FCC Issues Final Rule on Local Radio Act For FM Stations’ Spacing Requirements

The Federal Communications Commission issued a final rule, scheduled to be published in the April 5 Federal Register, modifying rules necessary to implement the Local Community Radio Act of 2010.

Through the rule, the FCC eliminates its third-adjacent channel spacing requirements for low-power FM stations operating near full-service stations, a requirement of the LCRA.

The agency also maintains current spacing requirements that protect radio reading services, which provide access to printed news and other information for blind or people who have difficulty reading or cannot read print.

The Local Community Radio Act, which was signed in law Jan. 4, ...