Radio Stations FMs and LPFMs given approval for geographic location-based advertising
In a significant move, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has updated its rules to allow U.S. FM stations to originate limited programming on boosters as part of geotargeting (ZoneCasting). This modernization aims to incorporate localized, geotargeted content while maintaining regulatory oversight.
The new rules, effective as of July 25, 2025, cover several key areas. FM boosters that originate programming must comply with the Emergency Alert System (EAS) rules, updating their identifying information annually through the EAS Test Reporting System and notifying state EAS plan administrators before beginning to originate programming. They are treated as EAS participants with associated filing requirements.
To prevent self-interference caused by FM boosters originating content, the FCC has implemented protections. Stations must follow interference protection and complaint procedures to minimize and address any interference issues.
In terms of licensing and notifications, stations must notify the FCC by submitting FCC Form 2100, Schedule 336, when they initiate the voluntary, limited use of FM boosters to originate content on a permanent basis. There is a cap of 25 boosters per station.
The rules also govern permissible service parameters of booster-originated programming and ensure political programming requirements are satisfied. Stations must maintain political files and quarterly issues/programs lists related to content originating on boosters.
REC Networks, an industry player, has raised concerns about potential overlaps in the interfering contour of a booster and the service contour of an existing station, especially in cases where a station has moved locations or upgraded. They have also expressed concern about program-originating boosters being used by FM stations that are designated monitoring assignments for EAS.
Despite these concerns, the pathway for stations seeking to originate programming on their boosters is now clear. Primary stations adopting program-originating boosters must notify their State Emergency Communications Committees at least 30 days prior to employing a program-originating booster or implementing status changes.
Notably, 93.5 KADD(FM) in Longdale, Nev., with five licensed boosters, including in St. George, Utah, is an early adopter of the geotargeting technology.
The FCC has published the effective date for stations to apply for the use of geotargeting on U.S. FM boosters. The Media Bureau's public notice on the booster origination effective date is available for review. The commission's licensing process for a station to obtain a booster remains unchanged with the announcement.
Program-originating boosters must receive and broadcast all emergency alerts in the same manner as their primary station. Geotargeting boosters will be subject to the same political advertising rules as their existing boosters.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) urged the FCC to adopt a uniform synchronization standard between a booster and origin station, but the commission chose not to adopt one single standard.
With these updates, FM stations can air unique content on synchronized boosters for no more than three minutes per hour, ensuring a balance between localised content and regulatory compliance. The 15-day period prior to the commencement of program origination on the boosters for the Media Bureau to respond to any complaints from interested parties remains in place.
The FCC's revised rules will require FM boosters that originate programming to adhere to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) regulations, using the EAS Test Reporting System for annual updates and notifying state EAS plan administrators before commencing programming. These boosters will be treated as EAS participants with associated filing requirements (technology, media, broadcast).
In addition, FM stations using geotargeting technology must maintain political files and quarterly issues/programs lists related to content originating on their boosters, ensuring political programming requirements are satisfied (media, technology).
