I was pleased to see evidence of the growth of low power FM (LPFM) in the FCC’s latest quarterly update about the number of licensed broadcast stations in the United States. By the end of September, 2015, there were 1,364 licensed LPFM stations, which was 215 more than at the end of June, 2015.
Earlier this week Matthew wrote about a new low power FM (LPFM) station in Minneapolis that is devoted to the Somali community. It was interesting to hear that it’s the first Somali-oriented FM radio station in the United States. It’s a great example of the wide array of LPFM stations that are taking to the airwaves.
A station-to-be in Streator, Illinois is seeking grants in order to restore a historic theater and get a new LPFM station up and running. According to The Times, “Here and Again — a local nonprofit organization — has applied for a $500,000 grant to create a community radio station and acquire and restore the Majestic Theatre in Streator.”
The station’s studio will be located in Ottawa, Illinois and it will broadcast from 94.5 FM. I find it interesting that the license holder, Here and Again, has an overarching arts mission. According to its website, the group is focused on “Opening doors with education to new opportunities in radio, film, photography, music, theatre production, magic, entrepreneurship, finance, dance, fitness, health, and the fine arts.”
Also, Radio World reports on the latest batch of call signs changes released by the FCC, which includes “…about 30 new low-power FMs among stations receiving first-time call signs. The FCC database currently has 1,352 licensed LPFMs, as that service continues to expand.”
