FCC Seeks Comments on FM Auctions Starting in February 2027

The FCC has released a Public Notice outlining its intent to auction 132 FM allotments starting in February 2027. The Commission is seeking comments on how the auctions should be conducted.  In a news release, the FCC stated:

The 2027 FM radio auction, formally designated Auction 114, will offer 132 construction permits in the FM broadcast service, including nearly 100 not previously offered.  In a Public Notice issued today by the Office of Economics and Analytics’ Auctions Division and the Media Bureau, the FCC is seeking comment on its proposal to conduct the auction using a simultaneous multiple-round auction format.  Commenters can weigh in on proposed procedures for the running of the auction, the timeline, minimum bid amounts for the respective available construction permits, and more.  After the agency reviews this public record, it will formally adopt the final procedures for the FM auction.

This will be the first media auction conducted using the FCC’s new application and bidding systems. In January, the agency launched its new Auction Application System to improve auction efficiency and security.

You can see the FCC’s Public Notice soliciting comments on the proposed auction here.