A Christian FM for Your Community
The Federal Communications Commission has opened a rare window for qualified entities to apply for a new Low Powered FM Radio station, known as low-power FM or LPFM. This window will ONLY be open from November 1, 2023, to November 8, 2023, and then will be closed for many years. This is the first opportunity since 2013.
In reality, there are only a limited number of areas in the country where an LPFM could be fitted and made to work. The process can be somewhat complex, and the cost of building could run into several thousands of dollars assuming a group is successful in obtaining a construction permit.
In addition, the LPFM service is only available to “not-for-profit” organizations, groups, and even churches. it is not available for individuals or commercial companies. It is also a totally non-commercial service, so selling program time or commercial advertising is prohibited, though listener support and grant underwriting are permitted.
These stations are limited to only 100 watts of effective radiated power at an antenna height of only 100 feet above average terrain. While this may not sound like much, a properly installed LPFM can have a service area of between 3 and 7 miles.
Bob Biermann has been a broadcast engineer for over 4 decades and has extensive experience in building successful low-powered FM facilities.
If you would like to see if your area may have even the possibility of being able to have such a facility, contact us at LPFM@truth2ponder.com. We can help guide you through the process and hope that these new facilities can share the Good News of the Gospel in your region, and also air the program “Truth to Ponder.”
