WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially announced plans to conduct an auction for FM radio construction permits beginning in February 2027. Designated as Auction 114, the event is designed to expand opportunities for new voices in the media industry and ensure that broadcast spectrum is utilized effectively.

The upcoming auction will offer a total of 132 construction permits in the FM broadcast service. Notably, nearly 100 of these permits have never been offered to the public, marking a significant milestone in radio spectrum availability. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr stated that the auction is a key component of the agency’s strategy to strengthen competition in the radio marketplace while modernizing outdated regulations.

More details on the FCC website.

Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, April 18

SBE BEITC Session: Unique and Particular Technical Requirements for Live Sports Production; 2 – 3 p.m.; N261

Sunday, April 19

 SBE Booth NL5, Drawing, $200 Amazon gift card; 5 p.m.

Monday, April 20

Using the SBE/NAB Self-Inspection Guides; 3:30-4:30 p.m.; N225. Open to anyone interested in the SBE/NAB Self-Inspection Guides.

SBE Membership Meeting; 5 – 6 p.m.; N256. Sponsored by Blackmagic Design. Membership Meeting prize drawings include the grand prize of two Blackmagic Design Micro Studio Camera 4K 2Gs to two winners. The first 100 attendees will receive an SBE-logoed keychain.

SBE Booth Drawing, sponsored by Blackmagic Design, at the SBE Membership Meeting, N256

SBE Member Reception; 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.; N250. Member Reception prize drawings: American Tower: Three $100 Amazon gift cards; Dielectric: Techie backpacks; Heartland Video Systems: $100 Amazon gift card

Tuesday, April 21

SBE Ennes Workshop (two tracks); 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Rooms N250 and N254

SBE Certification Exam Session; 9 a.m. – noon; N227, advance registration required

SBE Booth Drawing, $200 Amazon gift card; 5 p.m. SBE Booth NL5, sponsored by Broadcasters General Store

Wednesday, April 22

SBE Ennes Workshop (two tracks); 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Rooms N250 and N254

New SBE/NAB Guides and Other News for 2026. 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.; C2450 – TV and Radio HQ on the floor of the Central Hall.

The SBE Program of Certification is 50 years old! To celebrate this, we’re holding a CertChallenge!

If you take an exam, upgrade to a higher certification or obtain CBT by license from November 2025 to November 2026, you will be entered into a drawing for the following prize:

• An Upgrade to SBE MemberPlus
• Registration to the SBE Ennes Workshop at the 2027 NAB Show
• $100 Amazon gift card
• An SBE certification pin
• An SBE membership pin

Keep an eye out for your local chapter to host a CertConnect meeting dedicated to all things SBE certification. If you attend, you will receive a coupon code for $5 off of an SBE CertPreview.

Check out the SBE website for more details.