FCC Ditches Dusty Radio Rules: Yawn-Worthy License Cleanup
Published Date: 3/24/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC is updating rules for radio and TV stations to clear up confusion and ditch old, outdated processes. These changes affect broadcasters and anyone applying for licenses, making things simpler and smoother without extra costs. Comments on the updates are open until April 23, 2025, so now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Allow Smaller AM Power Increases
The FCC proposes deleting the rule that an AM station seeking a power increase must request either a site change or at least a 20% increase in nominal power. This would remove the 20% minimum threshold and also update certain AM station class references to match current classifications.
Protect Prior-Filed Applications Before Window Details
The FCC proposes to modify Secs. 73.807(a)(1) and (c) so that FM, LPFM, and FM translator applications filed prior to the release of the Public Notice that sets out the filing procedures for an LPFM window are entitled to protection. A notice that only announces window dates would not terminate protection; only a detailed procedures notice would.
Allow Directors and Employees to Sign Applications
The FCC proposes to codify that corporate "directors" may sign broadcast applications and to allow a corporation, partnership, or unincorporated association to designate a "duly authorized employee" to sign on its behalf. The FCC also proposes that, in LMS filings, a typed name counts as an electronic signature.
Remove 2021 NCE FM 10-Application Cap
The Commission proposes to delete Sec. 73.503(g), which limited each applicant to no more than 10 applications in the 2021 noncommercial educational (NCE) FM filing window. The change would be made after resolution and finality of the remaining 2021 NCE FM applications, delegating authority to the Media Bureau to effectuate the removal.
LPFM Same-Day Applications Treated Together
The FCC proposes to codify that low power FM (LPFM) minor modification applications received on the same day will be treated as simultaneously filed. If such same-day filings are mutually exclusive, applicants will be directed to use engineering solutions and good-faith negotiation to resolve conflicts.
Treat Construction Permits as Authorized Stations
The FCC proposes to amend Sec. 73.807 to state explicitly that the term "authorized" stations includes both granted licenses and granted construction permits. This codifies the long-standing interpretation so LPFM applicants know which existing stations and permits they must protect for minimum distance separations.
Clarify What Triggers Local Public Notice
The FCC proposes to amend Sec. 73.3580 and related sections to state that for NCE FM, NCE TV, and LPFM applications, an acceptance public notice may include a Threshold Fair Distribution of Service Order, an NCE Comparative Points Order, an LPFM Tentative Selectee Order or equivalent; each such acceptance triggers the applicant's local public notice obligation.
Longer STA Period for Equipment Problems
The FCC proposes to amend Sec. 73.1635(a)(4) to remove the 90-day limit on an initial special temporary authorization (STA) requested due to technical or equipment problems and allow the full 180-day STA period that applies to other STA reasons. The proposal also corrects a typo by replacing "expeditions" with "expeditious."
Service, Deadlines, and Limits for Informal Objections
The FCC proposes that informal objections filed under Sec. 73.3587 must be served on the applicant (by mail or email to the Applicant or Contact Representative addresses). It also proposes limiting responsive pleadings to one opposition and one reply, and setting deadlines: for renewals, oppositions within 30 days and replies within 20 days; for other matters, oppositions within 10 days and replies within 5 days.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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