FCC Plans to Discharge Application Restrictions for Novel LPTV and TV Translator Broadcasting Stations
FCC Announces Phased Process to Lift Freeze on Major Changes for TV Stations
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced a phased process to lift the current freeze on major changes for Class A television, low power television (LPTV), and television (TV) translator stations. This move is set to provide an expanded opportunity for these stations to file major change applications.
The process begins on September 3, 2025, with a temporary application filing freeze for all major change applications for Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations. This freeze is intended to provide a stable database for stations to prepare for the filing of major modification applications.
On October 15, 2025, there will be a temporary application filing freeze for all minor change applications (including displacement applications) for Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations. This freeze will last until 12:01 a.m. ET, October 22, 2025, when the FCC will lift the major modification application filing freeze for Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations.
On the same day, October 22, 2025, there will be an expanded opportunity for Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations to file major change applications. Relocations will be limited to no more than 121.0 kilometers (km) to ensure existing stations can adapt to market changes before new station applications.
However, at 6:00 p.m. ET, January 14, 2026, the FCC will institute a temporary freeze on all minor change applications for Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations and displacement applications for LPTV and TV translator stations. This freeze will last until 12:01 a.m. ET, January 21, 2026, when the FCC will begin accepting applications for new LPTV and TV translator stations.
It's important to note that applications filed during this opportunity may not propose facilities that would cause impermissible interference to other authorized full power, Class A, and LPTV/translator stations.
The approval of applications for new LPTV and TV translator stations, which resumed on September 1, 2021, will continue during this filing opportunity. The FCC has set specific dates for the phased process: September 3, 2025, October 15, 2025, October 22, 2025, December 3, 2025, January 14, 2026, and January 21, 2026.
The FCC has also announced that it will lift the temporary freeze on all minor modification and displacement applications for Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations at 12:01 a.m. ET, October 22, 2025.
Details on the filing and processing procedures are available in the full Public Notice. The FCC encourages all affected stations to review the notice carefully to ensure compliance with the new rules.
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