FCC reviews more paperwork to reduce paperwork, again
Published Date: 8/20/2026
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
STA Filings: Time and Cost Burden
If you file Special Temporary Authorization (STA) requests or related informal filings with the FCC, the agency estimates 5,537 respondents with a total annual burden of 4,353 hours and a total annual cost of $1,834,210. The FCC is requesting a three‑year extension of this information collection; individual responses are estimated to take 0.50 to 4.0 hours and are required to obtain or retain FCC benefits.
Small Cable Systems: Extension Relief Rule
Small cable systems may request an extension of time to comply with rate regulations if they can demonstrate that timely compliance would result in "severe economic hardship." The FCC reports 20 respondents, 10 responses, 4 hours per response, and a total annual burden of 80 hours for this collection.
Franchise Application Filing Requirements
Competitive franchise applicants must include specified written information (e.g., applicant name, officers, business address, contact, proposed service area, PEG capacity, term, existing right-of-way authority, offered franchise fee, and any state/local-required items). The FCC reports 22 respondents, 40 responses, estimated 0.5–4 hours per response, and a total annual burden of 90 hours; franchising authorities must act within 90 days if the applicant already has rights-of-way or 180 days if not.
Broadcast Licensee Filing Rules and Notices
Broadcast licensees must notify the FCC at least two days before permanently discontinuing operation and must file requests (for extensions to operate without required monitors or for call sign changes) electronically via the Licensing and Management System (LMS). The FCC reports 300 respondents and responses, 0.5 hours per response, and a total annual burden of 150 hours for this collection, which the Commission seeks to extend for three years.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16992, Agency Information Collection Activities; Coal Management
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes extending an expiring information collection.
Next: 2026-16995, Information Collection Being Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Emergency Review and Approval
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 (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 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 Commission 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.