In January, the FCC announced it would be opening a filing opportunity for new FM translators to operate in the FM Reserved Band (88.1-91.9 MHz) (see our article here).  Applications can only be filed by existing noncommercial station operators.  Subsequently, the FCC’s Media Bureau announced that applicants would be limited to 10 applications nationwide – and low power FM operators would be allowed to file for only 2 translators (4 if they were a Tribal group)(see our article here).  This week, the Media Bureau issued a Public Notice announcing more rules for the window – and setting the dates for applications.  The window for filing applications will open at 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and it will close at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Parties can begin to prepare applications much sooner, as the application forms will be available in the FCC’s LMS database starting on July 1.  Applications must include information about the applicant for a potential “points system” analysis that will be used to choose between applications that have technical conflicts that cannot be resolved by engineering changes.  For more on the points system, see our articles here and here.  Claims for points will be frozen at the end of the filing window, so be sure to detail your claims for those points in your initial application.