FCC Finally Ditches Outdated Radio and TV Rules
Published Date: 5/19/2026
Rule
Summary
The FCC is updating radio and TV broadcast rules to clear up confusion and ditch old, outdated steps. These changes help stations and applicants by making the process smoother and easier to understand. The new rules kick in on June 18, 2026, with no big costs expected for small broadcasters.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More People Can Sign Applications
If you run or work for a broadcast station, the rules now allow a "duly authorized employee" (including directors) to sign license and application filings on behalf of corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations, and governmental entities. The rule also confirms that an electronic signature in the Licensing and Management System (LMS) counts as "signed." These changes take effect June 18, 2026.
Longer Technical STA Grants Allowed
Stations with technical or equipment problems can receive an initial Special Temporary Authority (STA) for the full 180-day period (instead of being limited to 90 days with extra short extensions). This change halves how often affected stations must refile STAs and takes effect June 18, 2026.
AM Stations No Longer Need 20% Power Hike
AM stations seeking a power increase are no longer required to request at least a 20% increase in nominal power; AM station classifications were also updated to conform to current Class B and Class D definitions. The change is effective June 18, 2026.
Clarify Which Stations Must Be Protected
The rules now codify that an "authorized" station includes both licensed stations and granted construction permits for FM, LPFM, and FM translator stations, and clarify which prior-filed FM/LPFM/translator applications must be protected during filing windows. These clarifications take effect June 18, 2026.
Clearer Local Public Notice Triggers
For new Noncommercial Educational (NCE) FM, NCE TV, and LPFM construction permit applicants, the rule clarifies that acceptance-for-filing via a 307(b) Order, NCE Comparative Points Order, LPFM Tentative Selectee Order, or equivalent public notice triggers the applicant's local public notice obligation. The clarification is effective June 18, 2026.
Update Filings To LMS; Remove Old Paper Rules
The rules replace references to the legacy Consolidated Database System (CDBS) with the Licensing and Management System (LMS), update form naming (for example, "FCC Form 2100, Schedule 301"), and remove obsolete paper-filing language to better reflect current electronic filing practices. These changes are effective June 18, 2026.
2021 NCE FM 10-Application Cap May Be Removed
The Commission delegates authority to the Media Bureau to remove the Sec. 73.503(g) limit (a 10-application cap per applicant from the 2021 NCE FM filing window) once the remaining 2021 NCE FM applications are final and no longer subject to reconsideration or review. This change will be implemented by the Bureau when those applications are final.
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