FCC Finalizes 2025 Launch Date for FM Booster Geotargeting Rules

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set January 13, 2025 as the effective date for new rules allowing limited geotargeting via FM booster stations. These rules, following a unanimous Commission vote and publication in the Federal Register, permit licensed FM broadcasters to air up to three minutes of localized content per hour on a maximum of 25 boosters, with no rollover of unused time.

Some rule changes that involve information collection are still pending approval from the Office of Management and Budget and will take effect at a later date to be announced by the FCC's Media Bureau.

The initiative, supported by GeoBroadcast Solutions (developer of ZoneCasting technology), has faced opposition from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), which is concerned about potential negative impacts on smaller stations and local ad markets. However, FCC officials, including Chairman-designate Brendan Carr, emphasized the benefit to local communities and small businesses.

 Boosters using geotargeting must also meet Emergency Alert System compliance and are allowed to cause minor interference with their parent station's signal.

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