FCC Reschedules TV Filings Blamed on Government Shutdown Chaos
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC’s Media Bureau is changing the application deadlines for Class A, LPTV, and TV translator stations because folks couldn’t file on time during a recent government funding hiccup. If you’re applying for big changes or new stations, watch out for new dates between December 2025 and March 2026. No extra fees, just fresh deadlines to keep your TV dreams alive!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Revised TV filing schedule and windows
The FCC changed the filing timeline for Class A, LPTV, and TV translator applications. Key dates are: December 11, 2025 (6:00 p.m. ET), December 18, 2025 (12:01 a.m. ET), January 29, 2026 (6:00 p.m. ET), March 12, 2026 (6:00 p.m. ET), and March 19, 2026 (12:01 a.m. ET). These revised dates replace the earlier schedule announced in the September 3, 2025 public notice.
Freeze means filings submitted will be dismissed
During temporary filing freezes, any applications filed after the freeze starts will be dismissed and must be re-filed after the freeze is lifted. The notice imposes such freezes on December 11, 2025 (minor changes), January 29, 2026 (major changes), and March 12, 2026 (minor changes).
121.0 km relocation limit for facility moves
When the major modification filing window opens on December 18, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. ET, facility relocations submitted during that filing opportunity are limited to no more than 121.0 kilometers. Major change applications during that opportunity must meet the 121.0 km limit and comply with part 73 and 74 rules.
March 19 lift opens new-station filings
On March 19, 2026 at 12:01 a.m. ET the FCC will lift the major modification filing freeze without limit and will accept major change applications and new LPTV and TV translator station applications on a first-come, first-served basis. This restores full filing opportunities for new stations and unrestricted major changes.
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