated areas, it’s noteworthy that Park Public Radio has identified two frequencies that it says can be added in Minneapolis to replace its low-power FM station. In Cedar Rapids, several groups are competing for a core signal that became a possibility after a college returned its station’s license rather than sell it.
The FCC is put a freeze on amendments to the applications through Nov. 29, giving them time to determine which applications are in competition and create official lists of mutually-exclusive groups as well as “singleton” applications that face no competition and can be granted immediately. A public notice did not specify when that information would be released.