With the release on Thursday of a public notice, the FCC’s Media Bureau has put into effect its rules regarding the continued analog service heard on 87.7 MHz for licensed low-power television stations using VHF Channel 6 across the U.S.

This signals that the Office of Management and Budget has given a green light to the rules approved by the FCC in its FM6 Report and Order.

An announcement of the OMB’s approval appeals in the December 28 Federal Register. As such, this is the effective date of the new rules.

The Media Bureau also is establishing Jan. 29, 2024, as the deadline for all FM6 LPTV stations to notify the Bureau of their intent to continue to provide FM radio service and confirm their FM6 operational parameters.

All of the other rules associated with the FM6 Order took effect on Sept. 28.

Effective immediately, the Bureau will not process STA extension requests filed by any FM6
LPTV stations, with the exception of the STA extension request that is required by the FM6 Report and Order to be filed by WVOA-LD6, in Westvale, N.Y. The Bureau also will promptly dismiss any STA requests for new FM6 operations.