FCC Seeks to Modernize Broadcast Station Regulations

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Federal Communications Commission

In a significant move aimed at streamlining the regulatory landscape for broadcast radio and TV stations, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Wednesday proposed a series of updates to its rules. The changes are designed to align more closely with modern application processes, harmonize procedural rules across different services, and eliminate obsolete guidelines.

The newly adopted Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeks to update how applications are signed and how informal objections are filed. These revisions are part of a broader effort by the FCC to ensure that its regulations are clear and efficient, reducing confusion for the public as well as for applicants and licensees, and decreasing the administrative burden associated with filings.

"This NPRM continues our commitment to modernizing the broadcast rules for radio and television," stated an FCC spokesperson. The proposal also aims to remove outdated references and legacy filing systems that no longer serve the fast-evolving broadcast sector.

The rule changes were approved by all attending commissioners - Chairwoman Rosenworcel, Commissioners Carr, Starks, Simington, and Gomez. Chairwoman Rosenworcel also issued a separate statement regarding the proposal.

The FCC's action signals a proactive approach to regulatory management, ensuring that broadcast station rules remain robust and reflective of the current technological and administrative realities.