Washington - Apr 13, 2012 - The FCC's Low Power FM (LPFM) Channel Finder search tool provides a simple means to tentatively identify FM broadcast channels available in a community. The search tool incorporates changes required by the Local Community Radio Act of 2010, particularly the elimination of third-adjacent channel LPFM spacing requirements (except to protect Canadian or Mexican stations or FM broadcast stations hosting a radio reading service).

The FCC notes the search tool does not account for all factors that may affect broadcasting in the FM band, such as terrain effects or interference from distant but fully spaced stations operating on the same or adjacent channels. Licensing actions prior to the LPFM window also may affect LPFM channel availability. Finally, the tool does not take into account factors outside the FCC's jurisdiction that may affect site suitability and availability, including local zoning, building codes, environmental considerations, and power access. Applicants should consider all relevant factors before selecting channels and sites.