http://www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/lpfm/This page contains information about the Low Power FM (LPFM) radio service, which was created by the Commission in January 2000. These stations are authorized for noncommercial educational broadcasting only (no commercial operation) and operate with an effective radiated power (ERP) of 100 watts (0.1 kilowatts) or less, with maximum facilities of 100 watts ERP at 30 meters (100 feet) antenna height above average terrain (HAAT). The approximate service range of a 100 watt LPFM station is 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles radius). LPFM stations are not protected from interference that may be received from other classes of FM stations. A construction permit is required before a LPFM station can be constructed or operated.
LPFM stations are available to noncommercial educational entities and public safety and transportation organizations, but are not available to individuals or for commercial operations. Current broadcast licensees with interests in other media (broadcast or newspapers) are not eligible to obtain LPFM stations.
<snip>
In general, LPFM applicants may only apply for a single station. However, on reconsideration, the Commission clarified that government public safety and transportation organizations may apply for multiple LPFM stations for disseminating traffic, safety, and other information where the additional applications are not subject to competing applications. Similarly, where there are no conflicting applications, LPFM applications will be accepted for university student-run LPFM stations from universities holding LPFM licenses that are not student-run. Separate college campuses within a university system, or individual high schools under a single school board, could each individually apply for LPFM construction permits. ITFS (Instructional Television Fixed Service) stations run by universities and colleges that only transmit educational programming are not considered a "broadcast service" under the FCC ownership rules.