FCC Reviews Broadcast License Forms for Simplicity
Published Date: 3/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in to make sure its forms for transferring or assigning broadcast station licenses are still working well and not causing too much hassle. Businesses, nonprofits, and local governments who use these forms might see no big changes, but the FCC wants your feedback by May 5, 2026, to keep things smooth and simple. This review helps save time and money by cutting down unnecessary paperwork.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork Burden: Time and Cost
If you file FCC Forms 2100 Schedule 314 or 315, the FCC estimates 4,920 respondents and 13,160 responses with an estimated time per response of 0.075 to 7 hours. The FCC reports a total annual burden of 17,159 hours and total annual cost of $52,976,959 for completing these collections.
LPFM Transfer Restrictions Removed
The Commission eliminated the absolute prohibition on assignment/transfer of LPFM construction permits and removed the LPFM three-year holding period restriction. The FCC says this will increase the number of applicants eligible to file Schedules 314 and 315 and make LPFM stations more likely to be constructed and provide new service to communities.
Public Notice Modernization Lowers Costs
Stations filing assignment or transfer applications must now post public notice online (station website, affiliated site, or a publicly accessible locally targeted website) for 30 continuous days instead of in a local newspaper, and must make six on-air announcements (at least one per week, no more than one per day or two per week) between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The FCC says these changes reduced burdens and costs associated with filing the application.
New Certification Requirements Added
Schedules 314 and 315 now require specific certifications: NCE applicants must certify a four-year "maintenance of comparative qualifications" period; LPFM applicants must certify at least 18 months since initial construction permit grant; LPFM transfers must meet 47 CFR 73.865(a)(1) consideration restrictions; LPFM authorizations must indicate whether the station has operated on-air at least four years; and NCE applicants must certify compliance with 47 CFR 73.7005(c) diversity requirements.
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