FCC Proposes 13% Hike in 2022 Broadcast Regulatory Fees

The FCC’s 2022 broadcast regulatory fee process kicked off with a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on June 2^nd, but was immediately met with a stern rebuke from NAB and others for the proposed 13% increase in fees to be paid by broadcast stations this September.  Formal comments on the proposed fees are due July 18, 2022 and we expect more from NAB, who maintains that broadcasters are paying more to subsidize the FCC’s broadband activities.

Typically, the final order adopting fees and setting the payment filing window is not issued until late August or early September.  Fees are typically due during a 10-12-day period beginning in the middle of September.  We will notify clients that owe regulatory fees when those become final.