For the first time, the FCC just granted booster stations to two LPFMs in California. Like the name implies, a booster helps a station to fill in parts of its broadcast area where geographic impediments–like hills or mountains–prevent the signal from being received well where it otherwise should be heard. Unlike a translator repeater station, boosters operate on the same frequency as the primary station.<\/p>\n
This move is notable because previously the Commission had prevented LPFM stations from having boosters, ruling that the booster essentially constituted a second station. Unlike with other classes of stations, organizations may own only one LPFM, and an LPFM may not be co-owned with another radio station—with a few exceptions for Tribal stations and student-operated LPFMs at colleges and universities. However, LPFMs are permitted to own up to two translator stations, which are only permitted to repeat the broadcast of the primary station.<\/p>\n
REC Networks is responsible for the filings which convinced the FCC to change course and grant waivers allowing the boosters. In part, REC argued<\/a> that a booster should be considered equivalent to a translator station, which an LPFM is permitted to own. <\/p>\n While this is an exciting win for low-power FM, REC cautions that, “for 95% of the LPFM stations out there, a booster will not work.” That’s because the circumstances and terrain surrounding the two California stations that were granted waivers are unique. Moreover, quite a bit of engineering expertise is needed to make the case for a booster—more than was required to apply for the LPFM in the first place.<\/p>\n