Why did the FCC replace a vacant FM channel in Whitehall with a new one?
The Federal Communications Commission has swapped the FM allotment for Whitehall, Michigan. Channel 258A now takes the place of Channel 248A, which fell vacant after the previous station gave up its license.
The station that left the air
On March 16, 2026, the Audio Division cancelled WLAW-FM's license at the licensee's request, deleting the call sign. Application 0000290925 records this. Channel 248A at Whitehall became vacant as a direct result.
Engineering constraints shaped the replacement
A staff engineering analysis determined that Channel 258A can be allotted to Whitehall consistent with the Commission's minimum distance separation requirements. The allotment carries a site restriction of 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) northwest of the community, with reference coordinates at 43-28-30 NL and 86-27-38 WL. The rule amends 47 CFR 73.202(b) by adding the entry for Whitehall in alphabetical order under Michigan, so the table now reads Whitehall 258A.
Filing window stays closed
The window period for filing applications for Channel 258A at Whitehall will not be opened at this time. The Commission will address opening this allotment for filing in a subsequent order. The effective date of the rule change is November 12, 2026. A copy of the Report and Order will be sent to Congress and the Government Accountability Office pursuant to the Congressional Review Act.
The sources this article was written from
- Federal Register
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/06/2026-20463/radio-broadcasting-services-whitehall-michigan