FCC Delays Translator Filing Window
• On June 23 RAMP first relayed the story of the FCC opening the first filing window in more than 20 years that would allow educational and community radio stations to apply for NCE FM translator licenses, which extend a station’s reach into new areas. The only problem — the Commission had scheduled this window for August 11-25, right in the middle of college summer recess.
Quickly swinging into action, our friend Anabella Poland, President of the College Broadcasters, Inc. (CBI) and General Manager of Montclair State University’s WMSC, fired off a letter to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr respectfully requesting that window be delayed until later in the year. Several other groups, including the Pala Band of Mission Indians, the National Federation Of Community Broadcasters, Native Public Media and the National Congress of American Indians, and Community Media Assistance Project also voiced similar concerns.
We are pleased to report that these efforts have now been rewarded, as the FCC issued a statement on Monday, July 6 that reads, in part, “Based on the forgoing, the Bureau grants the requests to reschedule the NCE reserved band FM translator filing window. The window will now open at 12:01am EST on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and close at 6:00 pm EST on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Applications must be filed between November 4, 2026, and November 17, 2026. The filing deadline will be strictly enforced.” Read the entire FCC statement HERE.
