FCC Adopts Final Rules For FM Boosters To Originate Content

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted new rules allowing FM boosters to create programming for up to three minutes per hour. This will enable the use of the ZoneCasting geotargeting system, which had previously been allowed on a temporary basis.

The final rules were approved unanimously by the commissioners. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel highlighted that this change provides FM broadcasters with opportunities to deliver hyper-local content to different parts of their service areas.

This will potentially lead to more diverse content and new advertising opportunities for small businesses, helping them grow their audiences.

Here are takeaways from the final adoption:

• Stations using FM boosters to originate content must file a quarterly public service certification.
• Broadcasters must notify the commission at least 15 days in advance before using boosters.
• Procedures are in place to predict and address potential interference before construction, with a cap of 25 boosters per station.
• State Emergency Communications Committees must update their state EAS plans to reflect the use of program-originating boosters.
• Broadcasters using ZoneCasting must adhere to political advertising rules.
• The FCC's new rules primarily regulate the use of the ZoneCasting system from GeoBroadcast Solutions.
• Several broadcasters have applied for booster construction permits, but only one has applied for experimental authority for program origination.
• The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) opposes geotargeting, fearing it will harm small broadcasters and cause signal disruption.

The Commission’s decision to allow geo-targeting is a significant change for FM boosters, which in the past were designed to help a station improve its coverage where reception was poor, such as when a mountain blocked off a portion of a market from a signal.

“This can help broadcasters further serve their local communities. It is going to benefit a lot of small businesses along the way,” said Commissioner Brendan Carr, who championed the proposal with Commissioner Geoffrey Starks. “It has taken a lot of work to get here,” Carr noted.

The change is expected to enhance the ability of broadcasters to connect with listeners through more localized and relevant content, addressing specific needs of their communities while also opening doors for small businesses to reach a more targeted audience.