FCC Checks If TV Blackout Forms Are Too Burdensome
Published Date: 1/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for TV station blackout reports to make sure they’re useful and not too much work. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear, easy, and fair—especially for small businesses. If you want to share your ideas, you’ve got until March 24, 2025, so don’t miss out!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
MVPDs must report TV blackouts
If you are a multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD), you must use an FCC-hosted online portal to report any commercial TV station blackout that lasts over 24 hours. You must send an Initial Blackout Notification within two business days after 24 hours have elapsed and a Final Blackout Notification within two business days after carriage resumes; the rule covers blackouts over 24 hours and under three years and requires specific facts like call sign, Facility ID, network affiliation(s), DMA(s), and start date/time.
Paperwork burden and time estimate
The FCC estimates 22 respondents will file 264 total responses, with each response taking 0.5 hours, producing a total annual burden of 132 hours and total annual cost of $0. Responding is required to obtain or retain benefits under the Communications Act authorities cited.
Subscriber counts kept confidential
When MVPDs submit an estimate of the number of subscribers affected as part of the Initial Blackout Notification, that subscriber estimate is treated as presumptively confidential and will not be routinely available for public inspection. Public blackout information (other than the subscriber estimate) will be posted on the Commission's website.
Stations can correct blackout reports
The licensee of a commercial television broadcast station may submit an electronic correction if a Reporting Entity's Initial or Final Blackout Notification contains a substantive error; corrections must follow procedures the Media Bureau will specify by public notice.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20362, Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics Adopt 2026 Mandatory Data Collection for Incarcerated People's Communications Services
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics are rolling out new rules for companies that provide phone and communication services to people in jail. Starting in 2026, these providers must submit detailed data using special forms by December 21, 2026. This helps keep communication fair and transparent, affecting all service providers and potentially impacting costs and service quality.
2026-20157, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking the public and small businesses to help reduce paperwork by commenting on a new information collection plan. If you have fewer than 25 employees, your input is especially welcome! Comments are due by November 2, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to shape how the FCC collects info and possibly save time and money.
2026-20158, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to review and comment on some paperwork they collect to make sure it’s useful and not too much of a hassle. They want to reduce the burden, especially for small businesses, and are updating forms related to international telecom authorizations. Comments are due by November 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in and help shape the process!
2026-20192, [WC Docket Nos. 25-208, 25-209; FCC 26-19; FR ID 370342] Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Accelerating Network Modernization
The FCC is making it easier and faster for phone and internet companies to upgrade old networks to new, faster technology. These changes affect companies that provide phone and internet services and will start on October 15, 2026. This update cuts red tape and helps bring better service to customers sooner, without extra costs slowing things down.
2026-20039, Television Broadcasting Services Norwell, Massachusetts
The FCC is switching TV channel 36 to channel 10 for WWDP in Norwell, Massachusetts, so the station can keep broadcasting without interruptions. RNN Boston License Co., the station’s owner, asked for this change and will quickly apply to operate on the new channel. This update takes effect on September 30, 2026, ensuring viewers keep enjoying their favorite shows smoothly.
2026-20038, Television Broadcasting Services Savannah, Georgia
Georgia Public Broadcasting wants to switch its Savannah TV station WVAN-TV from VHF channel 8 to UHF channel 18 to improve signal quality and help viewers get better access to local programs. This change won’t cause interference or loss of service and aims to boost your TV experience. Comments on this proposal are open until October 30, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-01524, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Refuge Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on how underground coal mines keep their emergency safe rooms, called refuge alternatives, ready and working. This helps protect miners if they can’t escape during an emergency. Comments are open until February 24, 2025, and the goal is to make sure the paperwork is useful without being a hassle.
Next: 2025-01529, Withdrawal of the Notice of Intent To Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Riverport Development and Proposed New Interchange on I-95 in Jasper County, South Carolina
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has decided to stop working on the environmental study for the Riverport Development and new I-95 interchange in Jasper County, South Carolina. This means no Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for now, affecting local government and residents. The change is official as of January 23, 2025, and the project review will continue under updated permits without the DEIS step.