Communications Law Resources

The Committee for Democratic Communications maintains this resource guide for community broadcasters, legal advocates, and members of the public interested in communications law, LPFM licensing, and First Amendment rights in broadcasting.

Low Power FM Licensing

LPFM licenses are issued by the FCC during filing windows opened periodically. The service is reserved for non-commercial educational broadcasters and nonprofit entities. Three classes of LPFM stations operate: LP-10 (10 watts), LP-100 (100 watts), and translator stations.

• FCC Docket 99-25 — the original LPFM rule-making proceeding
• Local Community Radio Act of 2010 — expanded LPFM by removing third-adjacent channel restrictions
• FCC Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) — for public participation in FCC proceedings

First Amendment and Broadcasting

The constitutional framework governing broadcast speech differs significantly from print and online media. Key cases:

• Red Lion Broadcasting Co. v. FCC (1969) — foundational ruling upholding broadcast regulation
• FCC v. Pacifica Foundation (1978) — indecency regulation in broadcasting
• Turner Broadcasting System v. FCC (1994, 1997) — cable's distinct First Amendment status
• Reno v. ACLU (1997) — rejection of the scarcity rationale for internet speech

FCC Practice and Procedure

The FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System allows any member of the public to file comments in pending rule-making proceedings. Our legal briefs archive includes model filings that have been used in FCC proceedings on community radio access.

For more information on microradio history and advocacy, visit our Microradio Empowerment Coalition page.