NCE FM Translator Window: Updated Timeline

The Media Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission released a Public Notice to advise of new timeline dates for the upcoming 2026 NCE Reserved Band FM Translator Filing Window (FX2026).

Key Dates

  • August 3: Form 2100, Schedule 345, the form for new FM Translator Construction Permits is expected to be active in LMS for application staging. The functionality to submit an application will be disabled until the designated filing window.

  • October 2 at 11:59PM EDT: Filing freeze will go into effect for reserved and non-reserved band LPFM, FM translator and FM translator booster minor modification applications. You will still be able to file other applications such as license to cover, silent, STA, assignments, transfers and administrative updates.

  • November 4 at 12:01AM EST: FX2026 filing window opens.

  • November 17 at 6:00PM EST: FX2026 filing window closes and filing freeze on secondary service minor modifications will be lifted.

What This Means for Your Station

Engineering studies, frequency coordination, and application preparation take time, so you need to start right away.

Questions

Contact the FCC's Media Bureau, Audio Division, at (202) 418-2700, or reach out to Public Media Company for guidance on whether this opportunity aligns with your station's strategic plan.