Wednesday, April 12, 2017

FCC: Broadcasting By The Numbers


The number of radio licenses increased in the first quarter of 2017 from the end of 2016, according to the most recent broadcast license count released by the Federal Communications Commission.

While there were three fewer AM stations (4,666), there were eight more FM commercial stations (6,754) and 10 more FM noncoms (4,112). FM translators and boosters boomed by 200 for a most recent total of 7,453. Low-power FMs also went to town, increasing 246 for a total of 1,924.

The number of translators jumped 13% compared to a year ago with a record 7,453 translators licensed as of March 31. As translators sign on across America, it’s putting the signals on a potential collision course with low-power FMs.

In the meantime LPFM ranks continue to explode. The FCC reports there were 1,924 low-power stations licensed at the end of the first quarter, a massive 27% increase from a year ago. That includes the licensing of 246 additional LPFMs during the first three months of this year.

The FCC has announced the total of broadcast stations as of March 31, 2017:




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