Small FM radio stations can now broadcast their own shows, not just repeat bigger ones

The US communications regulator has approved new rules allowing small FM booster stations to create their own programming. This means these stations can now broadcast original content instead of just retransmitting signals from a main station.

For decades, these small FM booster stations were only allowed to rebroadcast the signal of a larger parent station. This change means they can now become independent local broadcasters. This could create new local media voices and give communities more options for local news, music, or emergency information.