FCC Proposes Caps on Radio Applications to Fight Hoarding
Published Date: 2/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC is thinking about setting a limit on how many new noncommercial educational FM translator station applications each person or group can file in the 2026 window. This change aims to stop people from hoarding spots and keep the airwaves open for future users. If you want to weigh in, get your comments in by March 13, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Ten-Application National Cap
In the 2026 new NCE reserved band FM translator filing window, each applicant entity may file no more than a total of ten applications nationally. The FCC proposes this ten-application cap to deter speculative filings and help the Media Bureau process applications more quickly during the 2026 window.
LPFM Applicant Caps (Tribal and Others)
For the 2026 window, Tribal LPFM applicant entities subject to Sec. 73.860(c) may file no more than four applications nationally, and other LPFM applicant entities subject to Sec. 73.860(b) may file no more than two applications nationally. These separate LPFM caps are proposed to comply with LPFM cross-ownership restrictions and to limit speculative filings.
Primary-Station Eligibility Requirement
In the 2026 NCE reserved band FM translator window, each applicant must be the licensee or permittee of an existing NCE FM, noncommercial AM, or LPFM station that the proposed FM translator will rebroadcast. The FCC tentatively concludes this eligibility restriction will constrain speculative applicants and help preserve spectrum for future secondary services.
Attributable Interests Count Toward Caps
A party to an application may hold attributable interests (as defined in Sec. 73.7000) in no more than the maximum applications permitted under the rule; if an entity or party exceeds the limit, the Media Bureau will retain the earliest-filed applications and dismiss later ones. This means excess applications or interests beyond the cap will be dismissed based on application receipt order.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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