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
2026-15744, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
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. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 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 OMB control number.
2026-15789, 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. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 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 OMB control number.
2026-15733, Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Thursday, August 6, 2026
On August 6, 2026, the FCC will hold a public meeting to discuss exciting changes that affect wireless tech and how the Universal Service Fund is managed. They’re exploring new rules to let unlicensed devices talk directly to satellites and aiming to make the Universal Service Fund work better and cost less. These updates could impact tech companies, service providers, and everyday users, with decisions coming soon that might change how we connect and pay for services.
2026-15725, Auction of Flexible-Use Licenses in the Upper C-Band for Next-Generation Wireless Services Scheduled for April 27, 2027; Comment Sought on Competitive Bidding Procedures for Auction 115
The FCC is gearing up to auction 3,248 flexible-use licenses in the 3.98-4.14 GHz band on April 27, 2027, opening doors for next-gen wireless services. Companies interested in these licenses should share their thoughts on the auction rules by August 24, 2026, with replies due by September 8. This auction could shake up wireless tech and investment, so get ready to bid and innovate!
2026-15659, Seeking Comment on Prohibiting the Importation and Marketing of Certain Foreign-Produced Military-Grade Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and UAS Critical Components for Non-U.S. Government, Including Those With Swarming Capabilities
In this document, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) and the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) seek comment on proposing to prohibit the continued importation and marketing of certain military-grade foreign-made UAS and UAS critical components that are found on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Covered List. Through this Public Notice, acting pursuant to section 2.939 of the Federal Communications Commission's rules, PSHSB and OET propose to apply such prohibitions given that these devices have been found to pose an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of United States persons pursuant to the Secure and Trusted Communications Act of 2019.
2026-15685, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
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 (FCC or the 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 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.
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