NAB Applauds FCC For Resolving FM6 Issue

The Federal Communications Commission has voted to permit a limited number of low power television (LPTV) stations operating on TV channel 6 (TV6) to maintain their existing analog FM radio services (FM6 operations).  The operations are only permitted on an ancillary or supplementary basis subject to specific operational rules and requirements.

The FM6 or so-called “Franken FM” stations have emerged as an interesting issue in the transition to NextGen TV/ATSC 3.0 broadcasts, with the NAB and others backing the idea that some of these FM6 stations should be allowed to continue operations.

The practice apparently began in the 1980s, and at one time about 30 such stations were operating, aiming to reach listeners whose radios could pick up Channel 6 audio spectrum just below the licensed FM dial.

Some broadcasters felt it was a dubious or illegal practice; but looking back on it in issuing her statement today, Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel sounded approving: “Ultimately this led to more broadcast services to more people in the community.”

But after the 2021 LPTV digital transition, newly digital stations that had been providing FM6 service were no longer able to reach analog radio audiences through these TV transmissions.

However, 13 stations remained on the air under special temporary authority, subject to a set of rules laid out by the FCC for this situation. Among other things they had to convert to ATSC 3.0 digital; provide at least one video stream on the ATSC 3.0 portion; operate on a non-interference basis; and provide audio and video coverage to similar populations.

Those 13 are grandfathered in as ancillary or supplementary services. They are KBKF, San Jose, Calif. (whose STA request appears to have set the precedent for this group); WMTO, Norfolk, Va.; KXDP, Denver, Colo.; WTBS, Atlanta, Ga.; WRME, Chicago, Ill.; KZNO, Big Bear Lake, Calif.; KEFM, Sacramento, Calif.; WEYS, Miami, Fla.; WDCN, Fairfax, Va.; KRPE, San Diego, Calif.; KGHD, Las Vegas, Nev.; WPGF, Memphis, Tenn.; and WNYZ, New York, N.Y. Most if not all of them operate on a commercial basis.

Because the TV6 band is directly adjacent to the FM band, it is accessible using standard FM receivers. Listeners have tuned to existing FM6 LPTV stations for foreign language, religious and sports programming, and emergency and public information, in addition to programming to support underserved populations including native Spanish speakers and immigrants, the FCC reported. .

In response to the Federal Communications Commission's approval of an order allowing existing channel 6 low power television stations to continue to provide analog FM radio service, NAB president and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said: "NAB thanks the FCC and the Media Bureau staff for its fair and efficient resolution of the use of the TV channel 6 frequency band by low power TV stations to provide ancillary audio programming. The order adopted by the Commission today will protect channel 6 television operators while recognizing the audience built by existing FM6 stations. We support the FCC’s balanced approach that addresses long-standing questions surrounding this complex issue."