FCC Pushes Paperwork Cuts for Tiny Telecom Firms
Published Date: 9/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to comment on a paperwork update aimed at making things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to reduce the hassle of filling out forms and are accepting feedback until October 22, 2026. This effort helps save time and money by cutting down unnecessary paperwork.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Paperwork Burden on Licensees
The FCC is extending an information collection that covers broadcast and cable public and political files and estimates 24,178 respondents and 67,440 responses. The agency says responses take between 1 and 52 hours each and estimates a total annual paperwork burden of 2,093,127 hours; it is specifically seeking comment on reducing burdens for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees and sets a comment deadline of October 22, 2026.
Detailed Political File Recordkeeping
Broadcast stations and cable systems must keep a complete online political file that records whether time requests were accepted or rejected, the rate charged, the date/time aired, class of time purchased, candidate or issue names, and (for candidate-sponsored requests) the candidate's authorized committee and treasurer. The political file must be placed online and political material must be retained for two years.
Online Public File Accessibility Rules
Stations must place most public inspection materials in an online public file hosted by the Commission, provide a link on their website, include the station's main studio address and phone number, provide an email contact for public-file questions, and offer assistance for persons with disabilities. Stations must make files available during regular business hours and provide printing/printing access on request.
Timing and Retention Deadlines for Records
The rules require specific timing and retention: political-file records retained for two years; time brokerage and joint-sales agreements placed in the public file within 30 days of execution and kept while in force; commercial TV must make a must-carry vs. retransmission consent election every three years; certain children's TV records and reports placed annually within 30 days after year end.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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2026-20681, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
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