The Federal Communications Commission has issued a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in its ongoing procedure governing the Low Power FM, FM Booster and FM Translator services in order to implement the provisions of the Local Community Radio Act of 2010 (“LCRA”). Its stated goals are to faithfully implement the LCRA, resume the processing of approximately 6,500 translator applications that remain pending from its last (2003) filing window, and to determine how to license future LPFM facilities. In order to preserve its options, the FCC has implemented an immediate freeze on “move in” translator applications.

As an initial yet essential issue, the Commission notes the ambiguity of the LCRA language and seeks guidance as to its proper interpretation.