Can an LPFM station rebroadcast another LPFM station or a TV station’s sound during an emergency?

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§73.879 of the rules specifically addresses full-power radio stations only.  It is REC’s position that there are no rules that specifically prohibit an LPFM station rebroadcasting another LPFM station, a television station (full or low power) and even a “Franken-FM” station (a low power TV station on channel 6 using their analog audio carrier in order to reach FM radios on 87.7 MHz).

Despite this, §73.860(e) states that no LPFM licensee may enter into an operating agreement of any type, including a time brokerage or management agreement with either a full-power broadcast station or another LPFM station.

Topics: 
COVID-19 Coronavirus radio operations
Answer Date: 
Thursday, March 19, 2020