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AM:FM Comparison
There are many differences to consider between AM frequencies and inaccessible Low-Power FM (LPFM) frequencies. Keep in mind that the filing windows for 100-watt stations have been closed, and there has been no word from the FCC about when 10-watt station filing windows will be established.

AM (LPAM)

FM (LPFM)
1 May be used only by a governmental entity. 1 May be used by more, i.e., nonprofit groups, educational institutions and government entities.
2 May not mention business names and must be voice only. 2 May be underwritten by a sponsor and named on the air; can play music.
3 May play a repeating loop of information. 3 May do that too but must also locally originate a significant amount of programming each week.
4 Applicants are almost assured of having requests for stations granted. Frequencies are plentiful in most areas except the large cities. Applications can be sent in anytime. 4 Frequencies are much more limited, and applying is not a guarantee of obtaining a grant. If others apply for the same frequency, grants will be made to the most qualified applicants; equally qualified applicants may have to share. Applications may be made in a 5-day filing window, determined by the FCC according to state — then the opportunity expires.
5 Applicants may apply for as many stations as they like and locate them where they like, within limits. 5 Applicants may only apply for 1 station for the first few years. FM applicants also must be locally owned and controlled.
6 Stations are all 0-10 watts, mono. 6 Stations are to be 0-10 watts and 0-100 watts, both stereo.
7 Stations are content-limited. 7 Stations may broadcast almost any kind of content of interest to the community.
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