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FM Boosters for FM Radio Stations
From the U.S. Federal Communications Commission
For Immediate Release
FCC ADOPTS FINAL RULES FOR PROGRAM ORIGINATING FM BOOSTERS Action Would Allow FM Radio Stations to Customize and Differentiate Content Reaching Different Portions of Their Service Areas
WASHINGTON, November 21, 2024—The Federal Communications Commission today adopted final rules to allow FM booster stations to originate programming on a limited basis. Broadcasters choosing to use this new option might, for up to three minutes of each hour, air programming on booster stations different from their primary station to better meet the needs and interests of local listeners.
Until recently, the only purpose of FM boosters was to rebroadcast signals to areas where reception was poor, such as where a mountain blocked the primary station from serving part of its community. Commission rules did not allow booster stations to originate content. With advances in technology it has become possible for FM broadcasters to customize the content delivered to different parts of their service areas by using boosters to air programming different from their primary station. The Commission has, since April 2024, allowed such use on a temporary, experimental basis but today adopts processing, licensing, and service rules to make it available more permanently. These actions would provide broadcasters with an option to provide listeners with more targeted content such as hyper-local news and weather reports and advertisements from small local businesses.
Action by the Commission November 21, 2024 by Second Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration (FCC 24-121). Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, Simington, and Gomez approving. Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Commissioner Starks issuing separate statements.
MB Docket Nos. 20-401, 17-105
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC, 515 F.2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).