FCC Seeks Comment on Paperwork Reduction
Published Date: 6/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is asking the public and agencies to share their thoughts on how it collects information to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want to cut down on paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to comment, you’ve got until August 7, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape smarter rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Size of FCC Information-Collection Burden
The FCC reports this information collection covers 17,561 respondents and 403,610 responses, with estimated time per response ranging from 0.5 to 20 hours and a total annual burden of 927,269 hours; the FCC lists "Total Annual Cost: No cost." These numbers quantify the paperwork hours the FCC associates with these broadcaster and cable-related collections.
Candidates Entitled to Lowest Unit Charge
Under Section 315 of the Communications Act, broadcast stations and cable operators must charge political candidates the station's "lowest unit charge" for the same class and amount of time during the 45 days before a primary or runoff election and during the 60 days before a general or special election. This rule may reduce advertising costs for candidates during those pre-election windows.
Disclosure and Rebate Recordkeeping Rules
Broadcast licensees and cable systems must disclose station practices that enhance advertising value (including classes of time such as immediately preemptible, preemptible with notice, fixed, fire sale, and make good), calculate the lowest unit charge, and review advertising records during election periods to determine if candidates need rebates or credits. Cable systems must also disclose rates, terms, conditions, and value-enhancing discount privileges to candidates.
FCC Seeks Paperwork Cutbacks for Small Firms
The FCC is asking for public comment on ways to cut paperwork burdens and specifically wants ideas to further reduce information-collection burdens on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The agency is collecting feedback now under the Paperwork Reduction Act and set an informal comment process that closes August 7, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20485, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules to make sure they’re easy and useful for businesses and nonprofits. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear, cut down on hassle, and help small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by December 7, 2026—this helps the FCC keep things running smoothly without wasting time or money.
2026-20464, Radio Broadcasting Services; Selmer, Tennessee
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2026-20486, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
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