FCC Proposes 2027 Auction of 132 FM Allotments, 24 in Texas

The Federal Communications Commission plans to auction more than 100 new FM radio construction permits starting in February 2027.

Auction 114, the first such FM auction in nearly five years, would make 132 FM allotments available across the country, with more than 20 of them previously offered.

See the list of available FM construction permits, including the 24 available in Texas, here.

In its review of permits up for grabs, Inside Radio highlighted a handful from across the country as potential rural "move in" candidates that could ultimately serve a metro growth area.

One of those is a Class C2 FM permit in Wharton, cited because of its proximity to Houston.

The permit has one of the auction's highest opening bids - $30,000.

See this week's Broadcast Briefs for some backstory on this FM channel.

In all, the commission hopes to raise nearly $1.4 million through the auction, provided that all of its minimum opening bid totals are met.

"This FM auction is another step toward expanding opportunities for new voices and strengthening competition in the radio marketplace," said FCC chairman Brendan Carr.

"We're pleased to open the door to additional growth and innovation-and to deliver real value for taxpayers through a strong auction process. The FCC has a responsibility to ensure that spectrum is put to its highest and best use, and today's action advances that mission."

In its May 11 public notice , the FCC provides details on how it will conduct Auction 114.

The commission is now seeking comment, due June 9 with reply comments due June 24.

"Those interested in bidding in this auction should carefully review the proposed auction procedures, as some changes from prior FM auctions are proposed," said David Oxenford, an attorney with TAB Associate member law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer.

You can read his insights into the proposed auction process and how it differs from previous auctions in this information post in his BroadcastLawBlog.

Questions? Contact TAB's Michael Schneider or call (512) 322-9944.