01/13/2020
Welcome to "LPFM, Inc.," offering low-cost organizational services for those interested in being part of the "next wave" of Low Power FM ("LPFM") broadcasting.
WHAT IS LPFM?
"LPFM" stands for "Low Power FM," a relatively new type of radio station that is licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Launched as a public service in 2000, LPFM stations broadcast at up to 100 watts (covering an area of anywhere from 3-10 miles, depending on various factors).
Non-commercial in nature, LPFM's are operated by various types of groups: churches, schools, community centers, homeowners associations, and even groups of old time disc jockeys who want to "stay in the game" on a small scale.
There have to date been two, very brief periods when the FCC has accepted applications from groups interested in launching their own LPFM station. The last was a one-month "window" in 2013, during which thousands of organizations applied - and many others who had an interest in applying learned they couldn't because they hadn't been legally organized as a non-profit corporation.
The time of the next "application window" isn't known for certain, but we're preparing for it now, in hope of helping those interested in joining us as LPFM station operators clear that organizational hurdle.
WAIT... JOINING "US?" WHO ARE YOU?
The people behind LPFM, Inc. and its affiliates are experienced LPFM radio station operators - people who have built their own stations from the ground up. We also have extensive experience in forming various types of legal entities: for profit corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships; and of course non-profit corporations eligible to apply for LPFM construction permits.
WHAT DO WE DO?
LPFM, Inc. (and its affiliates) provide prospective LPFM radio station operators with various services aimed at qualifying them to apply for an LPFM construction permit at the organizational level.
Our chief service is incorporating your group as a non-profit corporation, preparing the documentation you may need in your state to incorporate. Knowing from first-hand experience how most LPFM operators need to focus their funds on engineering and station construction, we also offer a variety of other services (e.g., filing your documentation, procuring your federal EIN, preparing initial, customized bylaws, preparing initial membership certificates, consulting with you on filing for federal tax exempt status, etc.) on an "a la carte" basis - giving you the ability to tailor the organization of your non-profit to your budget.
WHAT DON'T WE DO?
We don't involve ourselves, in any way, shape or form, in matters relative to LPFM construction permit applications, site location, engineering or other, technical areas. We see our job as getting your group legally organized so you'll be eligible to move toward submitting your LPFM construction permit - period.
While every corporation we form is organized explicitly to qualify for tax exempt ("501(c)(3)") status, not every group chooses to pursue it, and the FCC doesn't require it for LPFM construction permit or licensure purposes. Consequently we don't by default file for tax exempt status with every non-profit corporation. But it's an available option should you wish to pursue it.
WHAT DO OUR SERVICES COST?
Costs can vary significantly depending on several factors (state of incorporation, extent of our services, state filing fees, etc.) But the end result is the same - with you in control of a lawfully organized non-profit corporation, capable of proceeding with your next step in pursuing your LPFM goals.
WHY USE US?
There are three main reasons why using our services may be preferable to hiring an attorney to organize your non-profit organization:
(1) WE HAVE LPFM EXPERIENCE. The people behind LPFM, Inc. and its affiliates are involved in LPFM radio station operation themselves. We understand your goal, we've gone down the path you want to travel, and we're capable of helping you avoid potential pitfalls in your organizational process.
(2) WE'LL COST LESS. While our services aren't free, odds are they're priced far less than what your local attorney will bill you. We also offer all but our most basic service on an "a la carte" basis, giving you flexibility in your incorporation costs.
(3) LPFM HELPING LPFM. We charge for what we do, but we're not doing it to line our own pockets - ALL proceeds generated through LPFM, Inc. and its affiliates are donated to existing non-profit organizations which currently operate LPFM stations. We want LPFM to grow, not our wallets.
