FM Auction Applications Window Opens Sept 14 – 30 - Temporary Freeze on All FM Minor Change Applications During Window

As we noted previously, the FCC plans to auction 132 FM construction permits.  The auction will begin on February 2, 2027. The FCC will open an application window for those seeking to participate in the auction on September 14th through 30^th. Note there appears to be only one construction permit in New York that is part of the auction.

Construction Permit	Market	Channel Class	Coordinates Lat/Long	Bidding Units	Upfront	Minimum Opening
MM-FM1228-A	NY Keeseville	231 A	44 31 45 N 73 31 59 W	$25,000	$25,000	$25,000

Parties seeking to participate in the auction must file Form 175 Application to Participate in an FCC Auction. In conjunction with its Form 175 submission, an auction participant also may specify FM preferred site coordinates and thereby gain protection for a potential transmitter site. 

The FCC will proceed according to the following schedule:

• Auction Application Tutorial Available (via Internet) by August 21, 2026

• Short-Form Application (FCC Form 175)

• Filing Window Opens September 14, 2026, 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)

• Short-Form Application (FCC Form 175)

• Filing Deadline   September 30, 2026, 6:00 p.m. ET

• Upfront Payments (via wire transfer)       December 3, 2026, 6:00 p.m. ET

• Bidding Tutorial Available (via Internet)  No later than January 6, 2027

• Mock Auction    January 29, 2027

• Auction Bidding Begins  February 2, 2027

In preparation for the auction of FM frequencies (Auction 114), the FCC will freeze applications for minor changes from commercial and non-commercial FM stations during the time period it is accepting applications for the auction.

The Media Bureau announced that it will not accept FM commercial and noncommercial

educational (NCE) minor change applications during the Auction 114 Form 175 application filing

window. This window will open on September 14, 2026, and close on September 30, 2026. Any such minor change application submitted during the window will be dismissed.

Of course, there are other construction permits available via the auction in other states.  The key information points are below.

You can access the Public Notice outlining the auction process here.

You can get the list of the construction permits that will be auctioned here.

You can access the Public Notice announcing the temporary freeze here.