FCC Begs for Comments on Its Paperwork Pains
Published Date: 8/31/2026
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
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Proponent Pays for Detuning Equipment
If your proposed tower construction or modification would distort an AM station's radiation pattern, you are responsible for installing and maintaining any required detuning equipment to correct the distortion. The rule explicitly makes the tower proponent responsible for those corrective installations.
Computer Modeling Replaces Field Tests
The FCC designates the “moment method” computer modeling as the principal means to determine whether a nearby tower affects an AM radiation pattern, replacing time-consuming direct field measurements. You must use moment-method modeling described in Sec. 73.151(c) when required by the rules.
Paperwork Burden: $1,078,200 Annually
The information collection covered by OMB Control Number 3060-1121 lists 1,195 respondents and 1,195 responses, with an estimated 1–2 hours per response, a total annual burden of 1,960 hours, and total annual cost of $1,078,200. The FCC requests comments and specifically asks for ways to reduce burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees; comments are due by October 30, 2026.
30-Day Notice Before Tower Work
If you plan to build or modify a tower within the specified distance of an AM station and above the height threshold, you must notify the AM station at least 30 days before construction starts. The notice must include your name and address, tower coordinates, a physical description of the planned structure, and any analysis of the predicted effect on the AM pattern; oral notices must be documented in writing upon request.
File Form 302-AM After Antenna Changes
When antennas are installed on an AM tower and the AM antenna's resistance changes, the AM station (or proponent) must file FCC Form 302‑AM (including a tower sketch) before or at the same time as any license application. For directional arrays, required partial proofs or moment-method proofs must also be filed on Form 302‑AM before or simultaneously with associated license applications.
Emergency Tower Work: 5-Day Notice Required
If you erect a temporary new tower or make a temporary significant modification without prior notice due to an emergency, you must notify potentially affected AM stations in writing within five days of the construction or modification. You must also cooperate with affected AM stations to remedy any pattern distortions that result.
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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.