Dates to Remember 

Posted on June 30th, 2025 by

July 7, 2025 Deadline to file comments responding to the FCC’s Annual Regulatory Fee Proposed Rulemaking. July 10, 2025 TV, Class A, AM & FM Stations (commercial & noncommercial): deadline to complete and upload to online public file the 2nd Quarter 2025 issues/program lists and any foreign sponsorship identification reports Class A TV Stations Only: […]

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Republican FCC Majority Restored

Posted on June 30th, 2025 by

After the departures of Democratic FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks and Republican FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington a month ago, which left the FCC without a Republican majority or quorum to hold meetings, the Senate quickly moved Republican Olivia Trusty’s nomination to a vote.  Her nomination was approved and she has now been sworn in as an […]

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Media Bureau Announces December 8 Deadline for Compliance with Revised Foreign Sponsorship ID Requirements

Posted on June 30th, 2025 by

The FCC’s foreign sponsorship identification rules for broadcasters have been around for a few years, requiring disclosures when foreign governments or their agents purchase air time on commercial stations. While an NAB legal challenge to those requirements is continuing, the FCC announced the effectiveness of a revised part of the rule allowing stations to optionally […]

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FCC Responds to Executive Order Directing Issuance of Guidance for Addressing Criminally Liable Offenses

Posted on June 30th, 2025 by

On June 26, the FCC issued a public notice responding to President Trump’s Executive Order requiring agencies to provide guidance describing the FCC’s plans to address criminally liable offenses.  In the notice, the FCC advises that by May 9, 2026, the Agency, in consultation with the Attorney General, will provide to the Director of the […]

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Comments Due in FCC Rulemaking Requiring Certifications that Ownership is Not Held by Foreign Adversaries

Posted on June 30th, 2025 by

The FCC has set July 21 as the deadline for initial comments in its rulemaking proceeding considering requirements for FCC regulated entities, including broadcasters, to certify that ownership interests are not held by foreign adversaries.  The proposal would adopt new certification and disclosure requirements on entities holding every type of license, permit, or authorization, rather […]

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Dates to Remember 

Posted on May 28th, 2025 by

June 2, 2025 Radio and TV Stations located in Michigan, Ohio, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia and West Virginia:  if five (5) full time employee threshold is met, prepare EEO public file report covering the period from June 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025, upload it to the station […]

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FCC Loses Legal Challenge to Reinstated EEO Form 395-B

Posted on May 28th, 2025 by

In a May 19th decision that may well have other repercussions for FCC authority, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has overturned the FCC’s decision to reinstate the EEO Form 395-B to collect gender, race and ethnicity information about broadcast station workforces. The FCC will not appeal the decision.  As a result, the prospect […]

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Inevitable Change

Posted on May 28th, 2025 by

The FCC has been flooded with comments from broadcasters and others in its Delete, Delete, Delete proceeding, and we’re watching closely to see how they move forward given that many requests for rule elimination or modification will require different approaches.  One thing is clear – there are enough regulations that no longer make sense or […]

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Republican FCC Majority

Posted on May 28th, 2025 by

While his last official day has not been specified, Democratic FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks’ announcement at the FCC’s May Open Meeting that it would be his last meeting means that a Republican 2-1 majority at the FCC is imminent.  The swearing in of Olivia Trusty, whose nomination as the third Republican appointed FCC commissioner has […]

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Dates to Remember 

Posted on April 30th, 2025 by

May 7, 2025 Deadline to file comments in the ATSC 3.0 Transition NPRM June 1, 2025 Radio and TV Stations located in Michigan, Ohio, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia and West Virginia:  if five (5) full time employee threshold is met, prepare EEO public file report covering the period […]

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