FCC Postpones Open of 2019 Biennial Filing Window to Nov. 1

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, September 17, 2019 | 1:55pm CT

FCC

The Media Bureau has postponed the opening of the 2019 biennial filing window for the submission of broadcast ownership reports on FCC Form 323 and 323-E from October 1 to November 1, 2019, and extends the filing deadline from December 1 to January 31, 2020. All licensees of commercial and noncommercial AM, FM, TV, Class A, and Low Power Television (LPTV) stations, as well as entities with attributable interests in such stations, are required to file ownership reports on Form 323/323-E every two years.

The rules require that these biennial ownership reports be filed by December 1 in all odd-numbered years and that such reports provide information that is current as of October 1 of the filing year. On its own motion, the FCC postponed the opening of the 2019 biennial filing window. The agency believes that filers will benefit significantly from these burden-reducing capabilities and that delaying the opening of the filing window will ensure these enhancements are available to all filers at the start of the filing window.

The FCC says that successful implementation of these improvements to the system will simplify the filing experience and ultimately enhance the data collection. Furthermore, given the intervening holidays, extending the filing deadline will ensure that filers have sufficient time to complete and submit their reports. Filers are encouraged to complete and submit their Form 323/323-E filings as early as possible during the filing window and well in advance of the extended deadline.