(This originally appeared on the REC Networks Facebook page in an effort to reach all LPFM stations and stakeholders who may not use social media.)

Edited April 10, 2024 to correct link to the FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

In a Report and Order released today, the FCC has given the green light for broadcast stations, including noncommercial educational (NCE) and low power FM (LPFM) stations to operate FM boosters that can originate its own programming up to three minutes per hour.

On March 15, 2024, the FCC Media Bureau released a Public Notice to announce the official designations of the groups of mutually exclusive (MX) applications from the 2023 Third Generation Low Power FM (LPFM) Filing Window.

This notice also included the procedures associated with the 60-day settlement window that is open for all applicants identified as MX that will run through May 14, 2024. 

On March 15, 2024, through public notice, the FCC Media Bureau identified LPFM applications that were mutually exclusive (MX) and assigned them to specific group numbers.  The Bureau also opened a 60 day period in which settlements can be made.  This settlement window will close on May 14, 2024.  According to the notice, the FCC will accept settlement agreements that are universal (involving all applicants) and agreed upon by all applicants.  These settlement agreements can include applic