Resolving Mutually Exclusive FCC Applications

When two or more parties apply to the Federal Communications Commission for the same broadcast spectrum, the applications are called "mutually exclusive" -- MX for short. For decades, these mutually exclusive situations tied up commercial and noncommercial applicants in agonizingly protracted stalemates.

In 2001 the FCC adopted a point system to resolve MX situations involving noncommerical applicants.

Overview of Final FCC MX Decision (March 2001)
Attorney John Crigler analyzes the Commission's point system.