The FCC Media Bureau has announced new changes for Class A television, low power television (LPTV), and television (TV) translator stations. This public notice changes the maximum allowable distance a Class A/LPTV/translator station can change transmitter site location and outlines the timeline for applications to be filed for new LPTV and TV translator stations. The process will be implemented in four phases.
Phase 1: Temporary Filing Freezes
Effective as of September 3, 2025, a temporary freeze is in place for all major (channel change) applications for Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations. Starting October 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. ET, the FCC will also temporarily freeze all minor change applications for these stations, including displacement applications. Minor changes include applications that specify a transmitter site relocation of no more than 30 miles. The purpose of these freezes is to create a stable database for stations to prepare for the upcoming opportunities to file major modification applications. Any applications filed during these temporary freezes will be dismissed without consideration, and applicants will need to refile once the freeze is lifted.
Phase 2: Expanded Major Modification Filing Opportunity
Beginning on October 22, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. ET, the major modification application freeze will be lifted. At this time, the FCC will accept major change applications for existing (licensed) Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations, as long as the proposed relocation is no more than 121.0 kilometers from the station’s licensed transmitter site coordinates. The temporary freeze on all minor modification and displacement applications will also be lifted at this time. The 121.0 km limit is in place to allow existing stations to modify their facilities to better serve their desired markets before new station applications are accepted. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be “cut-off” on the day they are filed, meaning that all applications filed between 12:01 am and 12:00 pm on a given day will be treated as filed on the same day. Applications that are mutually exclusive with others filed the same day will have an opportunity to eliminate the mutual exclusivity either through settlement or engineering change. Those that remain mutually exclusive will be designated for auction to determine a winner.
Phase 3: Reinstitution of Filing Freezes
On December 3, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. ET, a new freeze will be implemented on all major change applications for Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations. Following this, a temporary freeze will also be instituted on all minor change and displacement applications on January 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET. These freezes are intended to provide a stable database for stations to prepare for the full resumption of application filings in the next phase.
Phase 4: Resumption of Filings
Starting on January 21, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. ET, the freezes will be lifted, and the FCC will begin accepting all major and minor change applications, including displacement applications, on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the freeze on the filing of new LPTV and TV translator station applications will be lifted at this time, and the FCC will begin accepting these applications. These filing opportunities will remain open indefinitely unless a new freeze is deemed necessary by the Commission. There will be no geographical or other limitations on applications beyond the operating parameters outlined in the Commission’s rules. Applications that are mutually exclusive with others filed the same day will have an opportunity to eliminate the mutual exclusivity either through settlement or engineering change. Those that remain mutually exclusive will be designated for auction to determine a winner.
Important Details for Applicants
- Application Forms and Fees: Major change applications for Class A stations must be filed on FCC Form 2100-Schedule E with a fee of $5,000.00. Applications for new stations or major changes for LPTV and TV translator stations must be filed on FCC Form 2100-Schedule C with a fee of $910.00.
- Financial and Site Assurance: All applicants must certify that they have sufficient finances to construct and operate the facility and have reasonable site assurance for the specified transmitter location.
- Public Notice Requirements: Once an application for a major modification or new station is accepted for filing, applicants are required to provide a local public notice. For LPTV/TV translator stations, this involves posting a notice on a website for 30 consecutive days. Class A major modification applicants must air an on-air public announcement six times a week for four consecutive weeks.
Dismissed Applications: Applications filed before the freezes are lifted will be dismissed without consideration. Applicants will have one chance to file a minor curative amendment and a petition for reconsideration to get the application reinstated.
