FCC Updates/Eliminates Numerous Broadcast Rules

The FCC has continued with its process of eliminating rules or making regulations current with present practices, recently adopting an order updating rules to reflect current systems and nomenclature, while also eliminating several obsolete rules.

Among other changes, the order (1) replaced references to FCC legacy filing systems with newer systems, (2) updated rules to correspond to new forms/schedules, (3) updated the AM station power increase rules to eliminate the requirement that stations seeking facility modifications request at least a 20% increase in power, and to reflect current AM station classifications, (4) modified LPFM rules so that LPFM applicants must protect FM, LPFM and FM translator applications submitted prior to LPFM filing windows, (5) modified the “Signature” rule to authorize not just officers, but also “duly authorized employees” and directors to sign applications, (6) clarified local notice requirements, and (7) removed language limiting special temporary authority to 90 days.

Still pending in the Delete Delete proceeding are numerous proposals to modify or eliminate more substantive rules such as the public file rule, EEO rules, and others.  The ownership reporting rule could be revised later this year to codify the temporary waiver of the biennial report filing requirement into a permanent deletion. For the moment, biennial ownership reporting is suspended through June 1, 2027.