Final FCC Rules Pending For Zonecasting

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken significant steps toward enabling geotargeting capabilities for FM radio stations in the United States. However, the final rules governing this technology are still pending. 

Let’s delve into the details:

Experimental Authorizations: The FCC has granted approval for FM radio stations to originate programming on boosters for a limited duration each hour. These “one-year, renewable experimental authorizations” allow the commission to closely monitor the technology’s rollout1. During this phase, licensees can convert existing boosters to originate programming, providing valuable insights.

Targeted Content: The new rules permit broadcasters to air targeted content distinct from the primary station’s signal. This opens up possibilities for localized programming and tailored experiences for listeners.

Notification Requirement: The FCC emphasizes the need to adopt a notification requirement for program-originating boosters. This ensures that the Media Bureau can track which stations use boosters for content origination and address any arising complaints1.

Application Processing: Rather than imposing filing windows specifically for program-originating booster stations, the FCC proposes to continue processing booster applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Existing application procedures will be utilized1.

Limitations and Open Standards: The FCC seeks input on several matters...

1. Should full-service FM primary stations be restricted to a certain number of program-originating booster stations?
2. Should GeoBroadcast Solutions (GBS), which offers ZoneCasting technology, make its system an open standard?
3. Consideration of synchronization between primary stations and booster signals to reduce self-interference.
4. Addressing non-technical concerns, including potential redlining by advertisers or licensees.
5. Determining political advertising reporting requirements for boosters.

Interested parties can provide comments once the FCC’s Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) is published in the Federal Register. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is expected to participate in shaping these rules.

Stay tuned as the FCC finalizes these regulations, ushering in a new era of geotargeted radio experiences.