Start a LPTV Station

How to Start a Low Power Television Station (LPTV)

We can assist you in filing the necessary paperwork with the FCC for you to receive a construction permit (CP) for a LPTV or TV station. We are an engineering company first and foremost, however, we are asked equipment questions, budget questions, buildout and operational questions and we have a lot of answers to assist you as you begin. Our experience comes from helping past clients go through the same procedures you are now considering.

LPTVWe provide all of your engineering filed before the FCC and complete and submit the FCC Form for the LPTV application. Our first successful TV application was filed in the 1970’s and we’ve been filing these ongoing for our clients since, both new applications and minor modifications.

We use the same software, computers, and database as the FCC requires, and know who to call to get it done. We work closely with FCC staff in preparation and submittal. When necessary, we are ready to recommend several great FCC attorneys, or work with your FCC attorney from the beginning if that is your preference.

Answers you need have been vetted through experience, past client build-outs and continued support, and through our relationship with the FCC.

Will we guarantee our work on your behalf will be granted by the FCC?

Unfortunately, no, there is too much evolution of the ongoing project to be able to promise you a YES beforehand, data changes constantly, as does FCC practice and rules. However, we can always tell you what to expect, how the process is going and the negatives that can change from a yes to a no, such as “You have a competitor which has turned up with deep pockets”. We guarantee our work will be grantable by the FCC which means the work is error free. What we don’t know is who else might decide to go after the same channel, what the market would allow in changes to resolve the competition between you and the other(s), and the timeline for the FCC to get moving on a filing window or eventual (in some cases) auction.

Call us to discuss your schedule, cost estimates, our fee, and the entire process. We will have to talk to know your plans which naturally affects our answers to you.  We handle everything the FCC requires for your LPTV engineering, and assist in recommendations of equipment, sources, referral, and helping you go from A to Z without you having to figure out how to do any of this on your own. Life provides headaches, and our job is to keep you from having one when we work for you in regard to any broadcasting venture.

Are you ready to begin? Email us at sterlingjamesp@gmail.com, or call (423) 903-3565.

  • In 2004, we knew God was leading our ministry to purchase a 100kW FM non-commercial station, but we didn’t know much at all about FCC regulations, radio equipment, engineering studies or coverage maps. James Price and crew at Sterling Communications patiently answered ALL our questions and gave us information about questions we didn’t know enough to ask! Their engineering expertise enabled us to receive 3 construction permits during a non-commercial FM filing window, move antennas to more strategic locations and make well-informed decisions as opportunities arose to purchase other stations. They walked us through growing our network from that first station to 7 stations and 9 translators throughout Nebraska, all with faith, good humor and an awareness of our need to stretch each dollar!

    Carolyn Simmons Mission Nebraska

  • I will tell you that I have used many engineers before Sterling. None were as caring, effective and knowledgeable as James and his father have been. Jim Price (the father) was one of the most knowledgeable and innovative persons / engineers that I have known in my rather long career, and James has those same qualities. The Sterling staff is and always has been extremely willing to help. In addition, as a last comment, which is one of the most important items in any business, Sterling's pricing is always acceptable and very competitive.

    Charles Beard CSSI Non-Profit Educational Broadcasting Corp.

  • …a note of thanks for the wonderful and professional work you have provided for the many stations we have had over the years. It seems like we are always changing or moving something with the stations. As the years pass, we have found that we can trust your services and can call, at almost any time, with questions that we need your help to answer. Thanks again for your years of service for us here at Alabama Christian Radio, Inc.

    Pat Jarrell ACR

  • We have, through the application process for a LPFM Radio Station, found James Price and his staff to be professional in every way. They were always, even through our “ignorant questions”, “affable, available and affordable”. At every decision junction, they released wisdom filled with judgement based on their experience and engineering knowledge. All through our application process they shared with us the appropriate direction to take based on what we needed, not what was perhaps best for them. Our application was successful due to their labor and we continue to look to them for all the necessary next steps. With Sterling Communications you receive professional care and sensitivity to the needs of you the client.

    Jim Hughes MD FRCS, The Church in Jackson

  • With over 50 years of broadcasting behind us here at VCY America Radio and TV, the importance of quality consulting and engineering remains the foundation for our more than 35 facilities across the network. James Price and the wonderful team at Sterling Communications have never disappointed us and their outstanding work is testimony before the broadcast industry and the FCC of the quality of their work. Sterling Communications knows how to get it done and done right.

    Dr. Vic Eliason, V.P. VCY America Radio Network
MarkStart a LPTV Station