73.854 Unlicensed operations

The codified rule specifically excludes anyone with a "pirate past" from having an attributable interest in an LPFM station. The DC Circuit Court in Greg Ruggerio v. FCC originally ruled that the exclusion for former unlicensed radio activity was unconstitutional however that was eventually overturned this making this rule valid.

Text of Current Rule

No application for an LPFM station may be granted unless the applicant certifies, under penalty of perjury, that neither the applicant, nor any party to the application, has engaged in any manner including individually or with persons, groups, organizations or other entities, in the unlicensed operation of any station in violation of Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 301. If an application is dismissed pursuant to this section, the applicant is precluded from seeking nunc pro tunc reinstatement of the application and/or changing its directors to resolve the basic qualification issues.

Rule History

§ 73.854 Unlicensed operations.

No application for an LPFM station may be granted unless the applicant certifies, under penalty of perjury, to one of the following statements:

(a) Neither the applicant, nor any party to the application, has engaged in any manner including individually or with persons, groups, organizations or other entities, in the unlicensed operation of any station in violation of section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 301.

(b) To the extent the applicant or any party to the application has engaged in any manner, individually or with other persons, groups, organizations or other entities, in the unlicensed operation of a station in violation of section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 301, such an engagement:

(1) Ceased voluntarily no later than February 26, 1999, without direction from the FCC to do so; or

(2) Ceased operation within 24 hours of being directed by the FCC to terminate unlicensed operation of any station.

65 FR 7640 (Feb 15, 2000).

§ 73.854 Unlicensed operations.

No application for an LPFM station may be granted unless the applicant certifies, under penalty of perjury, to one of the following statements:

(a) Neither the applicant, nor any party to the application, has engaged in any manner including individually or with persons, groups, organizations or other entities, in the unlicensed operation of any station in violation of section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 301.

(b) To the extent the applicant or any party to the application has engaged in any manner, individually or with other persons, groups, organizations or other entities, in the unlicensed operation of a station in violation of section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 301, such an engagement:

(1) Ceased voluntarily no later than February 26, 1999, without direction from the FCC to do so if not previously directed by the FCC to cease operation; or

(2) Ceased operation within 24 hours of being directed by the FCC to terminate unlicensed operation of any station but in no event later than February 26, 1999.

65 FR 67302 (Nov 9, 2000).

§ 73.854 Unlicensed operations.

No application for an LPFM station may be granted unless the applicant certifies, under penalty of perjury, to one of the following statements:

(a) Neither that neither the applicant, nor any party to the application, has engaged in any manner including individually or with persons, groups, organizations or other entities, in the unlicensed operation of any station in violation of section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 301.

(b) To the extent the applicant or any party to the application has engaged in any manner, individually or with other persons, groups, organizations or other entities, in the unlicensed operation of a station in violation of section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 301, such an engagement:

(1) Ceased voluntarily no later than February 26, 1999, if not previously directed by the FCC to cease operation; or

(2) Ceased operation within 24 hours of being directed by the FCC to terminate unlicensed operation of any station but in no event later than February 26, 1999.

66 FR 23863 (May 10, 2001)

§73.854 Unlicensed radio operations.

No application for an LPFM station may be granted unless the applicant certifies, under penalty of perjury, that neither the applicant, nor any party to the application, has engaged in any manner including individually or with persons, groups, organizations or other entities, in the unlicensed operation of any station in violation of Section 301 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 301.  If an application is dismissed pursuant to this section, the applicant is precluded from seeking nunc pro tunc reinstatement of the application and/or changing its directors to resolve the basic qualification issues.​

85 FR 7889