FM Zone-Casting Petition Gets FCC’s Attention

A company called GeoBroadcast Solutions has filed a petition for rulemaking with the FCC that seeks to allow FM boosters to “zone-cast” within a full power FM station’s service area.  The FCC has asked for initial comments by May 4, 2020 to gauge whether it should proceed with a formal rule change proceeding.  Comment filers should use the ECFS and submit comments under “RM-11854” proceeding.

GeoBroadcast is asking the FCC to modify the current FM booster rule that requires boosters to simulcast 100% of a full power station’s programming.  If boosters are only required to substantially duplicate the programming of the full power station, they would be able to air commercials, news or other content on the booster only, targeting specific areas by being hyper-local.  The FCC’s request for comments on the proposal asks whether the voluntary use of such boosters should be allowed.