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LPFM License Renewal by Kai Aiyetoro March, 2003 Your first license renewal may come quicker than you think! Yes, I know it seems like you just got your license, but for some of you, it is time to renew that license already. For some LPFM stations, the time is getting close to go through a whole new process of renewing your license so that your license will be in sync with others in your state. The FCC has set aside specific dates for stations in each state to go through the renewal process. Click here to see the license renewal schedule. There is no fee involved with renewing NCE or LPFM license, but the procedure takes as long as 6 months to complete, so those of you that have a 2003-2004 expiration date, it’s time to start thinking about renewing it now. “The time of expiration of normally issued initial and renewal licenses will be 3 a.m., local time...and thereafter at 8-year intervals for radio...” [Section 73.3539] FCC Rules on Application for renewal of license. All of the information you will need is located in the NFCB Legal Handbook, Guide to FCC rules and regulations or search [Section 73.3580] on the FCC website at: http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/bickel/part74rule.html. Here are a few suggestions to get you started: • Be sure that all contract agreements are in order. The license renewal is filed on Form 303-S and can be found on the FCC website at: http://www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form303-S/303sFill.pdf. Applications for Renewal of License must be filed no later than the first day of the fourth full calendar month prior to the expiration date of the license. The due date is the first full business day after a Saturday, Sunday, or a federal holiday deadline date. There are specific announcements that must be aired two months prior the date the application is filed (beginning six months prior to the date the license expires); then six announcements are broadcast in the three months following the filing of the renewal application. At least one announcement is made on the first and sixteenth day of each month during these time periods. A Certificate of Compliance containing the times, dates and text of all pre-filing and post-filing announcements are kept filed along with a copy of the renewal application. Since LPFM are not required to maintain public files, it is suggested just to keep the information with other important papers for the station. The license renewal will be granted if no petition to deny the application is filed; the applicant is legally, technically, and financially qualified to maintain the license; the applicant is in compliance with FCC rules and regulations; and the Commission finds that the license serves the public interest, convenience, and necessity. To find out when your renewal application is due, check your license
immediately for the expiration date or you may find your state expiration
date on the NFCB website at the links below. Kai Aiyetoro
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