FCC Adopts Order Resolving FM6 Issue After Transition

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, July 20, 2023

Federal Communications Commission

Since the 1980s, a small number of low power television (LPTV) channel 6 stations have provided audio programming that is able to be received by radio listeners on the uppermost portion of the TV channel 6 band (TV6), specifically on 87.7 MHz and 87.75 MHz. Following the July 2021 LPTV digital transition, newly digital LPTV stations that had been providing FM6 service were no longer able to reach their analog radio audience through their TV transmission.

As a result of the transition, 13 LPTV stations sought Special Temporary Authority (FM6 STAs) to continue providing analog audio-only service to radio audiences as an ancillary or supplementary service of their TV service. To address this issue and ensure continued access to valued programming, the FCC has made a decision to permit these LPTV stations operating on FM6 to maintain their existing analog FM radio services.

This decision is specifically targeted towards FM6 operations and comes with specific operational guidelines and mandates to maintain interference-free broadcasting. The goal is to enable communities to retain access to the programming they have come to rely upon.

The FCC's Report and Order acknowledges the public interest in preserving the analog audio service provided by 14 TV6 LPTV stations, as long as it can be done without causing interference. This decision aligns with the Commission's core principles for the digital transition, which emphasize minimizing service disruptions. The order also establishes technical regulations and requirements to ensure that FM6 LPTV stations can continue operating without interfering with their digital TV operations or neighboring FM radio stations.

However, it's important to note that the Order does not allow for the repurposing of TV6 spectrum (82-88 MHz) for FM services in areas where it is currently not used for television service. Furthermore, the current TV6 interference rules remain unchanged at this time.

FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel praised the decision, emphasizing the significance of FM6 stations to their respective communities. She cited an example of WDCN/La Nueva, a station broadcasting from Fairfax, VA, which caters to individuals with ties to Central America. The station features public service programming, music, and content from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said, "NAB thanks the FCC and the Media Bureau staff for its fair and efficient resolution of the use of the TV channel 6 frequency band by low power TV stations to provide ancillary audio programming. The order adopted by the Commission today will protect channel 6 television operators while recognizing the audience built by existing FM6 stations. We support the FCC's balanced approach that addresses long-standing questions surrounding this complex issue."