FCC Fixes FM Channels in Alabama and California Hamlets
Published Date: 2/12/2026
Rule
Summary
The FCC is updating radio channel assignments in several towns like Hamilton, Alabama, and Coalinga, California, to fix technical issues with vacant FM channels. These changes won’t open the door for new applications just yet, but they set the stage for future opportunities. The new rules take effect on March 26, 2026, with no immediate costs for broadcasters.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
FCC reassigns vacant FM channels
The FCC amends the FM Table of Allotments by substituting channels at five communities: Channel 277A for Hamilton, Alabama; Channel 261B1 for Coalinga, California; Channel 289A for Rocksprings, Texas; Channel 261A for Silverton, Texas; and Channel 281C2 for Spur, Texas. These rule changes take effect March 26, 2026.
Required site restrictions and coordinates
For some of the new allotments the Commission requires site restrictions and provides exact distances and coordinates: Hamilton (7 km north; 34-11-50 NL, 88-01-37 WL), Rocksprings (12.1 km west; 29-59-52 NL, 100-20-10 WL), Silverton (11 km northwest; 34-33-34 NL, 101-21-13 WL), and Spur (22.5 km east; 33-26-51 NL, 100-36-59 WL). Coalinga's allotment (36-8-23 NL, 120-21-37 WL) is allotted without a site restriction.
No immediate filing window for new allotments
The Commission states that the window period for filing applications for these vacant FM allotments will not be opened at this time and that whether to open the allotments for filing will be addressed in a subsequent order. The decision to substitute channels is effective March 26, 2026, but does not allow immediate applications.
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