To get a station, you must submit an engineering exhibit proving that your proposed station will cause no interference to existing radio stations. To be absolutely certain that such a frequency exists, you will need an engineer to do a "frequency search," using the most current database from the FCC. A preliminary check for frequency availability generally costs about $100, a more detailed search is around $250, and the full engineering exhibit you would be required to submit to the FCC to secure a station can cost $2,000-$3,000 to prepare.
The only eligible channels issued during this window are between 88.1 MHz and 91.9 MHz on the FM dial.
Full-power stations must be more than 100 watts and can be as strong as the 100,000 watt maximum, depending on geographic location.
GetRadio.org is working to raise funding to support community organizations in the application process. But you should be prepared to raise and spend some money for this process — several thousand dollars is a good ballpark estimate.
Full-power radio stations are valuable community media properties. In the hands of local people, they are a vital community resource. Nothing this valuable ever comes easy or cheap.
The Application Process
- There is no application fee for applying to the FCC because the service is noncommercial.
- The applicant must be an organization with a noncommercial, educational mission. You cannot apply as an individual.
- The applicant should be an incorporated organization but does not need 501(c)3 (tax-exempt) nonprofit status to qualify.
- The applicant does not have to be a school to have an educational mission.
- You will need to hire an engineer to complete this application.
- You will need to hire an attorney who practices communications law to complete this application. Even in rural areas and small towns there will be competition for the license. To get your application accepted, you will need good legal advice from someone knowledgeable about the workings of the FCC.
- Depending on the size of the transmitter and other factors, you will need $25,000-$200,000 to build and operate a station.
The application window will be open for only seven days, between October 12th and 19th of this year. Your complete application must be received by the FCC before the window closes. Plan ahead. Get your application started today!
