FCC Checks Own Paperwork Rules for Efficiency Tweaks
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules to make sure they’re useful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear and easy while still doing their job right. If you have ideas or concerns, send them in by April 27, 2026, so the FCC can keep things running smoothly without wasting time or money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork burden for Form 308 (OMB 3060-1133)
The FCC estimates OMB Control No. 3060-1133 (Form 308) involves 26 respondents, 70 responses, 0.75 to 1.5 hours per response, a total annual burden of 66 hours, and an annual cost burden of $26,681. The Commission also states applicants will be required to provide an FCC Registration Number (FRN) on the revised Form 308.
Mandatory electronic filing via IBFS
If you file applications for International Broadcast stations, the FCC requires that those forms (including Form 308 and the renamed Forms 314-IBFS, 315-IBFS, and 316-IBFS) be submitted electronically through the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). The integrated web-based program requires an FCC Registration Number (FRN) and includes fillable fields; the Commission says this will reduce costs and administrative burdens.
45-day filing timeline for transfers
If you plan to assign or transfer a broadcast construction permit or license, you must file the application with the FCC at least 45 days before the planned effective date of the assignment or transfer. This 45-day timing requirement is part of section 73.3540 of the FCC rules.
Paperwork burden for assignment/transfer forms (OMB 3060-1290)
The FCC estimates OMB Control No. 3060-1290 involves 2 respondents and 2 responses, with an estimated 10 hours per response, a total annual burden of 20 hours, and an annual cost burden of $1,305. The collection covers the IBFS versions of Forms 314, 315, and 316 for International Broadcast stations.
FCC seeks input to reduce small-business paperwork
The FCC requests public comment on ways to minimize the paperwork burden, including steps to reduce burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are requested on the necessity, utility, and accuracy of burden estimates and on ways to reduce burden.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16995, Information Collection Being Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Emergency Review and Approval
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
2026-16993, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
2026-16997, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
2026-16996, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking for public feedback on a new paperwork collection related to space launch coordination. This affects businesses, nonprofits, and governments who might spend 4 to 16 hours filling out forms. Comments are due by October 19, 2026, helping the FCC reduce hassle and improve the process without extra costs.
2026-16740, Information Collection Being Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Emergency Review and Approval
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
2026-16615, Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-2026
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review (Sep. 30, 1993), requires each agency to publish a regulatory agenda (Agenda) of regulations under development or review during the next year which will be included in the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Unified Agenda). 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). The Agenda required by Executive Order 12866 must include all regulations the agency expects to develop or review during the next 12 months, regardless of whether they may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Executive Order 12866 provides that agencies may combine this agenda with the regulatory flexibility agenda required under the RFA. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking proceedings and meet its obligations under the RFA and Executive Order 12866, the Commission has prepared Agenda entries providing a brief description and summary of each regulatory activity that is currently planned for the 12 months, subject to revision, including the objectives and legal basis for each, and the name and telephone number of an agency official who is knowledgeable about items in the agenda. The Commission's Agenda entries published in the Federal Register are only those entries for rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities pursuant to the RFA. The Commission's complete list of regulatory and deregulatory actions for the Unified Agenda will be published on the internet in a searchable format at www.reginfo.gov.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03749, Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make government paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want feedback by March 27, 2026, to help reduce the burden, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This is part of a bigger effort to keep things simple and efficient without costing extra money or time.
Next: 2026-03751, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules for international broadcast stations to make sure they’re still useful and not too much of a hassle. Businesses involved in international broadcasting might need to keep or update records and submit reports, sometimes weekly or yearly. If you have thoughts on how to make this easier or clearer, speak up by April 27, 2026—this could save time and money for small businesses!