FCC Reviews Paperwork for Global Radio and TV Stations
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory Electronic Filing via IBFS
If you operate an international broadcast station, the FCC now requires you to file applications and reports only electronically through the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). The new integrated web-based program uses fillable forms (including updated Forms 309-IBFS, 310-IBFS, 311-IBFS and a new Form 426) and the FCC Registration Number (FRN); the FCC says filing through IBFS will reduce applicants' burden hours.
Ongoing Recordkeeping and Reporting Burdens
International broadcasters must keep logs and submit reports at various schedules (on occasion, weekly, semi‑annual and annual) and follow timing rules such as filing seasonal frequency requests 6 months before a season and a report within 14 days after a season ends. The FCC estimates 258 respondents, a total annual burden of 20,125 hours, an annual cost burden of $123,230, and individual responses may take from 2 to 720 hours; responding is required to obtain or retain authorization.
FRN Requirement and New Standardized Form 426
To use the IBFS web program you must have and use an FCC Registration Number (FRN), and frequency coordination requests that were previously handled by email must now be filed with the new standardized Form 426 through IBFS. The FCC updated the forms and requires these electronic submissions as part of the collection.
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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
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2026-16996, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
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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
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