LPFM Advocacy Group Urges FCC to Modernize Rules

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, May 27, 2026 | 11:03pm CT

Low Power FM Advocacy Group (LPFM-AG)

The Low Power FM Advocacy Group (LPFM-AG) has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission urging regulators to recognize what it calls significant competitive disadvantages facing Low Power FM stations in today's audio marketplace.

The filing, submitted in response to the FCC's proceeding on the state of competition in the communications marketplace, argues that LPFM stations should be evaluated separately from other radio services because of their unique role as nonprofit, community-originated broadcasters.

In comments filed by Executive Director Dave Solomon, the organization said LPFM stations face mounting challenges from digital audio competition, rising operating costs, crowded spectrum conditions, and technical limitations that make long-term survival increasingly difficult.

The group argued that the FCC should adopt what it describes as a "Practical Survivability Parity" standard when evaluating whether LPFM stations and FM translators are treated equally under the Local Community Radio Act.

Among the key proposals, LPFM-AG asked the Commission to consider allowing LPFM stations to operate with translator-equivalent technical facilities of up to 250 watts ERP where interference protections can be maintained. The filing contends current LPFM rules, which generally cap stations at 100 watts, place locally originated service at a disadvantage compared to FM translators.

The organization also called for modernization of LPFM-owned translator rules, including permitting IP-based signal delivery and translator-to-translator links for commonly owned facilities rebroadcasting the same LPFM station.

Additional recommendations include establishing service-preservation protections when full-power FM modifications displace LPFM stations, examining changes to LPFM funding and barter rules, and reviewing ownership and transfer restrictions that the group says may hinder station survival.

The filing also argues that LPFM stations should not be treated merely as smaller versions of full-power radio stations, noting that many are operated by churches, schools, cultural organizations, civic groups, and public-safety entities serving local communities.

According to the filing, the FCC reported 2,007 licensed LPFM stations as of March 31, 2026, compared to 8,854 FM translators and boosters.

LPFM-AG urged the FCC to include a dedicated LPFM section in its 2026 Communications Marketplace Report and recommend further rulemaking to modernize the service.