Media Bureau Waives Biennial Ownership Reporting Until 2027

Based on comments filed in the Delete, Delete, Delete proceeding about the burden for broadcasters to file biennial ownership reports, the Media Bureau issued a public notice waiving the requirement to file those reports through June 1, 2027.  The next biennial ownership report would have been due this fall.

Waiver of the fall filing requirement will save broadcasters time and money, especially given that a filing fee for the report is charged for every station even if the report is simply a certification that no ownership changes have occurred.

The new filing deadline is “June 1, 2027 or until further notice” so it remains possible that the Media Bureau could name a new filing date that is earlier.  We find it notable that the new June 1, 2027 filing deadline coincides with the deadline for radio stations in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia to file their license renewal applications.  Before the FCC went to biennial reporting several years ago, an ownership report was due along with renewal applications.

Non-biennial ownership reporting is not waived in the public notice. These reports are filed with applications for original construction permits, license applications for new stations, and in connection with assignment or transfer of control applications.

This waiver is the first significant industry-wide regulatory relief arising from the FCC’s deregulatory push. We are curious to see if the Media Bureau chooses to waive or suspend other broadcast station filing obligations.