FCC Finally Ditches Outdated Radio and TV Rules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The FCC is updating radio and TV broadcast rules to clear up confusion and ditch old, outdated steps.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.
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: 2026-09973, Fisheries Off West Coast States; West Coast Salmon Fisheries; 2026 Specifications and Management Measures
Starting May 16, 2026, new rules will guide salmon fishing off Washington, Oregon, and California to keep salmon populations healthy and fishing fair. These rules set where, when, and how much salmon can be caught, balancing the needs of commercial fishers, recreational anglers, and Native American tribes. The changes aim to protect salmon for future seasons while making sure everyone gets a fair share until May 16, 2027.
Next: 2026-10011, Promoting Fair and Open Competitive Bidding in the E-Rate Program; Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism
The FCC is making the E-Rate program fairer and easier to use for schools and libraries by creating a new online portal for competitive bidding. Starting June 18, 2026, this will help stop waste and fraud while making the whole process clearer and simpler. These changes affect anyone applying for E-Rate funds and aim to protect taxpayer money while speeding up how bids are reviewed.