FCC Delegated Review of Info Collections
Published Date: 7/27/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Emergency Info Must Be Accessible
Video programming distributors and providers must make emergency information accessible to people with hearing or visual disabilities by using audible audio or a secondary audio stream and by providing an aural tone when emergency information appears visually. These rules are codified at 47 CFR 79.2 and were adopted in prior FCC orders referenced in this notice.
Apparatus Must Support Audio Description & Access
Certain devices that receive, play back, or record video programming must make audio description services and accessible emergency information available, and manufacturers must provide a simple mechanism to activate the secondary audio stream. The rules referenced appear at 47 CFR 79.105 and 79.106.
MVPDs Must Pass Through Secondary Audio
Multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) must pass through the secondary audio stream that contains audible emergency information when such streams are provided on linear programming accessed on second-screen devices; this obligation was required to start no later than July 10, 2017. This helps users on tablets, phones, and similar devices receive audible emergency information.
DIRECTV Must Provide Accessible Set-Top Boxes Free
The Commission granted DIRECTV a waiver but conditioned it by requiring DIRECTV, upon request and at no additional cost, to provide customers who are blind or visually impaired a set-top box model capable of providing aural emergency information. DIRECTV may require reasonable documentation of disability as a condition of providing the box at no extra cost.
Complaint Process and 30-Day Reply Rule
People may file complaints alleging violations of the emergency information, apparatus, and audio description rules by many accessible means (online, letter, Braille, audio-cassette, telephone, email, etc.). After the Commission receives an informal complaint, the video programming distributor or provider has 30 days to reply.
Exemptions and Petitions for Small/Nonstandard Devices
Manufacturers may petition the FCC for a full or partial exemption from audio description and emergency information requirements for apparatus that use a picture screen of less than 13 inches or for recording devices, and may assert achievability or infeasibility defenses when responding to complaints. Petitions must be supported with evidence addressing four specific factors the Commission considers.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20591, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for TV stations using Next Gen TV technology to make sure they're not too tricky or time-consuming. Businesses, governments, and nonprofits involved with local TV broadcasts might need to share info, but the FCC wants to keep it simple and clear. If you have thoughts, speak up by December 7, 2026, so the FCC can keep things smooth and fair without extra costs or hassle.
2026-20590, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
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2026-20676, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for cable companies and local governments to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work. They want your thoughts on how to make the process easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by December 7, 2026—this helps keep things fair and smooth for everyone involved.
2026-20607, Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
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2026-20681, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
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2026-20486, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
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Next: 2026-15126, 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 (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. The FCC 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.